Well, January was a tough month, but it’s finally starting to feel like 2026, and our social calendars for the year are filling up fast! But don’t skip ahead too soon. It might be the year’s shortest month, but there are so many fantastic things to do this February in Bristol—from the return of the colourful Bristol Light Festival to Chinese New Year celebrations. Get February off to a flying start with these fun-filled events.
1. Grab your coat and head out for a walk
It might be cold out, but we recommend wrapping up warm and getting yourself outside for a bit of fresh air this February. It’s an excuse to walk to a cosy pub anyway. But even if you only want to stretch your legs for 20 minutes, the city has a range of parks, gardens and woodland areas to stroll around. Check out these winter walks near Bristol.
2. Fall in love with a candlelight concert
Picture this: A gorgeously exclusive venue, thousands of gentle candles and a four-string quartet playing classical music. Sounds romantic, right? Candlelight is a totally unique experience you’re sure to impress your date with. And, on February 14, share a moment with a Valentine’s Day special at St Nicholas Church. Check out all the Candlelight concerts available in Bristol here.
3. Illuminate yourself at the Bristol Light Festival
Bristol is about to have a glow-up. The annual Bristol Light Festival returns and should be top of every Bristolian’s list of things to do this February. The sixth iteration of the award-winning festival, taking place between February 19 and 28, 2026, features two installations at Cabot Circus—transforming its multi-storey car park into a vast, reflective, colour-saturated spectacle—and a cluster of illuminated hot air balloons on College Green.
4. Have a chuckle at the Slapstick comedy festival
Slapstick Festival will celebrate its 21st-anniversary edition on February 4 to 8—featuring more than 30 events celebrating screen comedy in all its forms, from silent-era masterpieces to classic sitcoms, anarchic stand-ups and big-screen favourites. Highlights include: a Silent Comedy Gala with live music from Rick Wakeman and the European Silent Screen Virtuosi, everything from Laurel & Hardy, the sharp wit and innovation of Alexei Sayle, the legacy of Lee Mack’s long-running sitcom and so much more.
5. Learn to cook a romantic Valentine’s meal
The Migrateful Cookery School will help you become a whizz in the kitchen this February. Learn Moroccan, Kurdish, Trinidadian, Sri Lankan and more with these special one-off classes in Bristol. You’ll learn to cook a whole menu, with all classes suitable for vegetarians, and tickets are from £45. You can learn more here.
6. Check out the UK’s oldest shame-eating lantern festival
The UK’s oldest recorded shame-eating lantern festival, a centurys old Bristol tradition, will return to Eastville Park and the neighbourhoods of Fishponds on February 15. As evening falls, the locals will gather with traditional pink Shame Lanterns as the beast lumbers through the streets of Fishponds, eating their most embarrassing memories from the year (written on little slips of paper)—which are later regurgitated onto a ceremonial fire pit!
7. Sip wine and paint in the dark
Find your creative spark this February at Neon Naked Life Drawing. With a paintbrush in one hand, and a wine glass in the other (or beer, soft drink, whatever), this unique painting workshop lets your imagination run wild in a fluorescent neon-lit setting. Draw vibrant, UV-lit life models and experiment with fun techniques like continuous line drawing, pointillism, and more! To get your ticket, head here.
8. Ring in the Year of the Horse
This Year of the Horse, the largest of Bristol’s major Lunar New Year celebrations will take place at the Chinese supermarket Wai Yee Hong in Eastville. On February 21, 2026, find traditional lion dances, kung fu demonstrations, Chinese folk music performances and an Asian food market. Can’t make it? The following weekend (February 28), Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is also celebrating with a host of free performances and activities.
9. Spend the night on a private jet
The ‘world’s coolest Airbnb’ has landed in Bristol. Once owned by Pablo Escobar (maybe), this converted 80s private jet is now grounded in a Brisilington industrial estate – but still features a king-sized bed, two single beds, two lounge spaces, three toilets, a shower, a full kitchen and a fully-fitted cockpit. Plus, you’ll find a hot tub outside, too!
10. Head to this new, all-day, family-friendly festival
Power Town Festival is the first edition of an annual, vibrant, all-day, family-friendly festival at the Prospect Building. With an emphasis on championing African and Caribbean cuisine and culture, the festival will host grassroots talent, fun activities, talks, amazing food and an exciting music lineup. Learn more here.
11. Welcome in Bristol’s Orchestral Season
Bristol Beacon’s Orchestral Season kicks off in February (running until July) with a diverse array of performances, showcasing renowned orchestras from the UK and beyond. This includes a captivating performance by Manchester Collective (Tuesday, February 3) exploring celestial themes through innovative compositions; the rich sounds of the Czech Janáček Philharmonic (Saturday, February 14) conducted by Daniel Raiskin, with violinist Jennifer Pike; and a performance highlighting the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s versatility (Thursday, February 26)featuring violinist Clara-Jumi Kang.
12. Become a fully-fledged cardboard engineer
Join the BOXVILLE engineers to craft-along with the story and build your own way through the tasks and trials, earning everything you need to become a fully-fledged cardboard engineer! Using designer Sam Wilde’s trademark sustainable cardboard puppet style, you will travel to a land made entirely from sustainable cardboard. Here, meet paper dragons, corrugated crabs and cardboard space robots in this STEM-skilled, hands-on, interactive, cardboard adventure. Aimed at ages 4 to 8, get your tickets here.
13. Watch the hobby drones take to the sky
With it being February half-term and all, Aerospace Bristol will be a popular place to visit this month, but on February 17 & 18, the Beaufort Flying Club returns to the aircraft museum. Meet the team as they share stories behind over 25 different-shaped and sized hobby drones, and discover the science behind how they fly and see how they are controlled.
14. Embrace Valentine’s Day wherever you are in Bristol
I think we’ve proven that not everything in February is about Valentine’s Day. But there’s no denying that love is in the air this month. Luckily, you’re in Bristol—one of the most romantic cities in the UK. If you’re on the search for date ideas, we’ve got you covered here. Or if you’re looking for somewhere to express your love or maybe propose, there are some great places to kiss in Bristol too, as well as plenty of romantic restaurants. All that’s important on Valentine’s Day, however, is that you are with the one you love.