Plenty of fun went down in July, from Pride to the Bristol Harbour Festival, but the summer fun won’t stop there. The sunny month of August (hopefully) has got plenty in store to keep you entertained. From the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta to free trips to the SS Great Britain, Bristol isn’t short of things to do this August!
1. Fly high with Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
The sapphire celebrations for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta begin this August as one of the city’s most iconic events returns to Ashton Court Estate. We expect it to be bigger than ever for its 45th anniversary as Europe’s largest annual balloon fiesta attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to Bristol. The free-to-attend four-day event will see 100+ hot air balloons of all shapes, sizes and colours take to the skies (August 10 to 13). See mass ascents, much-loved nightglows, aerial displays, fairground rides, local music and a children’s entertainment stage, Brizzle Kicks.
2. Hunt down Bristol’s spectacular street art
Not that it’s not raining every day – just every other day – why not get outside and explore the streets of Bristol this August? Our city is home to the most spectacular street art in the world, from the illusive Banksy[/trackLink] to the hidden delights of [trackLink link_url="https://secretbristol.com/leonard-lane/"]Leonard Lane. This exploration game not only makes finding Bristol’s best graffiti a little easier but a lot more fun too! Just follow the clues, decipher hidden graffiti messages and learn the secret stories behind these impressive murals. Get your ticket to this street art exploration game here.
3. Take the East Bristol Brewery Trail
Over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 26 & 27), six of the area’s most highly respected breweries will open their taproom bars for the East Bristol Brewery Trail. Visitors that hit the crawl will taste a delectable sampling of beers, as well as get the opportunity to talk to the local brewers about their practices or just have a good old chinwag. Those taking part are Arbor Ales, Good Chemistry Brewing, Wiper & True, Left Handed Giant Brewing Co., Moor Beer and Little Martha Brewing.
4. Shop secondhand at the UK’s first multi-charity retail store
Charity Super.Mkt, the UK’s first multi-charity retail store, has popped up opposite Urban Outfitters until August 27. Bringing together a revolving charity line-up, a mix of household names and local favourites, under one roof. Contributing charities: Age UK, Bath Cats and Dogs, Brandon Trust, Great Western Air Ambulance, Havens Hospices, Marie Curie, Shelter, St Peter’s Hospice, TRAID and Weston Hospicecare. But alongside finding second-hand bargains, visitors will also be treated to local DJs playing every weekend and ‘Gift Card Voucher’ giveaways. Customers are also encouraged to donate a pre-loved item in-store.
5. Watch a Zelda-inspired performance at this candlelit event
One of the most unique Candlelight concerts so far, fans of video games will be able to experience the music of Zelda under the gentle glow of candlelight. All the while immersed in a stunning, candlelit environment that is at St Mary Redcliffe Church. Whether you’ve been a fan since the NES or are a more recent convert thanks to Breath of the Wild, this is Candlelight concert for you. Tickets are on sale here.
6. Head to the (second) best beer garden in the UK
July hasn’t had great weather, but we’re hoping August is a big improvement! If and when the sun does start shining, we’ll be heading straight to a beer garden. But one of the best in the UK, only just missing out on the top spot, is 15 minutes from Bristol. The Rising Sun in Pensford feels worlds away thanks to its stunning views of the River Chew and Pensford Viaduct.
7. Take the kids to the SS Great Britain for free
To celebrate the 180th anniversary of Brunel’s iconic ship, the SS Great Britain is letting kids visit for free this summer. That’s not the only reason to visit either, as the celebrations also include an exciting new food trail – where families follow clues to find hidden food items -and a pair of augmented reality binoculars to transport visitors back to 1843. You can also Go Aloft! and climb the ship’s rigging on the highest rope walk in the UK, as well as meet Isambard Kingdom Brunel and other Victorians. To learn more head here.
8. Dance to a Dirty Disco Brunch at The Cocktail Club
The ultimate disco utopia has arrived in Bristol! Lose yourself under the light of a thousand disco balls as The Cocktail Club as it brings together the hottest DJs, enticing dancers, electric live vocalists and a mouthwatering bottomless brunch. Enjoy 90 minutes of sipping on endless prosecco and cocktails as you dance to dirty disco beats. Meanwhile, The Cocktail Club’s glittered-up disco queens will raise the roof with some truly fierce performances. Get your tickets now for Dirty Disco Brunch at The Cocktail Club!
9. Cool off at one of these outdoor swimming pools
While August typically marks the end of summer for most, the weather usually doesn’t disappoint. The sunshine is likely to return this month bringing some glorious days to Bristol once again. In case it gets a little too hot and you fancy somewhere to splash about then check out these refreshing spots for outdoor swimming in and around Bristol to relax or cool off at.
10. Visit one of these riverside pubs along the Avon
Bristol has some wonderful waterside pubs. (In fact, you can find some pretty cheap pints around Bristol’s harbour.) But some of the most memorable riverside pubs for a drink are actually a little further outside of Bristol. Be it Beeses in Bristol or The Boathouse in Bath, there are plenty of gorgeous pubs along the River Avon. You could even turn it into a riverside pub crawl! Check out the best riverside pubs between Bristol and Bath here.
11. Listen to the amazing movie soundtracks of Hans Zimmer at this magical candlelight concert
This summer (August 18) Bristolians will get a chance to truly immerse themselves in the music of Hans Zimmer with this new candlelight concert. The beautiful Church of All Saints is the setting for this memorable night of music. So not only will you hear instantly-recognisable pieces from your favourite movies, like Pirates of the Caribbean and Inception. But also get to take in the marvellous art and historical pieces at this venue. Grab your tickets here.
12. Treat yourself to a little bit of luxury… on a budget
Times are tough, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop treating yourself! But not everything boujee has to break the bank, however, from spa days to Michelin-approved lunches. There are plenty of budget luxury experiences in Bristol to indulge in. Check out these six budget luxury experiences in Bristol to make you feel glamorous.
13. Go on a day trip to one of these fantastic flower farms
We’re so lucky in England to have such varied landscapes, from meadows to forests, and rolling hills to sandy beaches. This varied terrain provides the perfect place for so many different kinds of flowers and foliage to grow and bloom, and there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting by a stunning field of flowers. With so many of us opting to holiday in the UK this year, there’s no better time to take a day trip to these gorgeous flower fields[/trackLink].