Make the most of summer in the city with these exciting things to do.
July has been pretty damn good- major sporting, cultural and music events taking place, further easing of restrictions and some fun in the sun (or hiding from the heatwave). However, the summery month of August has got plenty in store to keep you entertained. From boozy and brilliant events to brand new openings for you and your mates to explore, August isn’t short of things to do in the city and seems Bristol is gradually getting back to normality!
1. Watch Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Fortnight from your window
Organisers of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta have announced their change of plans for this year’s edition of the historic event, by hosting a Fiesta Fortnight with flypasts and ballooning spectaculars for the city. Taking place from Monday 2nd August to Sunday 15th August, the event will see hundreds of hot air balloons taking off from multiple locations across the city and filling the sky with not only classic hot air balloons, but some special shapes and characters including Stuart the Minion. Balloons will be launched from nominated locations such as local parks, public spaces, car parks and streets, with the final list of locations to be announced soon.
2. Sip on a selection of spirits at the Bath Gin and Rum Festival
Whether you’re thirsty for knowledge or you just want to party the night away, the Gin & Rum Festival in Bath is worth adding to your calendar this August. Treat yourself and let your hair down with your friends at the themed gin and rum bars with friendly staff, tasty street food and a buzzing party atmosphere. There will be talks, masterclasses, free samples, great live entertainment and an award-winning resident DJ that will keep you entertained with music from all genres, so bring along your dancing shoes! It’s going to be rumbelievable! Find your tickets here.
3. Enter a pooch paradise at this dachschund pop-up cafe
The most adorable hangout spot for dogs is coming to Bristol, and it’s especially for dachshund puppies, so listen up whether you’ve got one of these tiny sausage dogs yourself or not. Pup-Up Cafe: Dachshund Edition will bring around 150 tiny sausage dogs together at Revolution on August 14. There will be free, unlimited dog treats available, so you can really spoil the tiniest member of your furry family, and stalls will be set up selling Dachshund-related products, too.
4. Watch an entrancing ballet performance at this candlelit event
One of the most unique Candlelight venues so far, fans of the ballet will be able to experience a performance of Swan Lake, plus the elegant sounds of Tchaikovsky, Strauss, and more Romantic masterminds. All the while immersed in a stunning, candlelit environment that is the Assembly Rooms in Bath. Tickets are on sale here.
5. Tuck into delicious Mediterranean food at Bristol Old Vic’s new restaurant
Theatres are back and as well as providing us with a good dose of arts and culture, Bristol Old Vic is bringing all the food this summer. The Bristol theatre is partnering with some of the city’s most-loved food spots for a series of showstopping pop-up collaborations, called ‘Bristol Old Vic Presents’. Taking over the theatre’s kitchens, two talented Bristol restaurants will be creating some tasty Mediterranean-inspired food for the summer, with everything from handmade sourdough pizzas, pastas, burrata, arancini and caprese salad, to tiramisu, panna cotta and delectable Italian gelatos. Talk about drool-worthy!
6. Discover Bristol’s hidden street art spots with this outdoor game
You’re never short of graffiti-related things to do in Bristol, what with it being the UK capital of street art, and home to the illusive Banksy. But if you’re looking for something a little different, this outdoor urban exploration game is the most original way to discover a city. By mixing a fictional storyline with real elements of folklore and local history, this outdoor game will take you on unique and unusual adventure where you’re guaranteed to see Bristol in a whole new light.
7. Enjoy a refreshing cider slushie down at Bristol Harbourside
Following on from new openings such as Dog Town and Loki Poke, The Cider Box, hopes to open its second site in the city at harbourside shipping container development Cargo. Customers will be able to pick up bottles of cider made by the finest regional and international producers to take away, or drink it on site at one of the outdoor tables. The Cider Box will also be offering an unbelievably refreshing, boozy creation that is the craft cider slushie made with Somerset cider brandy, which will most likely become the drink of the summer.
8. Cool off at one of these outdoor swimming pools
With August typically marking the end of summer, here’s hoping the weather doesn’t disappoint. With a heatwave happening in July, it’s likely that August will bring some days of glorious sunshine to Bristol. 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.
9. Say cheers to the weekend at this beer-fuelled street party
Much-loved London brewers, Camden Town Brewery, has announced that its annual Tank Party is going on tour and will be bringing the iconic event to five cities across the nation, including Bristol. Camden Town Brewery’s annual street party celebrates fresh, unfiltered beer poured straight from the tanks and will also feature some delicious food and great entertainment. Taking place on board Bristol’s most notorious party boat, Thekla, on August 6 and 7, the event is free and walk-in only (perfect for last-minute, budget-friendly plans).
10. Listen to the best of anime at this magical candlelight concert
This summer, Bristolians will get a chance to truly immerse themselves in the music of anime with this new candlelight concert. The beautiful Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is the setting for this memorable night of music, so you will not only hear instantly-recognisable pieces from your favourite anime productions but also get to take in the marvellous art and historical pieces at this venue. Expect to hear compositions from shows such as Sailor Moon, Death Note, Tokyo Ghoul, Naruto, Attack on Titan, and Dragon Ball. Grab your tickets here.
11. Chill out at this floral-themed bar in Bristol’s shopping quarter
A floral and rose-hued bar, giving plenty of English country garden vibes, has opened at Quaker’s Friars in Bristol’s shopping quarter and boasts a brilliant garden getaway whilst getting a dose of retail therapy. Known as Bloom Bar, it features three pods in shades of pink, lilac and blue on the inside alongside numerous white and pink picnic tables, for you and five of your friends to enjoy a well-deserved cocktail break in the sunshine.
12. 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 visit these gorgeous flower fields, so we’ve compiled a list of our favourite flowery spots in the UK at which you can take some time out and enjoy the natural world.