As the days grow longer and the nights feel warmer, hasn’t the year flown by? The weather’s not been great, but it’s time to make the most of 2024. May is the only month of the year with two bank holidays, so you’d expect there to be more to do across these long weekends. And you’d be right! It feels like the festival season in Bristol really begins this May with countless events taking place, alongside plenty of other activities and things to do. So without further ado, here are all the best things to do this May in Bristol.
1. Take a spring walk in the National Arboretum
It’s always in May that the English countryside looks its best. Flowers are in bloom, trees are budding, and all sorts of animals and insects spring into life. And there’s no better place to witness it in full than at Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, often considered one of the important plant collections in the world.
There are over 15,000 specimens and 2,500 species of trees from across the world – including everything from English oaks to Japanese maples and Californian incense cedar. But it’s a haven for everything from animals, plants, insects, fungi and lichen all year round – and it’s especially abundant with wildflowers this time of year too.
2. Unwind with a charming candlelight concert
You’ve never experienced a concert like this before! Picture it: A beautiful Bristol church, filled with hundreds of gently glowing candles, and the sound of a string quartet playing your favourite songs. Yes, yours, because there’s a Candlelight concert for everyone. Whether you’re a Fleetwood Mac fan or you’re more into Coldplay, you’ll find the perfect gig for you. To see all the Candlelight concerts in Bristol head here.
3. Get ready for a brand new street art festival
Upfest is taking a little break this year, but luckily, it’s helping out with this Paint Fest instead. Help Bristol’s Homeless Charity is bringing together some of the UK’s top street artists in Bedminster for two fun-filled days (May 10 & 11) of live painting, music, and food from St Nicks’ Caribbean Wrap at Spring Street. Tickets are free, but spaces are limited – get your free ticket here.
4. Receive the best political education in town
Bristol’s always been a radical city. And Bristol Transformed is helping keep that tradition alive with its “festival of socialist ideas, culture & arts.” Now in its 6th year, learn about diverse topics such as building an Apartheid-Free Zone, the relationship between politics and football, and how Bristolians have resisted oppression throughout history. A full programme of events, taking place May 17 & 18, will be announced shortly.
5. Dive into 30 years of Bristol’s legendary music scene
Featuring work from generations of artists and photographers, acclaimed street artist Sickboy and Adam Devonshire of IDLES have curated an exhibition looking at 30 years of Bristol’s music scene. Expect everything from candid backstage shots and powerful live photography to reimagined music posters by leading contemporary artists. Plus, a special collection of original submissions from across Bristol. Sound Check will be open May 9 to 11, between 12 – 6pm, at The PIT (Also, May 12 – June 6 by appointment).
6. Get your running shoes on
It’s the Great Bristol Run this month (May 10 & 11). And, while it’s probably too late to start training now, you can still head down and cheer on the runners. If you want to compete in next year’s race (10k or half marathon), however, then you’d best get training today! Bristol’s coolest running club meets every Tuesday at the Left Handed Giant Brewpub. LHG Run Club is for “no show-offs, no egos, just good vibes”, and always ends with pizza and beer. Ideal for those just starting on their run journey!
7. Party at Bristol’s biggest music festival
Love Saves The Day often marks the beginning of summer in Bristol. Returning May 24 and 25, the line-up at Ashton Court includes breakout queen of jungle Nia Archives, genre-blurring electronic duo Overmono, Mercury Prize-winning artist Ms Dynamite, and celebrated Scottish DJ Denis Sulta, among many others.
I’m mostly looking forward to Skream & Benga, who will reunite for a rare and unparalleled performance. Across eight stages, you’ll find a mix of household names and up-and-coming artists – including Andy C, Camo & Krooked, Eats Everything, Eliza Rose, Enzo Siragusa, Ghetts, Giggs, Girls Don’t Sync, Groove Armada, Job Jobse, Mall Grab, Netsky, Shy Fx, and many more.
8. Or rock out at Dot To Dot
Not into dance music? Dot To Dot is also back on Saturday, May 24. The one-day festival for the hottest emerging bands and artists will be tearing up Bristol’s coolest venues, like Fat Dog, Honeyglaze, The Horrors, Jacob Alon, Låpsley and The New Eves. To learn more head here.
9. Soak up breathtaking views of the city at these rooftop bars
British Summertime is here, therefore, a rooftop drink is definitely overdue. From luxurious restaurants to cosy terraces, Bristol has some of the most incredible rooftop bars (and some are more hidden than others). Check out our guide featuring The White Lion’s insane view of Clifton Suspension Bridge this May.
10. Travel to Forbidden Worlds at the former Bristol IMAX
If you’re looking for strange things to do this May in Bristol, look no further than Forbidden Worlds Film Festival. Taking place May 28 to June 1, this year’s screenings focus on a line-up of classic and cult films set on, around and under the water.
Highlights include a special 30th anniversary screening of Waterworld (1995); The Whale God (1962), a rarely screened Japanese-take on Moby Dick with stunning life-size practical effects; and an in-depth look at the world of Jawsploitation films with screenings of the new 4K restorations of Orca (1977) and Alligator (1980). To see the full line-up head here.
11. It’s time to stretch your legs
The city’s month-long, annual walking festival—Bristol Walk Fest—is taking us all round this city. From nature trails, scenic hikes and historical tours to walking sports, family-friendly strolls and cultural walks, there are plenty of walking-related events and activities to check out. There are inclusive walks taking place all over Bristol, for people of all ages, interests and abilities – most of which are free too.
12. Go camping in the wild
Unlike our Scottish friends, England and Wales are a bit stuck when it comes to wild camping. There is only one place in England where you can go, and it’s not far from Bristol – and that’s Dartmoor National Park. With these long weekends coming up, you’ll surely be thinking of day trips out of the city. And the moorlands of Dartmoor (two hours from Bristol) are breathtaking. If you’d prefer to go to Wales, we’ve also heard that Brecon Beacons Visitor Centres carry a secret list of landowners in the area that will happily host wild campers.