Well, January was a tough month, but it’s finally starting to feel like 2025 – 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 the openings of new restaurants. 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. Visit this topsy-turvy house
We’ve seen some odd things in Bristol, but we’ve never seen an Upside Down House. It’s being built on Bristol’s iconic Harbourside – next door to We The Curious – and the topsy-turvy attraction will offer plenty of mind-bending photo ops! It’s opening on February 8 with a bold magenta exterior and open-plan interior.
3. Take a craft beer tour of Bristol
What better way to spend the weekend? Kick things off at Moor Beer taproom for a personalized tasting of three on-site brewed beers, complete with stories from the brewmasters and a welcome bag packed with snacks, beer tokens, and a map. You’ll then embark on a self-guided craft beer tour of Old Market to explore five amazing spots, sipping on seven unique local brews. To get your tickets head here.
4. Have a laugh at the Slapstick comedy festival
Slapstick Festival will celebrate its 20th-anniversary edition on February 12 to 16 – featuring 35 classic, silent and visual comedy events across iconic venues like Bristol Beacon, Bristol Old Vic and Watershed. The highlight of the festival, however, has to be the Silent Comedy Gala (February 14), hosted by award-winning actor Martin Freeman – with screenings of three classic silent comedies and live music accompaniment. Buster Keaton’s iconic Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928) Laurel & Hardy’s final silent short, Angora Love (1929), and Charlie Chaplin’s classic The Immigrant (1917).
5. Learn to cook a romantic Valentine’s meal.
The MAZI Project and the Migrateful Cookery School are teaming up to help you become a whizz in the kitchen this February. Learn Hong Kong (February 4 & 22), Kurdish (11 & 25) or Sri Lankan (18) techniques 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. 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 fifth iteration of the award-winning festival, taking place between January 31 to February 9, includes a flock of pink flamingos, a heart-shaped disco ball, and a musical, interactive swing. To learn more head here.
7. 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. There’s something a concert for everyone too, from the modern hits of Taylor Swift to the decade-spanning classics of Hans Zimmer. Check out all the Candlelight concerts available in Bristol here.
8. Ring in the Year of the Snake
This Year of the Snake, 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 1, 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 8 & 9), 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. Go bowling and become the King of Pins
Manchester’s King Pins is bringing its state-of-the-art bowling complexe to Bristol on February 14 – and it’s going to overflowing with activities at Cabot Circus. King Pins Bristol will host everything from ten-pin bowling and ice-free curling to tech darts, American pool and shuffleboard. Plus, you’ll discover karaoke, an arcade, and its very own dessert kiosk, where they’ll serve a huge selection of sweet snacks, from doughnuts and soft-serve ice cream to endless Pick ‘N’ Mix.
11. Tuck into affordable fine dining
Michelin-trained chef, Nico Simeone has brought fine dining to the masses with his affordable six-course dining experience, Six by Nico. It’s due to open at Quakers Friars in February with a tasting menu that changes every six weeks – each inspired by a destination, memories and creative storytelling. Inspired by his Italian grandparents, who owned a chip shop, the debut menu Nico concept, ‘The Chippie’, celebrated both his Scottish and Italian heritage with dishes like the playful twist on a deep-fried Mars Bar—Chocolate Pave and Irn Bru Sorbet. Try Six by Nico’s unique tasting menu for £44 per person, with wine pairings for £30pp.
12. Catch ‘the UK’s funniest musical’ in its spiritual home
Only Fools and Horses might be set in South London, but everyone knows it was filmed in Bristol. This February, the record-breaking West End show, Only Fools and Horses The Musical is bringing it back home! It will perform at the Bristol Hippodrome between January 27 to February 8, where the likes of Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad are on the big stage. Lovely jubbly! Written by Jim Sullivan and Paul Whitehouse, there are even musical contributions from the iconic Chas & Dave.
13. Grab a cocktail at this indoor garden
It’s still too cold for lounging outside and dining al fresco. But, thankfully, the plant-packed Garden of Easton offers an indoor haven of flora. Plants fill every corner of the eatery, dangle overhead, and even grow up the outside walls, but it’s the bangin’ brunch and house cocktails I keep returning for!
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 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.