Are you currently attempting dry Jan, going to the gym every day and eating salads for tea? Do you need something to look forward to, to keep morale up?
Well, we’ve put a calendar together that’s sure to cheer you up. From underground classics like Outer Town to big festivals like Love Saves the Day – take a look at Bristol’s events this year and start saving for that pint budget!
If you’re putting on an event and we’ve missed you, please let us know – we’d love to highlight any grassroots gigs going on in our lovely city.
Ritual Union
Saturday, 28 March – Strange Brew
One of Bristol’s infamous multi-venue festivals, Ritual Union is grassroots, it’s underground and it’s kicking us off for festival season this year – and it’s not even that far away! Keo are headlining this year, with other highlights including Girl Group, Goon and Slag.
Outer Town
Saturday 11 April – Old Market
It’s the 5th anniversary of this grassroots event bringing more than 60 acts across 10 stages at Bristol’s historic Old Market area. Music from the Bristol underground plus acts from across the UK and Europe are showcased, and you can also have a stroll across a small maker’s market.
Dot to Dot
Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 May – Bristol venues
Once again set to showcase the best emerging talent on 23 and 24 May, the festival was recently nominated for Inner-City Festival Of The Year and Line-Up Of The Year. Lambrini Girls, Fcukers and NewDad are leading the first wave of Dot To Dot 2026’s line-up highlights.
Love Saves the Day
Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 May – Ashton Court Estate, Bristol
Bristol’s biggest music festival returns to Ashton Court Estate this May bank holiday. Spanning eight stages across Ashton Court, Love Saves The Day brings some of the UK’s best DJs, live acts and a stacked roster of local talent. The 2026 line-up is still to be announced.
Bristol Sounds
Tuesday 23- Sunday 28 June – Lloyds Amphitheatre
Bristol Sounds returns to the iconic Harbourside with a lineup featuring indie favourites The Kooks, UK rap trailblazers The Streets, acclaimed Welsh band Super Furry Animals, synth-pop pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and rising Australian duo Royal Otis. Known for its scenic waterfront backdrop, this open-air concert series brings an eclectic mix of music and summer energy to the heart of the city.
Bristol Pride
Saturday 27 June – Sunday 12 July, Main Pride Day Saturday 11 June – The Downs
Bristol Pride is back this summer, with Pride Day set for Saturday 11 July. Following a landmark anniversary year that brought more than 40,000 people to The Downs, Bristol Pride 2026 promises another vibrant season of celebration, activism and community spirit. Expect live acts, drag excellence and the iconic Pride Parade March filling Bristol’s streets with colour and solidarity.
Siren Festival
Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 July – Lloyds Amphitheatre
Alongside its signature D&B and electronic heavyweights, this year’s first announcement welcomes indie-rock favourites The Maccabees – performing on Thursday 23 July.
Forwards Festival
Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 August (Bank Holiday weekend) – The Downs
Forwards Festival is an inner city festival drawing the biggest names in international music to Bristol Downs. The festival aims to present high quality, diverse and heritage music acts alongside emerging artists from Bristol and beyond.
Breakfest
Saturday 12 September, Strange Brew
Nutritious and delicious. Another instalment of Breakfast Records‘ annual red hot jamboree. Jam-packed with some of the brightest and boldest artists this country has to offer. Previous years saw the likes of Getdown Services, Lambrini Girls, Melin Melyn and Los Bitchos. Catch all your future favourites here before they blow up!
Words: Clara Bullock