Make the most of your visit to Bristol with our complete festival guide, giving you our must-see spots in the city. From theatre trips, family friendly activities, and the best spots to eat and drink, Bristol has so much to offer. Whether you want to make a day of it with the family or an evening out with friends, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite places in the city to visit on your route around the festival.
Installations in the Old City
There’s so much to see and do in the city centre with Ascendance, Swing Song and The Nectary spread out over the Old City. Whether you’re looking for things to do or places to eat, find everything at your fingertips in the Old City.
What's nearby?
Make an evening of it with a show at Bristol Old Vic, currently showing Macbeth on their main stage and Nanny in the Weston Studio until 10 February, or pop along to Arnolfini to take in an exciting exhibition or workshop.
Enjoy an ultimate brunch experience with Blame Gloria’s Back to the 00s and ABBA inspired brunches, or Tonight Josephine’s Mamma Mia and 80s-00s Pop themed brunch. If food and fizz is more your focus, then don’t miss out on bottomless brunch at Turtle Bay and The Botanist.
Celebrate into the night with Bristol’s vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy fun for your whole group with retro video gaming at NQ64, darts at Flight Club, plus live music and comedy at Mr Wolfs.
Where to eat and drink
Just a short stroll away from each installation, you will find some of the city’s most exciting bars and restaurants. Some of our favourites include sipping on G&Ts and cocktails on the 6’O Clock Gin Glassboat, a cosy drink at one of the many bars glittered across King Street, or a perfectly poured pint at The Old Fish Market whilst enjoying their nights of live jazz every Sunday.
Whether you fancy Indian comfort eats at Dhamaka, succulent steaks at Cow & Sow, or Asian fusion favourites at Four Wise Monkeys, find something to suit everyone’s tastes. Some of our top picks include brunch at Mud Dock, juicy burgers at Honest Burgers, and family classics at Cosy Club. If you’re dining out with the kids, swing by Hole in the Wall or Mowgli, plus grab a bargain with kids meal deal offers at Pieminster, Walkabout, and Franco Manca.
Installations in the Harbourside and College Green
With Pulse located at Lloyds Amphitheatre on the Harbourside and Evanescent in College Green, the surrounding area is bustling with so much to see and do along Park Street, Queens Road, and the Harbourside.
What's nearby?
Make a day of it with family fun at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, head for an underwater adventure with Bristol Aquarium’s half-term Shipwrecked fun, or catch the award-winning production of Wicked at Bristol Hippodrome throughout the festival. If you fancy a challenge, complete the ultimate escape room experience with Locked in a Room, or join in the fun with bowling, shuffleboard, and more at Lane7.
Get your live music fix with folk, roots, and acoustic at Bristol Folk House, indie and alternative at Dareshack, or party into the night with the hottest DJs on the scene at Basement 45. Step onto the dance floor on 9 & 10 February with Pryzm’s exclusive All The Lights party, complete with confetti, lights, and lasers to celebrate the festival.
Where to eat and drink
Fancy a tipple? Choose from over 100 cocktails to enjoy at Be At One, sample a menu of over 400 gins at Gin & Juice, experience the enchantment of Illuminati or stop by Four Quarters arcade bar for an evening of games, drinks, and fun.
Grab a bite to eat with Mediterranean mezze at Bambalan, light bites at Watershed Café & Bar, or get your pizza fix with mouthwatering slices at Pizzarova, Pizza on the Park, and The Stable. Plus, enjoy 10% off in the Bristol Folk House Café when you visit from 2 – 11 February.
Installations in Redcliffe and Temple
Nestled in the Redcliffe and Temple area of the city, you will find WildLight, The Unfolding, and Bristol is Always a Good Idea, all within walking distance of Bristol Temple Meads and several bars and restaurants.
What's nearby?
Make the most of your evening with a show at The Fleece. With a programme jam-packed with live music, tribute acts, and club nights, don’t miss the Black Parade 00s Emo Anthems night on 2 February, the best up and coming talent across the South West with The Takeover on 4 February, and Propaganda’s Valentines Party on 10 February.
Where to eat and drink
Whilst exploring Redcliffe, wine lovers can cosy up in Veeno and Le Vignoble, whilst beer fans can head to Left Handed Giant Brewpub to sample the festival exclusive beer, Vivid Beams. Or pop next door and head into The Wellhead to sample their limited edition festival cocktail.
If you’re feeling peckish, stop by Spicer+Cole in Finzels Reach for a light lunch or grab doughnuts and coffee from Small Goods. If you’re in the mood for an Italian feast, swing by Bella Vista or Marco’s Olive Branch.
Installations in Bristol Shopping Quarter
Home to Emergence and Elysian for this year’s festival, Bristol Shopping Quarter boasts over 400 shops, restaurants, cafés and attractions, giving you unlimited ways to spend your evenings.
What's nearby?
From shopping at popular high street shops to discovering your new favourite independent store, the shops of Bristol Shopping Quarter have it all.
On your retail adventure, don’t miss Sickboy’s Optical Delusions exhibition currently on display in the Harvey Nichols Second Floor Restaurant, complete with lights, paintings, and luminous light boxes, or pop in to Prior Shop for their indoor plant pop-up launch with Mint Plants on 2 February. Open until 8pm on their launch night, get 3 for 2 on plants of any size, 10% off Elho plant pots, plus 10% off all lighting to celebrate the festival.
Take your festival fun indoors with crazy golf at Jungle Rumble, catch a film at ODEON, get active with batting cages, ice-free curling, and more at RoxyLanes or party into the night at Clock Factory, Bristol’s leading electronic music venue.
Where to eat and drink
With so many exciting restaurants, you will be spoiled for choice with firm favourites nearby, including Nando’s, Itsu, Zizzi, Five Guys and so many more. Plus, make the most of our festival offers and get 20% off at Coal Kitchen, a free glass of wine when you dine at Côte Brasserie, and sample the exclusive festival drinks menu at Harvey Nichols Restaurant & Bar.