11 Magnificent Things To Do In Bristol This May
Your calendar can start to fill up with more events in store this month.
May is here which means more fun in store! The novelty of going out hasn’t worn off yet (and we don’t think it will any time soon) and with these events and activities happening this month, it proves that in April we were only just getting started. So without further ado, here are all the best things to do in Bristol this May.
1. Be bowled over by brand new bowling alley and bar Roxy Lanes
Bristol has been spoiled with new openings over the past year and joining the ever-growing list of new socialising spots is Roxy Lanes, a brand new ten-pin bowling destination that offers so much more than just bowling. Set to become one of Bristol’s go-to destinations for mate-date socials, Roxy Lanes is more than just a bowling alley – with tons of activities to try out under just one roof. The Union Street location, open from May 27, will boast eight full-size bowling lanes, batting cages, screens showing live sport, shuffle boards, duck-pin bowling, full size pool tables, basketball shooting hoops, beer pong, arcade games and ice-free curling, meaning there is something for everyone to get involved in.
2. Head to the Mount Without for a charming candlelight tribute concert to Fleetwood Mac
The Rumours are true: a Candlelight tribute to rock band Fleetwood Mac is coming to Bristol. On May 5, the rock band’s iconic tunes will be given a classical twist, as they are performed by a pianist and violinist duo. Expect to hear Gypsy, Dreams and Gold Dust Women – to name just a few – in a brand-new way. There will be two, 60-minute performances on each evening, one at 7pm and another at 9pm – some might say, you can Go Your Own Way when it comes to picking the time that suits you best. Tickets are available here.
3. Get a taste of possibly the world’s largest Negroni at Cotham Hill Street Party
One Bristol bar and restaurant is aiming to create a record-breakingly large version of the Negroni cocktail this month. Ed Sargent and Ben Salguero, who run the restaurant and bar at Rock Salt in Cotham Hill, are no strangers to making a Negroni, its one of the most popular cocktails on the menu. But they are poised to take their love of the classic tipple to a whole new level. The Rock Salt owners aim to beat the record with a 600 litre Negroni produced here in Bristol on May 22, the day of the Cotham Hill Street Party from 12-6pm.
4. Watch the newest Marvel film ‘Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ at an ODEON cinema near you
Marvel Studio’s highly-anticipated new chapter in the tale of Doctor Strange is in cinemas from May 5 and you can head to an ODEON near you to catch all the action. Journey into the unknown with the Doctor, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, will traverse the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary. With a star-studded cast including Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen and Rachel McAdams, enter a new dimension of strange in Marvel’s latest blockbuster creation. Book your ODEON cinema tickets here.
5. Indulge in a wide selection of beer and cheese at The Wild Beer Co
Wild Beer Co and Westcombe Dairy are once again teaming up to bring you a family-friendly festival filled with beer, cheese and fun at Westcombe Farm on May 21. Festival-goers can expect beer, cheese, more beer, more cheese, brewery and dairy tours, beer talks and tastings, a gin bar, local artisan food stalls, bands & DJ’s, a bouncy castle and family entertainment. The Wild Beer Co will be providing multiple bars around the site including their renowned Wild Beer Red Truck Bar serving the best of Wild Beer old and new. Westcome Dairy will have a range of delicious cheeses available to pair with the beers on the day from traditional clothbound Cheddar to aged Caerphilly, Ricotta to smoked Cheddar- there’s bound to be a cheese (and beer) to suit you.
6. Make an escape from this prison less than an hour from Bristol
In need of an escape away from home? It might not be a holiday abroad but how about an escape from a prison cell instead? OK, so prison doesn’t necessarily sound like a place you particularly want to visit but hear us out. This prison south of Bristol is full of exciting history and it’s open to the public to explore as part of an escape room experience.
7. Enjoy a boat trip, live music and delicious food at this Bristol riverside bar
Whether you’re after a new date night destination or simply a quieter place for a drink and a spot of grub, this Bristol bar and restaurant tucked away down the River Avon is the perfect place. Beese’s in Brislington describe themselves as “Bristol’s best kept secret” but what makes this bar so unique is you can hop on board a boat that heads exclusively there. Take a one-hour cruise along the feeder canal, through Netham Lock to the leafy riverbanks of St Anne’s and Conham River Park, and with Bristol Ferry boats you can even enjoy a drink at the bar on board as you look out for otters, ducks, swans, kingfishers, deer and glide slowly towards the famous Beeses.
8. See incredible murals across Bristol as part of the city’s street art festival Upfest
The much-loved street art festival (and Europe’s largest) Upfest is back! Upfest is renowned for bringing together street art’s freshest talents and this summer festival fans can expect to see incredible murals emerging in the streets of Bedminster from May 5 onwards. Following three weeks of street painting, the festival weekend (May 28 & 29) will see hundreds of artists painting live with festival hubs at Tobacco Factory and Ashton Gate Stadium. For the first year the festival will take over Greville Smyth Park as its main venue with music and live painting across the weekend.
9. Witness a bewitching candlelight concert at Bristol’s Marriott Hotel
If your film-loving heart lies in the realm of fantasy and science fiction, then grab a ticket to a bewitching candlelight concert on May 20. Candlelight: Sci-Fi and Fantasy Soundtracks will fill Palm Court at the Marriott Hotel with the otherworldly music of film and television such as Star Trek, Doctor Who, Star Wars, Westworld and Harry Potter. Listen to the soothing harmonies of a string ensemble, lose yourself in magical melodies and escape reality for the evening. Get your tickets here.
10. Soak up breathtaking views of the city at these rooftop bars
British Summer time 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 Bambalan’s rooftop for you to book and take in insane views of the city with your family or friends this May.
11. Watch impressive performances at Mayfest, Bristol’s biennial international festival of contemporary theatre
Bristol’s trailblazing festival of international contemporary theatre returns once more this May with a programme spanning three weekends and dozens of performances, events, and parties in some of Bristol’s best-loved venues as well as in unexpected sites and locations throughout the city. Led by Kate Yedigaroff and Matthew Austin, Mayfest is a cross-city celebration of the creative vitality of Bristol and explores the parameters of the city as a creative playground. Taking place between May 13 and 29, Mayfest is also addopting a pay-what-you-can approach for every show meaning you pay the price that feels right for you.