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 15 & 16) 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 lino printing, creating collages and cutting glass.
2. Rock out to the ultimate 90s-themed Candlelight Concert
Calling all punks, grunge-heads and rockers, the 90s is cool again. And we’ve got the ultimate Candlelight Concert for you. Ever wondered Smells Like Teen Spirit would sound like performed by a string quartet? What about Metallica’s Enter Sandman or Zombie by The Cranberries? Well, imagine no longer, just visit St Mary Redcliffe Church on June 8 for 90s Unplugged. Where you can listen to classical versions of Wonderwall, Hallelujah and Ironic under the gentle flow of candlelight. To get your tickets to 90s Unplugged head here.
3. Watch England kick off at the Euros
You might have heard that if England reaches the semi-finals of Euro 2024 the pubs will stay open until 1am. So all of Bristol’s got to get behind the Three Lions this June to make sure we get there – with games against Serbia (June 16), Denmark (June 20) and Slovenia (June 25) first. There’s just one question, where are you going to watch them?
4. Sip and paint in the dark
It’s the psychedelic painting workshop that Bristol’s gone mad for. Grab your paintbrushes and a glass of wine (or beer or soft drink if you prefer), and create your masterpiece in this fluorescent neon-lit setting. The adults-only, immersive Neon Brush returns to Bristol on June 21 & 28 and rekindle a childlike wonder for art. There’s music, a free drink and all the painting materials you’ll need for this 90-minute artistic adventure. Just bring your creativity and some clothes you don’t mind dirtying! To get your tickets head here.
5. Save your pennies at the Library of Things
Okay, so it’s technically already open, but Share Bristol’s Library of Things has an official opening on June 12 – when it will offer hundreds more things and longer opening hours. Opening in the old Shoezone shop, you can borrow everything from gardening equipment to DIY tools to camping gear. All you’ll need is an annual membership, which you can learn more about here. If you’d like to help out or donate items, you can contact them at hello@sharebristol.org.uk.
6. Enjoy amazing music performances by the harbourside with Bristol Sounds
Bristol Sounds returns to the city’s much-loved harbourside with an eight-night gig series for its 10th anniversary. Between June 22 and 30, the likes of Skindred Gentleman’s Dub Club, James Arthur, Busted, Placebo, Annie Mac and The Breeders, plus many more, will be setting up at the Amphitheatre. The opening date will see Bristol’s first-ever all-day open-air rock event to a Ritual Union takeover on the final day. To learn more about who’s playing head here.
7. Eat out at one of the UK’s best new restaurants
It’s only been six months, but 1 York Place is already the talk of the town. This cosy 46-cover neighbourhood restaurant from the littlefrench team is shining the spotlight on all European cuisine has to offer. And now it’s been shortlisted at the National Restaurant Awards for this year’s best new opening (with the winner announced on June 10). We recommend getting those reservations booked now!
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 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 all the Bridgerton locations in Bath
We’re all caught up on Bridgerton are we? Good, because the second half of Season 3 drops on June 13. Bath has been the perfect stand-in for Regency-era London thanks to the city’s gorgeous Georgian architecture. From the home of the Featherington family to the ballroom where Simon and Daphne first meet, it’s all here in Bath. Check out all the Bridgerton filming locations in Bath you can visit 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. Show your pride!
Ever a highlight of our summer plans, the huge Bristol Pride doesn’t return until July 14. In the build-up, however, a programme of events starts on June 29 – starting with Bristol Ballroom Community inviting you to the kiki at St George’s. 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.