Visit West has announced a range of events taking place across the region, including Mad Swans in The Mendips, Upfest street art festival, the world premiere of The Greatest Showman: The Musical, the opening of the new African Forest at Bristol Zoo Project, and a programme of live music events.
Upfest (15 to 31 May 2026)
Upfest, Europe’s largest live street art festival, returns to Bristol from 15 to 31 May. Over 17 days, Bedminster, Southville, and new locations such as Quaker’s Art Lane and Cabot Circus will host large-scale murals, live painting, workshops, and events. With up to 100 new artworks transforming the city, Upfest is one of the reasons why Bristol was the only UK city named in Lonely Planet’s prestigious Best in Travel 2026 – thanks to its street art.
Click here for more information.
African Forest and Easter Egg-splorers at Bristol Zoo Project (Now to 19 April 2026)
New for 2026 is the permanent African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project, which opened on 1 April with gorillas, slender-snouted crocodiles and African grey parrots. Also, this Easter, join the Easter Egg-splorers adventure until 19 April. Spot patterned egg boards around the zoo and mark them on your bingo grid, then keep an eye out for the hidden golden egg, revealed twice daily. Find it first and win a cuddly animal plush prize.
Click here for more information.
Diaspora! (1 to 10 May 2026)
DIASPORA! returns to Bristol and the South West from 1 to 10 May 2026. Led by the Diverse Artists Network, this 10-day festival brings live music, film, storytelling and community events, celebrating artists from marginalised diasporas and creating spaces for shared stories and connection.
Click here for more information.
Race Across the World: The Experience (Ongoing)
Race Across the World: The Experience has arrived in Bristol. In teams of 2-8 people, players navigate the city without public transport, solving clues and challenges to reach checkpoints. Part race, part puzzle, it’s a competitive adventure through Bristol’s landmarks and hidden spots, all self-guided using WhatsApp.
Click here for more information.
Mad Swans in The Mendips (Now open)
Located just south of Bristol is Mad Swans in The Mendips; a recently-opened countryside hangout, redefining modern hospitality with super stylish eco-cabins, two restaurants (one with a menu designed by multi-Michelin-starred chef, Ollie Dabbous), 12-hole golf, padel and pickleball, a driving range and more. Think of a reimagined members’ country club where you can eat, play and stay – but without the membership! Designed to spark real human connection, it reconceptualises social spaces as vibrant, inclusive hubs where play transcends age and experience. Named one of the Best Places to Stay 2026 by The Times, Mad Swans in The Mendips is a special addition to this corner of the West Country.
Click here for more information.
Ancient Egg-splorers at Bristol Aquarium (Now to 14 April 2026)
Head to Bristol Aquarium this Easter for underwater fun. Enjoy special holiday activities included with admission and join the five daily talks and feeds to learn more about the creatures of the deep.
Click here for more information.
The Illuminated Cave with Wallace & Gromit and Friends at Cheddar Gorge & Caves (Now until 31 May 2026)
Step into 50 years of Aardman magic at Gough’s Cave. Follow an illuminated underground trail featuring glowing lantern scenes of Aardman characters, discover fun facts, crack a secret code for an Easter treat, and enjoy themed crafts at the end. Perfect for families and animation fans, with well-behaved dogs welcome.
Click here for more information.
Easter at Wookey Hole (Now to 19 April 2026)
Help solve the Mystery of the Magical Eggs at Wookey Hole Caves. Until 19 April, hunt for nine glowing eggs hidden through the caves and Dinosaur Valley. Each egg holds a letter. Collect them all, solve the riddle of the Triceratops’ magical treasure, and claim an Easter treat at the end.
Click here to find out more.
Gozzle at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre (Now to 31 May 2026)
This spring, meet Gozzle the gosling at WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre. Follow the interactive wetland trail, visit the Vet Check station, and enjoy games, storytelling and outdoor activities inspired by the new Gozzle book. Activity packs (£4) are available at the visitor centre or online.
Click here for more information.
The Birds and the Bees… and Trees Trail at Westonbirt Arboretum (Now until 31 May 2026)
Spring is in bloom at Westonbirt Arboretum. Follow the trail to discover how flowers and trees reproduce, with signs sharing surprising facts along the way. Pick up a spring map from the Welcome Building and explore Silk Wood and the Old Arboretum.
Click here for more information.
Cosmic Dust Bunny at Wake the Tiger (Now until 19 April)
Meet the giant Cosmic Dust Bunny formed after a cosmic spring clean. Snap a photo in the Cleaning Cupboard near the exit, then design its habitat in Wake The Tiger’s Easter Art Competition.
Click here for more information.
Easter Adventures at Dyrham Park (Now until 21 April)
Explore 10 activity stations across Dyrham Park’s grounds this Easter, including games, activities and challenges, as well as bunny ears, a trail sheet and a chocolate egg.
Click here for more information.
Once Upon an Easter at Longleat (Now until 19 April)
Follow the yellow brick road on an Easter book trail at Longleat Safari Park. Meet live storybook characters, enjoy crafts and storytelling, then explore the drive-through safari with animals from koalas to lions. Finish with a chocolate treat and adventures in the hedge maze or Longleat House.
Click here for more information.
Bristol Balloon Collectors Night Glow at Snake Meadows (Now until 11 April 2026)
The first Bristol Balloon Collectors Nightglow takes place on Saturday 11 April at Snake Meadows. Six historic balloons from the Bristol Balloon Collectors’ collection will light up the night sky in a choreographed display set to music, supported by Bath Balloon Club.
Click here to find out more.
Funderworld Theme Park at Durdham Downs (Now until 4 May 2026)
Funderworld Mobile Theme Park returns to Durdham Downs until 4 May. Expect thrill rides, family attractions and fairground games, including the Crazy Mouse coaster, Waltzers, Dodgems and Freefall, plus new additions like a four-storey Après Ski funhouse and a giant Ghost Train.
Click here for more information.
Cockpit Command: 360° Family Flight Experience at Aerospace Bristol (13 to 19 April 2026)
Step inside a 360° immersive dome at Aerospace Bristol and experience flight through a pilot’s eyes. This family-friendly show uses real cockpit footage and live storytelling to explore aviation and space, from fighter jets and the Battle of Britain to modern missions like Artemis and Starship.
Click here to find out more.
Farmyard Friends at Avon Valley Railway (11 to 12 April 2026)
Meet the festive donkeys and their springtime friends at Avon Valley Railway. Families can meet rabbits, a miniature Shetland pony, sheep and more, then enjoy a steam-hauled train ride along the line, with the gift shop and station buffet open for treats and refreshments.
Click here for more information.
Hello Spring at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm (Now until 4 May 2026)
Say hello to spring at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. Meet animals including Aqua, the rescue tiger, lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos; take part in the Spring Scavenger Hunt; and enjoy huge indoor and outdoor play areas. If it rains during your visit, the Rainy Day Guarantee lets you return for free.
Click here for more information.
Easter EGGstravaganza at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park (Now until 19 April 2026)
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park at Keynsham runs its EGGstravaganza through Easter, featuring a golden egg hunt, the UK’s first candy cannon, a Meet a Dragon encounter, and Easter activities.
Click here to find out more.
Easter Dinosaur Egg Hunt at The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare (Now until 19 April 2026)
Enjoy a fun Easter programme at The Grand Pier. With admission (£2), families can take part in the Dinosaur Egg Hunt, searching the pier for hidden eggs and exchanging a completed activity sheet with the Easter Bunny for a sweet treat.
Click here for more information.
Easter Half Term Cookery Classes for Children at Cooking It! (10 April 2026)
Cooking It on Gloucester Road in Bristol is running Easter holiday cookery classes for ages 8-14. Young chefs cook everything from scratch and take their food home. Sessions include sushi-making and run from 09:30-12:30. Spaces are limited and must be booked online.
Click here to find out more.
Easter Holiday Curious Adventures at We the Curious (Now until 19 April 2026)
This Easter, head to We The Curious for a hands-on day of discovery. Explore 200+ interactive exhibits, live shows and space-themed challenges. Learn about how AI is being used in Bristol, try experiments and come and go with flexible tickets, all set on the Harbourside.
Click here for more information.
Easter Adventures at Mendip Activity Centre (Now until 19 April 2026)
This Easter, head to Mendip Activity Centre for family adventures and memory makers. There are 20+ activities, including the Tobogganing Egg Hunt, Easter archery, and Air Rifle sessions, with games, challenges, and prizes.
Click here to find out more.
Theatre and Live Music
The Greatest Showman: The Musical at Bristol Hippodrome (Now until 10 May 2026)
Be among the first to see the stage adaptation of The Greatest Showman at Bristol Hippodrome for a limited season. The new musical features songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, including “This Is Me” and “Rewrite the Stars,” as well as new songs written especially for the stage.
Click here for more information.
The Gruffalo at Bristol Old Vic (Now until 18 April 2026)
Join Mouse on a daring adventure in the stage adaptation of The Gruffalo, celebrating 25 years on stage in 2026. This magical, musical show from Tall Stories brings songs, laughs and woodland characters to life for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups.
Click here for more information.
Love Saves the Day (From 23 to 24 May 2026)
Love Saves The Day returns to Ashton Court on 23–24 May 2026 for a bank holiday weekend of standout music and production. Headliners include Sammy Virji, Rizzle Kicks, Sub Focus, Eve, Katy B and Confidence Man, with more acts across multiple stages.
Click here to find out more.
Dot to Dot (23 May 2026)
Known for spotlighting the best new artists, this award-winning festival returns to Bristol city centre. Lambrini Girls, Fcukers and NewDad lead the line-up, joined by Mandy, Indiana, Ratboys, Lucia & The Best Boys and more.
Click here to discover more.
Good Times Live 2026 (From 20 to 25 May 2026)
Pepsi Presents Good Times Live comes to Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol, for five days of live music, comedy and family events, with Jessie J, Tom Odell, Madness, Emeli Sandé and Russell Howard.
Click here for more information.
Bristol Folk Festival (From 1 to 3 May 2026)
Bristol Folk Festival returns for the May Bank Holiday weekend, 1 to 3 May 2026. Expect a strong mix of UK and international artists, with The Unthanks, Ye Vagabonds, The Breath, John Smith, Honeyfeet and Sam Sweeney leading the line-up.
Click here for more information.
There are many festivals and events happening this spring/summer in Bristol. Click here for more information.
Exhibitions
The Last Resort at Martin Parr Foundation (Now until 24 May 2026)
To honour the late Martin Parr, the Martin Parr Foundation launches its exhibition of his iconic series The Last Resort. Shot in New Brighton between 1983 and 1985, the pioneering colour documentary work will be shown alongside contact sheets, archive material and the original Plaubel Makina 67 camera used to create the images.
Click here for more information.
Mini Museum Hunt: 50 Years of Aardman at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery (Now until 13 September 2026)
Mini Aardman treasures are hidden around Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to celebrate Aardman’s 50th anniversary. Pick up a detective map and hunt for the tiny animation artefacts scattered throughout the museum. More treasures will be added to the Mini Museum Hunt during the year.
Click here to discover more.
Ocean Photographer of the Year at Brunel’s SS Great Britain (Now until 28 June 2026)
Explore the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 exhibition at SS Great Britain. Featuring over 100 powerful images from around the world, the show highlights the beauty and fragility of our oceans. Displayed in the ship’s Dry Dock, the exhibition runs until 28 June and includes the grand prize-winning image by Yury Ivanov.
Click here for more information.
Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space at the Royal West of England Academy (Now until 19 April 2026)
A major art and science exhibition exploring humanity’s fascination with space is on show at the Royal West of England Academy. The exhibition features work by artists including Yinka Shonibare and Christopher Le Brun, alongside rare artefacts from the archives of the Royal Astronomical Society, including historic moon drawings, star maps and celestial globes.
Click here for more information.
