12 Alternative Festivals Happening In Bristol During 2020
Posted on: 20 Jan 2020It’s no secret that Bristol is the place to be when it comes to music festivals.
Simple Things, Dot to Dot, Love Saves the Day, Rave on Avon – the list goes on. But what about other types of festivals?
This year, get ready for a jam-packed lineup of alternative festivals in Bristol; from a brand-new light festival to a week-long event exploring grief. Here’s a taste of what to expect.
Bristol Light Festival
When: Friday 28 February to Sunday 1 March
Vibrant light installations across the city: what could be better?
The very first Bristol Light Festival will see both renowned international light artists and local talent showcase their work across Bristol.
While some light installations will be visiting Bristol for the first time, others have been created exclusively for the festival. Find out more here.
Bristol Women’s Literature Festival
When: Saturday 28 March to Sunday 29 March
An exciting weekend of talks, panels and activities, the 2020 Bristol Women’s Literature Festival lineup features some of the UK’s leading women writers, journalists and academics.
Among this year’s lineup is author and comedian Viv Groskop, double Forward Prize winner Fiona Benson and The Good Immigrant author Coco Khan.
South West Vegan Festival
When: Saturday 11 April
Want to adopt the plant-based lifestyle this year? Head to the South West Vegan Festival in April, hosted at the Passenger Shed.
Expect talks, stalls and cooking demonstrations. Find out more on the website.
Bristol Anime & Gaming Con
When: Saturday 25 April to Sunday 26 April
A two-day event celebrating anime, gaming, cosplay and comics: Bristol Anime & Gaming Con is taking place at Future Inns in April 2020.
Packed with exhibitions, workshops and gaming tournaments, the festival is organized by Animeleague. To find out more, visit the website.
Good Grief Festival
When: Monday 11 May to Monday 17 May
A brand-new festival exploring love and loss arrives in Bristol this May.
Seven days of events, workshops, exhibitions and more, Good Grief Bristol aims to help people talk, think and learn about grief.
Foodies Festival
When: Friday 15 May to Sunday 17 May
One of the UK’s biggest food festivals returns to Durdham Downs this May.
A mouthwatering menu of food stalls live music and masterclasses, Foodies brings a celebration of top chefs and live performances to the city.
UpFest
When: Saturday 30 May to Monday 1 June
A weekend of live mural-painting, music and activities, Upfest is a free, city-wide event in Bristol which celebrates urban street art.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Upfest 2020 will take over Greville Smyth Park, for the event’s first-ever ‘green field’ festival, subject to site permission and licensing. Find out more here.
CrimeFest
When: Thursday 4 June to Sunday 7 June
Each year, novelists, publishers, and readers of Crime literature gather to celebrate CrimeFest.
Packed with panel discussions, talks and workshops, CrimeFest has been running in Bristol since 2008. Want to get a taste of the action? Tickets for this year’s event are on sale now.
Bristol Craft Beer Festival
When: Friday 12 June to Saturday 13 June
Music, beer and food: the Bristol Craft Beer Festival is back for 2020. Explore 40+ breweries from all over the world at Bristol’s sun-glazed harbourside.
DogFest West
When: Saturday 20 June to Sunday 21 June
A festival for dog-lovers, DogFest West returns to Ashton Court Estate this summer for a weekend of activities, shopping and walks.
Expect mass dog walks, loads of exhibitors and a puppy zone, plus much more. Want to find out more? Head here.
Coffee House Project
When: Saturday 5 September to Sunday 6 September
A caffeine-fuelled festival, The Coffee House Project celebrates local, artisan roasters, independent food and drink retailers and home-grown baristas.
A vibrant snapshot of Bristol’s bustling coffee scene, the event sees complimentary tasters, workshops and talks from industry experts; alongside DJs and street food.
Bristol Open Doors
When: September 2020
Want to peek behind the borders on St Michael on the Mount? Or venture into a Victorian asylum? Now’s your chance. Unlock the city with Bristol Open Doors.
For one weekend only, dozens of Bristol buildings and outdoor spaces open to the public with unique drop-in sessions.
It’s a chance to learn more about the city and to celebrate its rich history.
Read more:
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