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. Enjoy a waterside tipple next time the sun’s out
Bristol Ferry is back with a series of gin and rum boat cruises which will take place aboard their distinguishable yellow flotillas this summer. The experience gives lovers of the drink a chance to sip away on some refreshing juniper or rum-based beverages whilst taking in the many sights along Bristol’s harbourside. The ferry operator has a total of fifteen boozy trips lined up for the summer, with each gin cruise setting off at 6 pm.
2. Nerd out to the ultimate fantasy-themed Candlelight Concert
It’s an age-old debate among fantasy fans. Which is better: Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones? Middle-earth or Westeros? This Candlelight Concert is not going to settle this argument anytime soon. But it will celebrate the best theme music from the films and TV series. Rings & Dragons will take place June 28 at the beautiful setting of St Mary Redcliffe Church. Both series are known for their iconic soundtracks, which will be gorgeously recreated by a string quartet among hundreds of flickering candles. To get your tickets head here.
3. Take a walk on the wild side at Longleat Summer Festival
The stately grounds of Longleat are well worth a day trip throughout the year. Home to over 120 species, the biggest hedge maze in Britain and the child-friendly Adventure Castle, there’s endless fun to be had. But this June make sure to head down to the Longleat Summer Festival (on June 17 & 18). Hosted by Emma Thynn, Marchioness Of Bath, guests can enjoy a variety of food and drink, entertainment, and music at this family-friendly event. Expect celebrity guests John Torode MBE and James Martin to host cooking shows, a vintage traditional fairground, and live music from The Coral and Lightning Seeds set against the beautiful setting of Longleat House. To learn more head here.
4. Wake The Tiger for Summer Solstice celebrations
Since the creators of Boomtown opened the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’ last summer, Wake The Tiger has continued to capture our collective imaginations. On June 30, Sundust invites us all once again to return for a special adults-only, summer solstice celebration. Between 7:30pm and 1:00am, celebrations of the sun will include live music, performance, theatre, and circus. The ultimate challenge for guests will be to outshine the most powerful star – the sun – with an out-of-this-world outfit. (It’s encouraged you use recycled, repurposed or previously used items to create your summer costume.) Learn more here.
5. Join the summer paw-ty at the Pup-Up Cafe
The most adorable hangout spot for pups is back in time for summer. Pup-Up Cafe invites up to 50 dogs per session at Strange Brew on June 10. For luxurious summer vibes, it makes the perfect paradise for your puppies to socialise. Expect free refreshing puppiccinos and unlimited dog treats, while on-site photographers capture every second of cuteness. There will also be ball pits, tunnels and other things for these pint-sized pooches to enjoy. Plus competitions for your dogs to win prizes, as well as multiple stalls selling local treats and goodies for you to buy while the pups play. To learn more 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. Headling one night each from June 21 to 25, catch the likes of Mika, Jacob Collier, James, A Beautiful Day Out with Levellers and Self Esteem. Plus, there’ll be lots of amazing support acts to catch at the open-air summer concerts on this diverse bill of live music. Even if you can’t grab a ticket, there’s always exciting energy down by the harbour during Bristol Sounds well worth checking out anyway. Head here to learn more.
7. Escape to ABOE’s ‘secret garden’ and unwind with Sunday Sessions
The fine dining restaurant ABOE opened its ‘secret garden’ on Whiteladies Road in May. Offering a relaxed outdoor atmosphere on the bust street, it is the retreat we’ve been waiting for. Run by the Michelin-trained chef, Sebastian Murray, its menu offers modern British fusion and a bit of, well… everything. Fulfilling all our al fresco dining and drinking needs, it’s perfect for some sunny June days spent outside with cocktails. It’s also launched laidback Sunday Sessions with DJs playing chilled-out music outside in the hidden spot every weekend throughout the summer. Bliss.
8. Take a dip at one of Bristol’s awesome outdoor swimming spots
Everyone knows: The best way to beat the heat is with a swim. While June typically marks the beginning of summer, some glorious sunshine is 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. Celebrate African and Caribbean culture at St Paul’s Carnival
Bristol’s annual celebration of African and Caribbean culture, St Pauls Carnival fully returns this summer. The full Carnival procession will technically take place on July 1, with more than 100,000 people due to celebrate in St Pauls. But the events programme will kick-off on June 22 and mark the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush arriving in Britain. Several fringe events – under the theme of Learning From Legends – will celebrate and educate Afro-Caribbean culture and heritage in June before the main event. To learn more head here.
10. Soak up Bristol are 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. Try some sustainable fashion shopping at the old M&S on Broadmead
It’s been well over a year since the M&S on Broadmead closed. But now you’ll find a fashion department store with a difference there instead. The cleverly called Sparks, Bristol’s new arts and sustainability hub, features a Swap Shop, allowing the public to bring up to five garments and swap them for five new-to-you pieces. The aim is to make fashion consumption greener and more pocket-saving friendly. Sparks’ fashion department will also feature fashion retail, alterations and a repair cafe. Plus weekly pop-ups, free sewing resources to take away and sewing kits for mending on the go. Save the planet and your pocket money with a trip to Sparks this June.
12. Show your pride!
Ever a highlight of Bristol’s summer plans, the huge Bristol Pride Festival returns this month. Bristol Pride has confirmed the dates for this year’s festivities, with the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration spanning over two weeks between June 24 and July 9. During the two weeks, the festival’s exciting programme of events will take place in venues across Bristol bringing the city alive with Pride as the charity also helps to support one of the hardest-hit sectors, especially venues that are serving the LGBT+ community. To learn more head here.