Whether you’re a shade-seeker or the kind who likes to soak up every inch of sunlight while it’s around, you’ll want to finally break out of hibernation this July. From fun music festivals to epic activities to try out with friends like obstacle courses and beach trips, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Bristol this July.
1. Visit this new trendy drinking den serving fantastic cocktails and bottomless brunches
From Covent Garden to Clapham, Blame Gloria has been causing a buzz about London for a few years and it’s now set to open it’s third site in Bristol this July. The new bar promises to provide an eccentric and super opulent venue, taking inspiration from 1980s groupie culture, acting as a fantasy playground for the rockstars of the era. Expected to open from July 8, Blame Gloria will offer a late-night cocktail offering where people can let loose until 3am, as well as a happy hour of 2-4-1 cocktails perfect for post-work drinks.
2. Listen to the otherworldly music of Joe Hisaishi by candlelight
Prepare to be spirited away by the emotive music of Joe Hisaishi at this spellbinding concert. The mesmerising night of moving melodies, captivating compositions and flickering candlelight will be illuminating Bristol’s centuries-old Church of St Thomas the Martyr on July 29. From the moment the musicians begin to play you will be plunged into the animated world of the Studio Ghibli films; a fantastical place where you might encounter a 300-year-old wolf goddess, an ex-fighter-pilot-turned-anthropomorphic-pig or a giant twelve-legged cat-bus. Sounds pretty magical, right? Find tickets here.
3. Watch the Euros at one of these brilliant Bristol bars
Beer and footy on the big screen are back with the Women’s Euros 2022 now here- and it’s kicking off! With the sun making an appearance in beer gardens, we’re in for a great summer of sport. Whether you’re after multiple screens or a massive projector, craft beer or cocktails, post-match burgers or bowling- there’s a place in Bristol to meet your needs. Check out our round-up of the best places to watch the football in Bristol during July.
4. Make a trip to St Nick’s Night Market for street food, music and shopping
St Nick’s Night Market is taking place again this month with a late night feasting being held in the Glass Arcade on July 1. Most of the daytime traders are staying open specially, including traditional jerk and more from Caribbean Wrap, amazing rice and noodle boxes from Woky Ko, unbelievably tender brisket and pork from Low and Slow Barbecue, legendary falafels from Eat a Pitta, delicious and nutritious juices from Big Juice Bar and the best gyoza in town from Eatchu. There will be an abundance of street food, a garden party packed with activities and entertainment, late night shopping, mobile spa treatments, a brilliant selection of non alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and DJs and musicians who will have you dancing in the streets.
5. Get involved in the Bristol Pride events
Although Pride Month is officially in June, the celebrations and awareness of LGBTQ+ rights are not stopping any time soon. Bristol Pride is back and there are a number of fun things happening in the city to celebrate. Pride Day will take place on July 9 and after a two-year absence, will return to The Downs. The event will feature multiple stages and attracts some of the biggest names in live music and entertainment, plus showcasing new and emerging talent including performances from local artists and community groups. Plus, Canadian singer-songwriter and Grammy Award nominee Carly Rae Jepsen will be headlining the Pride Day celebration event.
6. Get a splash of colour as you leap over and dodge obstacles at this fun outdoor event
Venture over the Avon to Chepstow where a colour obstacle course is taking place on July 8, and there will be no shortage of colour. This totally unique and memorable experience is so much more than just a running race, with this year’s event expected to have even more colour alongside new and exciting surprises. All the obstacles in the race are different and there will also be many other activities to make you slide, bounce, fall and laugh even more!
7. See numerous ships, yachts and boats rock up at the docks for Bristol Harbour Festival
This July will see the return of Bristol Harbour Festival, which is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary. From July 15-18, a fleet of feature vessels are expected in the Bristol harbour as well as over 300 visiting boats, yachts and ships. As well as a multitude of vessels docked up at the harbourside, festival goers can enjoy over 120 hours of entertainment, across seven stages from spoken word to the latest Bristol musical talent, local dance performers, world class circus and on-water activity.
8. Go for a bullseye with a spot of axe throwing at Whistle Punks
Got a bit of steam to blow off? Whistle Punks is a pretty unique venue in Bristol, offering guests the chance to throw actual axes at the wall. Sounds fun, huh? Practise your technique and aim for the target, while keeping score if you’re the competitive type! Once the session is done, take advantage of the bar area and regale your glory over a beer, cocktail or wine. Book your axe throwing session here.
9. Enjoy fish, chips and cocktails overlooking the docks at this new Bristol harbour spot
With summer here and the temperature gradually climbing upwards (woohoo!), what better time to be down by Bristol Harbour enjoying tasty food and refreshing drinks? The team which brought us Cotham Hill’s Rocksalt has teamed up with the owners of Dhamaka on Corn Street has launched Harbour Hub, a new place to eat and drink. Located in the old Spoke & Stringer unit on Gasworks Lane in Bristol, Harbour Hub is now open and will be serving delicious fish and chips and light bites alongside thirst-quenching drinks. There’s a frozen pina colada with your name on!
10. Listen to the greatest hits by soul legends at this candlelight concert
The Mount Without by candlelight makes for the perfect backdrop to an evening of Motown classics. Candlelight Soul Classics: Four Tops, The Supremes and more will see the brilliant musicians of a jazz band perform renditions of iconic songs by Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Four Top, The Supremes and many more. You Can’t Hurry Love, but you can hurry and get your ticket here – the performance will take place on July 28.
11. Sip on fresh, unfiltered beer at Camden Town Brewery’s Tank Party
Turns out manifesting our love for beer has paid off as Bristol is being blessed with a new boozy street party this summer. 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 six cities across the nation. The Liverpool event is set to take place at Steam at Clifton Down station on July 15 & 16 and Camden Town Brewery will be bringing the freshest, tank beer to lucky lager lovers.
12. Catch waves not feelings at these brilliant beaches near Bristol
July means beach weather and luckily for Bristolians there are some beautiful coastal spots all a short drive away. From shingly shorelines at Kilve Beach to feel the sand between your toes at Sand Bay near Weston-super-Mare, there’s a beach for you to relax at. Plus, the South-West coast offers a number of areas to go surfing, fishing and enjoy some traditional seaside grub. Check out our guide to the best beaches near Bristol to visit next time it’s sunny.