August Bank Holiday Weekend in Bristol: 9 Things To Do

August Bank Holiday Weekend in Bristol: 9 Things To Do

Posted on: 20 Aug 2020

Seated raves, Record Store Day and socially distanced theatre. 

 

The end of summer is nearing – can you believe it?

 

We may not have had much of a summer in 2020 (thanks COVID), but there’s still time to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

 

So, feast your eyes on this handy list of August Bank Holiday events.

 

At the time of writing, each event listed here requiring a ticket had some remaining. But you’ve got to be quick: they're selling out fast. 

 

Go to a seated rave

 

While clubs remain closed due to COVID-19, venues are finding new ways to party in 2020: introducing the seated rave.

 

Aboard Thekla’s new socially distanced bar, Dockside Bar, resident promoter Pressure will be hosting a sit-down session with indie and alternative tracks Thursday 27 August.

 

On Saturday 29 August, dust off the glitter and get down to Lakota Gardens for Saturday Night Fever: a seated evening of Motown, Funk and Soul.

 

Funk and soul not your thing? Idle Hands boss Chris Farrell and Daisy Moon will be taking over The Christmas Steps courtyard on Saturday 29 August.

 

And on Sunday 30 August, Bristol MC Gardna (and friends) are taking over Attic Bar for an all-day Carnival special. 

Lakota Gardens

Lakota Gardens 
 

Watch live graffiti performance art at Dare 2 Club 

 

Bristol is known for its street art, so why not spend the Bank Holiday watching the masters at work?

 

Head down to Dare 2 Club’s Graffiti Jam on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August. Across the two days, artists will paint graffiti live to a backdrop of DJs and drinks.

 

Book a table slot for a group of four or six for this COVID-secure event. 

Dare 2 Club

Go to an open-air cinema 

 

In partnership with The Alfresco Film Company, The Grange Hotel near Bradley Stoke is hosting an outdoor screening of Dirty Dancing on Friday 28 August.

 

Kickback on the hotel’s beautiful front lawn and enjoy the legendary romantic drama. Limited tickets left. 

The Grange Hotel

Have a giggle at Ashton Gate

 

Join the hilarious Russell Kane and friends in the Dolman Hall for a one-off comedy night on Saturday 29 August.

 

Kane will be joined by Angela Barnes and Charlie Baker.

 

On the night, stadium partners and Bristol pizza extraordinariness Pizza Workshop will be open for business, too. Grab a ticket while you can.

 

 

Head to a pub garden

 

If the sun is shining (fingers crossed), take advantage of Bristol’s many beer gardens and roof terraces: a few new ones have popped up due to COVID-19.

 

But beware: Bank Holiday is always going to be a busy one, so check with your chosen venue whether you’ll need to book a table in advance.

 

A few weeks ago, contemporary circus school Circomedia opened up a stunning pub garden in their grounds on Portland Square.

 

Want more? See our ultimate guide to beer gardens, pub gardens and roof terraces in Bristol. 

Church Pub Garden, Portland Square

Enjoy socially distanced theatre at Bristol Old Vic 

 

Bristol Old Vic has returned from lockdown with a series of live events in its café bar area.

 

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, young theatre makers Leave the Light Ensemble will present a new show, Buffering. 

 

It's based on the pandemic and the feeling of 'being apart, but together, but apart'.

 

And on Saturday 29 August, take part in a Bristol Old Vic like no other with a Character Tour. There's a few tickets left. 

 

Delve into the hidden nooks and crannies of Bristol Old Vic with the help of professional characters, who bring the last two centuries of the theatre's history vividly to life. Bristol Old Vic

Celebrate Record Store Day 

 

Record Store Day looks a little different this year.

 

Instead of the traditional single Saturday, RSD will now 'drop' across three Saturdays in 2020, the first of which is Saturday 29 August.

 

Hundreds of special releases will hit the racks in Bristol record stores, so get ready for a day of socially distanced digging.

Record Store Day 2020

Enjoy an Aerial Circus performance

 

Across the Bank Holiday Weekend, Temple Cloud Circus in BS39 will be hosting an array of outdoor Aerial Circus shows.

 

From Aerial Rope to Trapeze and Doubles Hoop, performers will be fundraising to make up some of the cash lost from the cancellation of summer events.

 

There will be a café and shop on site - don't miss out.

Previous performances at Temple Cloud Circus

Wander through St Nick's Market

 

Usually St Nicholas Market is closed on Bank Holidays, but not this time. 

 

St Nicks Market is home to Bristol's largest collection of independent retailers, and it's been trading since way back in 1743.

 

Explore a maze of quirky stalls, street food and historic architecture between 09:30 and 17:00 on Monday 31 August. 
St Nicks Market Read more:

 


Article by:

Kate Hutchison

 


Kate Hutchison

Get in touch with Kate at kate@365bristol.com