Well, January was a tough month, but it’s finally starting to feel like 2024. Our social calendars for the year are filling up fast, but don’t skip ahead too soon. It doesn’t have to be doom and gloom in February or all about love – not that that’s a bad thing, by any means. It might be the shortest month, but there’s more than a fair share of things to do this February in Bristol – from the colourful Bristol Light Festival to the openings of some iconic bars. 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. Go wild at Wake The Tiger’s new mind-bending expansion
Wake The Tiger – the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’ – is growing on February 2. OUTERverse has added an extra 1,000 sqm of walk-through discovery to the experience, with a labyrinth of 15 brand-new spaces to explore – including a giant head, aglow with projection mapping at the centre; a segment from an actual plane; a cosmic kitchen; various nostalgic childhood toys; and a seven-metre-high slide to take you back to back to Earth 2.0.
3. Support local music at Independent Venue Week
Taking place from January 29 to February 4, Independent Venue Week is an annual seven-day celebration of independent music and arts venues. In Bristol, there are nine shows taking place that week at Dareshack, The Gryphon and Mr Wolfs. Independent venues are the beating heart of Bristol’s music scene and need local support more than ever right now. Gigs include James Humphrys (February 1), Drop in the Ocean + Whiskey Rebellion (February 2), Wolfgang Valbrun (February 3) and more.
4. Add a splash of colour with this ‘Paint In The Dark’ experience
February is a dark month, a very dark month, but we say embrace it! Start the year under UV lights, with this new and immersive Paint in the Dark experience. With a brush in one hand and a glass of wine (or a beer or a soft drink) in the other, brush up on your painting skills from February 6 to 9. The adults-only, drink and paint workshop will rekindle your love of art under a neon glow, as you rekindle your creativity. To get your tickets head here.
5. Cheer your team on to glory at Six Nations in Bristol
Six Nations is kicking off this month on February 2 and you’ll want to make sure you have a prime position to see every bit of the action. There are some amazing venues to watch the rugby tournament in Bristol. Being so close to the border, we expect the England v Wales (Feb 10) rivalry to bring out the best in rugby fans this month.
6. Illuminate yourself at the Bristol Light Festival
Bristol is about to have another glow-up. The annual Bristol Light Festival returns and should be top of every Bristolian’s list of things to do this February. The fourth iteration of the award-winning festival – taking place between February 2 to 11 – includes six new-to-Bristol installations, alongside the return of a festival favourite. Expect giant bubbles, illuminated arches, enormous rings of light, interactive swings and more. Bristol has never looked so beautiful. To learn more head here.
7. Enjoy the romantic setting of 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. There’s something a concert for everyone too, from the modern hits of Taylor Swift to the decade-spanning classics of Fleetwood Mac. Check out all the Candlelight concerts available in Bristol here.
8. Ring in the Year of the Dragon
This Year of the Dragon, the largest of Bristol’s major Lunar New Year celebrations will take place at the Chinese supermarket Wai Yee Hong in Eastville. On Saturday, February 10, find traditional lion dances, kung fu demonstrations, Chinese folk music performances and an Asian food market. There are two performance times at 11am and 1.30pm. Can’t make it? The following weekend (February 17 & 18), Bristol Museum & Art Gallery is also celebrating with a host of free performances and activities.
9. Take your dino loving kids to family-friendly show
Looking for things to do with kids this February? The Great Big Dinosaur Show is heading to Bristol’s Wardrobe Theatre on February 12. Starting at 2pm, poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko have created a family show full of poems, raps and songs for all young dino fans (suitable for families and young audiences of 4-11yrs). Head here to learn more.
10. Grab a pint at the reopening of The Colosseum
The Colosseum in Redcliffe has been an icon of Bristol since the 1960s. But after shockingly shutting down last year, the owners of Mother’s Ruin and The Crown – part of the World Famous Dive Bars Group – will reopen it on February 3. Yes, the iconic sign is staying, but the pub has had a total makeover. We can’t wait to see what it looks like after a bit of elbow grease.
11. Or what about some cocktails at Goldbrick House?
What’s that? Another Bristol institution is returning this February! The iconic, much-loved bar on busy Park Street, Goldbrick House, looks like it might be back too after eight years. It closed back in 2016, replaced by The Florist, but seems to be reopening in the same location this February. Described as “Bristol’s new favourite luxury bar and social experience”, serving wine, bubbles, cocktails and spirits, the new Goldbrick House will offer a “multi-level experience”.
12. Party down to the return of Simple Things
Simple Things returns to Bristol after four years to celebrate its 10th edition. It’s taking over the newly reopened Bristol Beacon on February 24 with a day and night programme filled with some of the most eclectic and groundbreaking names in music. The likes of Max Cooper, Warmduscher, Les Savy Fav, Gilla Band, Wu-Lu, Flowdan, Jeshi, Giant Swan, Spectres and more will perform, while avant-garde trailblazer Fever Ray will play a special show on February 29.
13. See works by two of the most influential 20th century artists
Everyone has heard of them, Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, and throughout February, Hidden Bristol will be exhibiting original artworks by two of the most influential figures of the 20th century. The art exhibition includes some of the artists’ most iconic images, including sought-after lithographs from one of the last portfolios produced by Matisse before his death, and a unique artist’s palette heavily coated with oil paint directly from Picasso’s estate. Visit from February 1 to March 6.
14. Don’t fight the moonlight at Coyote Ugly Saloon
The legendary bar, Coyote Ugly Saloon, will open on the Harbourside on February 15, which also marks the seventh-anniversary opening of the first UK Coyote Ugly Saloon. It’s taking over the recently closed Revolución de Cuba – joining venues in London, Cardiff, Swansea, Liverpool and Birmingham. From bottomless brunches to the chance to be a Coyote for the night (you’ve always wanted to get on a bar and dance, right?), massive drinks packages and plenty of unique, seasonal parties, we’re expecting the craziest parties in Bristol from “the most famous bar on the planet.”
15. 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 area this month. Luckily, you’re in Bristol – one of the most romantic cities in the UK, so says we. 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.