We might still be in hibernation somewhat due to the cold weather but there are plenty of activities and events to get involved in this March, which will be worth creeping out of our little cocoon for. From seeing the city aglow to unique experiences like candlelight concerts and trying your hand at a new skill such as cocktail making, the fun never stops with these things to do in Bristol this March.
1. Tuck into a delicious stack of pancakes from these Bristol cafés and restaurants
Pancake Day might be a little later this year but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of tasty pancakes for you to get stuck into. Have a flippin’ good Pancake Day by enjoying a stack or two of pancakes from some of these Bristol cafés and restaurants serving everything from thick, fluffy American-style to Sri Lankan coconut milk pancakes. Get yourself to these delicious spots in Bristol for a good dose of pancake perfection.
2. Rock out to the timeless classics of Queen at this candlelight concert
Feeling under pressure? Want to break free from the shackles of a stressful work week? This is the answer. Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen puts the beloved anthems of the band in the spotlight once more. Coming to the stunning Paintworks on March 5, a talented string quartet will be performing classical renditions of Queen’s biggest hits in a sensational evening that will have you scouring the internet for a lemon-yellow leather jacket and dusting off your vinyls. Grab your tickets to this rocking candlelight concert here.
3. See the city all aglow this month with the return of Bristol Light Festival
The Bristol Light Festival is back to bring colour, light and play to city centre spaces with a series of commissions from local and internationally renowned artists this March. This year the festival will feature six world premiere works from some of the best UK light artists, all making their Bristol debut at carefully selected locations across the city, including some unexpected spots. Between March 1 and 6, visitors can wander along several different routes from Cabot Circus to Park Street, via locations such as Castle Bridge, Temple Gardens, Queen Square, Harbourside, St George’s Bristol and the City Centre, discovering different installations along the way.
4. Cheer your team on to glory at Bristol’s Six Nations fan park
The Six Nations is in full swing with the last few matches being played this month and it goes without saying you’ll want to make sure you have a prime position to see every bit of the action. 4TheFans are putting on epic match viewing parties at Bambalan over the course of the competition, treating fans to an incredible fan park experience with giant anti-glare screens, a world-class sound system, all the classic food and drink you need to fuel your celebrations and even some match analysis from rugby legends. Make sure you don’t miss out on tickets.
5. Pick up some awesome artwork by independent artists at this International Women’s Day takeover
Celebrating powerful female energy and creativity ahead of International Women’s Day, ShangrilART is taking over Lost Horizon on March 5, 12-5pm. The takeover will showcase an all girl line-up for an afternoon of incredible local talent. At the event, which is free to enter, you can buy affordable art from independent artists, grab yourself some tasty street food and hang out for a drink or two, all soundtracked by live DJs.
6. Support some independent, women-owned businesses
We should definitely be doing more of this if we can, but March 8 marks International Women’s Day so why not show some love and solidarity by purchasing items from businesses run by women? To name a few businesses run by women from Bristol and the surrounding area that you can support, there’s Ahh Toots, Ozaria Plants and Panda Pots, to name a few. Discover some of the women-led, independent businesses in Bristol here.
7. Treat your mum or mother figure to an afternoon tea for Mother’s Day
Of all the events on this list, this is the one you really don’t want to forget for heaven’s sake! Put March 27 in your diary. It’s your chance to treat your dear mum or mother figure to something special – you can’t go wrong with an afternoon tea, so why not book one this March or order one online to come straight to her door?
8. Watch a hilarious re-telling of Shakespeare’s bloody tragedy Macbeth at The Wardrobe Theatre
Join The HandleBards an all-female troupe who pedal environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK with their hilarious re-telling of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in Bristol. Forget the tears and tragedy and join the three-strong troupe at The Wardrobe Theatre between March 1-6 for their unhinged bicycle-powered, laugh-out-loud version of Macbeth. With music, mayhem and more costume changes than you can Shake a spear at, expect the HandleBards usual irreverent, charming and hilarious style to come bursting on to the stage. Book tickets here.
9. Shake, shake, shake that cocktail at this new boozy brunch experience
Imagine an immersive cocktail masterclass, where you get to challenge your mates in who can make and shake the best cocktails. And the best bit, as well as prizes being up for grabs, you get to drink all the cocktails you make over the three hours! To top it off, you get to sing along to banging tunes, party with the cocktail-making team and enjoying some pizza to go with it. This brand new Shake-a-long Brunch from The Cocktail Club on Bristol’s Corn Street is a totally new (and boozier) way to brunch which will take place every Saturday from March 5.
10. Witness a dazzling candlelight tribute to iconic divas of Jazz at Bristol’s Paintworks
On March 23 & 30 the industrial architecture of Bristol’s Paintworks Event Space will be illuminated by a sea of candles and filled with the music of legendary Jazz divas such as Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Candlelight Jazz: The Divas of Jazz is an unmissable tribute to the sensational vocalists who shaped the genre. You won’t be able to resist shimmying along as a haunting rendition of ‘Feeling Good’ gets into full swing or close your eyes as the romantic melodies of ‘At Last’ bless your ears. Find your tickets here.