Bristol comes alive with festivals that celebrate every sound—from bass-heavy beats to orchestras in the park. Discover the city’s biggest stages, community gatherings, and iconic celebrations that make Bristol a true festival capital.

Click on the pictures to find out more!

Love Saves the Day

Love Saves the Day – (Est. 2012) Flagship dance festival at Ashton Court. 🌍 60,000+ attendees, 10+ stages, 300+ artists. Fact: Has moved 3 times due to rapid growth. Past headliners: Fatboy Slim, Chase & Status, Little Simz, Andy C, Disclosure, Shy FX.

Forwards Festival

Forwards Festival – (Est. 2022) Future-facing two-day festival on Clifton Downs. 🌍 20,000+ attendees, 2 main stages. Fact: Combines global headliners with “Forwards Thinking” talks. Past headliners: Aphex Twin, Erykah Badu, Little Simz, Raye, Primal Scream.

Bristol Sounds

Bristol Sounds – (Est. 2016) Summer gig series on the Harbourside Amphitheatre. 🎶 20,000+ total attendees, 5,000 per night. Fact: One of the UK’s most scenic festival backdrops. Past headliners: Elbow, Bonobo, Paolo Nutini, Noel Gallagher, Bloc Party.

St Paul's Carnival

St Paul’s Carnival – (Est. 1968) Legendary celebration of Caribbean culture in the heart of St Paul’s. 🎭 100,000+ attendees, 20+ sound systems, live stages. Fact: A cornerstone of Bristol’s cultural identity. Past headliners: UB40, Aswad, Tanya Stephens, Laid Blak, Tricky.

Bristol Pride Festival

Bristol Pride Festival – (Est. 2010) Colourful city-wide celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and music. 🌈 40,000+ attendees for parade & main stage. Fact: Among the UK’s biggest free Pride events. Past headliners: Carly Rae Jepsen, Melanie C, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Sink the Pink DJs.

Simple Things Festival

Simple Things Festival – (Est. 2011) Cutting-edge multi-venue festival of experimental sounds. 🔊 10,000+ attendees, 50+ acts. Fact: Fuses avant-garde with Bristol’s bass culture. Past performers: Jon Hopkins, Caribou, Skepta, Floating Points, The Horrors.

Outer Town Festival

Outer Town Festival – (Est. 2022) DIY multi-venue takeover in Old Market. 🎤 60+ bands, 9 stages, 2,000+ fans. Fact: Entirely grassroots, with Bristol’s DIY spirit at its core. Past performers: Local indie, punk, alt and DIY acts.

Dot to Dot Festival

Dot to Dot Festival – (Est. 2005) One-day multi-venue showcase of new talent across 15+ Bristol stages. 🎸 20,000+ attendees, 150+ artists. Fact: Launchpad for global stars. Past performers: The xx, Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine, IDLES, Sam Fender.

Valley Festival

Valley Fest – (Est. 2014) Family-friendly festival by Chew Valley Lake, 30 mins from Bristol. 🌿 10,000+ attendees, 4 main stages. Fact: Known as “the best-tasting music festival” thanks to its foodie farm roots. Past headliners: Bastille, Travis, Clean Bandit, Sophie Ellis-Bextor.