This summer, we’re all raring to go, and luckily, there are plenty of fantastic things on the horizon this June to start the season with a bang. Fancy getting your calendar jam-packed again? From candlelight concerts to tasty food and drink offerings, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to getting your dose of good grub and culture. Check out our guide to some of the best things to do this June in Bristol.
1. Discover Bristol’s hidden creative community
Get to know the creative community of Brislington, Knowle and St Anne’s this June. The BS4 Arts Trail returns for the second-ever time (June 14 & 15) with over 85 makers in nearly 30 venues. Whether you’re after something unique to hang in your bathroom or you’d like to have a go on a potter’s wheel, there’s so much happening in BS4. Other activities include learning linocut printing, creating collages and cutting glass.
2. Chill out to a Candlelight Concert that’s right for you
No matter who you are, we’ve got the ultimate Candlelight Concert for you. From James Bond classics to Hans Zimmer’s best works, and even the greatest hits of Queen, catch your favourites reimagined by a string quartet under the gentle glow of candlelight.
3. Catch some comedy in the garden
Bristol Comedy Garden returns to Queen Square (June 4 – 8) for five nights of all-star stand-up live in the Big Top. Just some of the incredible talent includes Ed Gamble, Mike Wozniak, Phil Wang, Bridget Christie, David O’Doherty, Tim Key, Sara Pascoe, Lucy Beaumont, Alan Davies, Rachel Parris, Sam Campbell, Henning Wehn, Frankie Boyle and many more. You can learn more here.
4. Join a neon life drawing class
This isn’t your average life drawing class. This is a one-of-a-kind immersive art experience that combines UV lights, radiant body paints, and expressive sketching. Held at the Stag & Hounds on Thursday, June 26, this electrifying workshop invites you to sketch models decorated in reactive paints and vibrant costumes. To get your tickets to Neon Naked Life Drawing head here.
5. Watch an internationally-acclaimed production of War Horse
War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences from rural Devon to the trenches of the First World War. At the heart of this production, based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, are the Handspring Puppet Company’s breathing, galloping and charging life-sized horses. It will hitch itself to Bristol Hippodrome from June 3 to 21. To get your tickets, head here.
6. Enjoy amazing music performances by the harbourside with Bristol Sounds
Bristol Sounds returns to the city’s much-loved harbourside with a five-night gig series. Between June 25 and 29, the likes of Supergrass, Kaiser Chiefs, Texas, The Fratellis, and Olly Murs will be performing at the open-air amphitheatre. To learn more about who’s playing head here.
7. Catch the carnival in Portishead
Portishead Carnival once again welcomes a spectacular procession of floats, marching bands and walking groups on Saturday, June 14. But, instead of the previous year’s fairground rides, it will be hosting many community groups and raising money for local causes, with everything from a traditional coconut shy to a huge It’s A Knock Out-style competition. Plus, expect food, drink and local bands.
8. Take a dip at one of Bristol’s awesome outdoor swimming spots
Everyone knows that the best way to beat the heat is with a swim. There’s some glorious sunshine on its way to Bristol this June. And as temperatures rise, it’s getting harder to resist the urge to throw ourselves into the nearest body of water every second. Thankfully, there are places across the city and beyond offering enough outdoor swimming spots for us all to take a dip in…
So whether you want to head to spend the day at Clifton’s fancy lido, embrace the great outdoors at Warleigh Weir, or head to the coast for a salty Marine Lake swim, we’ve got you sorted. Check out these refreshing spots for outdoor swimming in and around Bristol if you’re looking for somewhere to relax or cool off.
9. Visit Bedminster’s secret gardens
When you think of Bedminster’s terraced brick houses, you are more likely to think about the iconic graffiti over their tiny gardens. But you may be surprised to discover some incredibly beautiful and creative gardens hidden in the neighbourhood. On June 14 & 15, Bedminster’s Secret Gardens sees over 30 gardens open up to the public – and you can see the map here.
10. Soak up Bristol as you follow this scavenger hunt around the city
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Bristol, why not try a photo scavenger hunt? On A Bridge Through Time you will be going on an enthralling tour around the city checking out the art, history, and culture along the way. You’ll see groups of friends competing to unearth fun facts, taking ridiculous pictures, and deciding who will be the next scavenger hunt champion. Now the weather is near-perfect every day, there’s no better time to see the entire city on your adventures either! Get your tickets here.
11. Take a scenic bike ride around Bristol
You might’ve noticed a pattern of us encouraging you to get out and about. Well, what else is summer for!? Hopping on your bike and exploring Bristol is one of the best things you can do this June. Bristol was recently crowned the best UK city for a leisurely bike ride.
Just one of our favourite routes is The Bristol and Bath Railway Path. Stretching for 13 traffic-free miles along a disused railway line, the cycling path connects two of the South West’s most iconic cities. Cycle to Bath and back, or grab the train home, and stop off at some riverside pubs. Check out more cycle routes here.
12. Grab a drink or two at this craft beer festival
Bristol’s biggest celebration of brewing culture is back on June 13 & 14. The Bristol Craft Beer Festival brings together the world’s finest beers from local breweries, alongside national and international big hitters, plus local food outlets and live music from local DJs. You can expect to sample 300+ beers from over 50 breweries, included with your ticket. You can learn more here.
13. Be spellbound by Bristol’s classical music festival
From Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to the works of Schubert & Brahms, Clifton International Festival of Music (June 6 – 14) returns with a huge programme of classical performances from some of the country’s most exciting young performers. Bristol’s festival of world-class classical music will inspire new fans and excite old fans with its spellbinding concerts. To see what’s on head here.
14. Watch the musical adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge! is leaving the West End and embarking on its first-ever world tour – including a stop at Bristol Hippodrome (June 26 – August 9) – as lovesick American writer, Christian, tries to save the Moulin Rouge and win its dazzling star Satine’s heart. From Offenbach to Lady Gaga, the stage musical features over 70 iconic songs, many from the movie, as well as recent hits released since the movie premiered over 20 years ago. So, while it’s not a carbon copy of the original film, the musical promises a night of theatrical artistry at its best!
15. Show your pride in Bristol!
Ever a highlight of our summer plans, the huge Bristol Pride doesn’t return until July 12. In the build-up, however, a programme of events starts on June 28 – including everything from a bingo boat party to a queer tango taste (see more events here). The entire month of June is also known as Pride Month – so make sure to check out the very best LGBTQ+ bars in Bristol too.