The year in Bristol
The big moments of the year in Bristol: Bristol Christmas Market, Slapstick Festival, Bristol Light Festival and more, with their dates.
Bristol Christmas Market
The Christmas market in Broadmead, with stalls and a food and drink area. Stalls are open from 10:00 to 19:00 and the food and bars from 10:00 to 22:00.
Slapstick Festival
Five days of silent film and visual comedy at five venues, in its 23rd year. The Silent Comedy Gala at Bristol Beacon on Friday 12 February shows Buster Keaton's The General, 100 years old, with live music from the European Silent Screen Virtuosi.
Bristol Light Festival
Ten days of light installations across the city centre and beyond, free to see. The organiser, Bristol BID, plans it for the end of February half-term, and the dates depend on site permissions and licences.
Bristol Pride
Events around the city for more than two weeks, with Pride Day on Saturday 10 July on The Downs and a parade that morning.
Bristol Comedy Garden
Stand-up in a festival setting in Queen Square, in the middle of the city, over several days in June.
St Pauls Carnival
The community carnival of St Pauls, with a procession through the neighbourhood. The organisers did not hold the full-scale carnival in 2026 and say they are working towards a return in 2027, which is not confirmed.
Bristol Harbour Festival
A weekend of music, food and boats on and around the Floating Harbour. The festival's own page says the 2027 dates are coming soon.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Hot-air balloons lift off over the city across a long weekend, special shapes among them. The festival's own page names 2027 as the next edition.
Encounters Film Festival
Five days of short film and animation, with screenings in venues such as Watershed, the Prospect Building and We The Curious, and talks and masterclasses alongside.
