Featured Events in Bristol in May, 2025 (May Updated)

The Stradling Collection features over 2,000 objects, including studio and commercial ceramics, glass, sculpture, furniture, industrial design, and various artworks. Celebrated for its national significance, it is a true treasure of the South West. On the tour, discover the captivating story of the surrealist painter and ceramist Sam Haile, as well as be guided around the collection to examine our extensive collection of British studio ceramics. The collection is eclectic and engaging, often sparking nostalgic reactions from visitors who exclaim, “Oooh – we had one of those!”. Image 2 Credit: @Mattcox.Photography Information Source: The Stradling Collection | eventbrite

Nordic walking is a fun and easy outdoor activity which uses two lightweight poles to build on your natural walking. It is especially good for women as it strengthens bones, helps stabilise joints, and boosts hormones that help mental health. Plus, you can burn 20-46% more calories than regular walking without even getting out of breath! During this walk you will learn the Nordic walking basics then enjoy a sociable stroll around Bristol harbour, finishing at YHA Bristol on the harbourside for refreshments. The event is sponsored by Sport England and there will be a short form about activity levels and wellbeing for you to complete. Vicky Welsh will be your instructor. She is a National Nordic walking trainer and has been teaching people to Nordic walk for over 15 years. Meeting point: YHA Bristol, 14 Narrow Quay, Avon, Bristol BS1 4QA Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xuZFZ4v1LsmAhgvn8 Got any questions? Email Vicky@letswalkbristol.org This is a women only event. Information Source: Let's Walk Bristol C.I.C | eventbrite

Sip and Paint Frida Kahlo! Looking for a creative night in Bristol? Join us for a sip and paint experience at The Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery! This event is inspired by Wyland Tondelier‘s Frida Kahlo portrait! Dash and splash bold and vibrant colours for an evening, as we embrace one of Mexico’s greatest artists. Unleash your creativity – wine glass or prosecco in one hand, paint brush in the other. No experience? No problem! Whether you are looking for a fun night out or are a budding artist, you’ll enjoy creating your own masterpiece. What’s included in your sip and paint event: All art supplies – paint, brushes, canvas and apron providedStep-by-step guidance from a professional artist – or let your creativity lead the way!A themed playlist and upbeat vibes to inspire your artistic flowPlease note your ticket does not include a drink, but a wide range of drinks are available for purchaseYour canvas to take home – showcase your finished work with pride!Whether you’re planning fun things to do with friends, a date night or simply want to try something new, this PopUp Painting event promises a night of creativity and fun. Spaces are limited, so book now to secure your place for this unforgettable sip and paint experience in Bristol! Please see our booking terms and conditions here. Information Source: PopUp Painting & Events Ltd | eventbrite

Sketch to the sounds of a live music performance! Join us for a special edition of PIP Bristol Illustrators Meet-up, where we’ll be drawing to a live performance by Drain Snakes. This relaxed and social session will blend music and illustration, giving you the chance to capture movement, mood, and atmosphere in real time. The band will perform an acoustic or semi-acoustic set, with regular breaks and guided drawing prompts. All skill levels are welcome! Whether you're a seasoned illustrator or just want to have a go, this is a great way to loosen up, experiment, and meet other creatives in the PIP community. Come along, get inspired, and sketch to some live music! About the band: 🎸✍️ Drain Snakes features Bristol illustrators Till Lukat and Jacob Stead, who met at the legendary Shake Bristol illustration market a few years ago and went on to form a band. Now they’re bringing their talents and unique styles together in a one off live music live drawing session! ✏️ What to bring: Basic materials will be available, but feel free to bring your favourite sketchbook and art materials! Poster design: Collab between Till Lukat and Jacob Stead Information Source: The AOI | eventbrite

Join us for a special afternoon celebrating the next generation of ballet talent as Elmhurst Ballet School proudly hosts BRB2 – Birmingham Royal Ballet’s company of rising stars – for an exclusive open rehearsal. Held in the intimate setting of Elmhurst’s Studio Theatre, this live, behind-the-scenes event offers a rare opportunity to observe the creative process up close. Artistic Co-ordinator Kit Holder, in conversation with Elmhurst’s Artistic Director Robert Parker, will lead the rehearsal and discussion, providing insight into Carlos Acosta’s Ballet Celebration – Diaghilev and the Birth of Modern Ballet. Audiences will experience working excerpts from a rich and evocative repertoire inspired by Diaghilev’s legacy, including The Firebird, Spectre de la Rose, Les Sylphides, and Scheherazade. We are especially proud to welcome back Elmhurst alumni Sophie Walters and Marlo Kempsey-Fagg, now dancing with BRB2, as they return to the school that helped shape their journey. Don’t miss this inspiring and up-close encounter with some of ballet’s brightest rising stars. Doors will open at 3:30pm for a 4pm start. Please note that parking on-site is extremely limited. Further parking is available at The MAC/Cannon Hill Park, just a short walk away from the school. If you require accessible parking or have any general enquiries, please contact development@elmhurstdance.co.uk ahead of the event. Information Source: Elmhurst Ballet School | eventbrite

Explore Bristol Bears v Harlequins sporting information for 31st May, as well as links for Rugby Union tickets and more with Fixture Calendar. The Bristol Bears rugby union team, based in Bristol, England, competes in the English Premiership, the top tier of professional rugby union in England. The team was founded in 1888 and has a long history of success, with two Premiership titles and one European Rugby Challenge Cup to their name. Some notable players who have donned the black and red jersey of the Bears include internationals Charles Piutau, John Afoa, and Luke Hamilton. The team is known for their dynamic playing style and dedicated fan base, with home games played at the state-of-the-art Ashton Gate Stadium, which has a capacity of over 27,000. The Bristol Bears are a force to be reckoned with in the world of rugby union and continue to solidify their place as one of the top teams in England. Harlequins, founded in 1866, is a prestigious rugby union team hailing from London, England. They currently compete in the highest level of English rugby, the Premiership Rugby, and have been consistently dominant in the league. The team has also found success in international competitions, with multiple appearances in the prestigious European Rugby Champions Cup. Harlequins boast a talented and diverse roster of players, including current England internationals such as Joe Marler and Danny Care. The team's home ground, Twickenham Stoop, is a state-of-the-art stadium with a capacity of over 14,000, providing an electric atmosphere for spectators. Over the years, Harlequins has accumulated various accolades, including several Premiership titles and European Challenge Cup victories, solidifying their status as one of the top rugby teams in the world. Information Source: fixturecalendar.com

Welcome to 90s Dancehall Wi Seh! Come join us for a night filled with the best vibes from the 90s dancehall era. Get ready to groove to the hottest tunes and showcase your best dance moves at the Malcolm X Community Centre . It's going to be a night to remember, so grab your crew and let's party like it's the 90s all over again! Don't miss out on this epic event - mark your calendars and get ready to experience the ultimate throwback party. See you there! Information Source: Ruff World ENT, Red Money ENT, More Powers Promotion | eventbrite

Dr Dre 2001 an Orchestrated Rendition A groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and orchestral grandeur, bringing the iconic music of Dre’s seminal 2001 album to life in a way never seen before. With an epic live orchestra, this innovative performance blends live strings, horns, drums, keys, and MC and vocals to deliver an electrifying reinterpretation of the legendary West Coast rap masterpiece. Information Source: Dialog Music | eventbrite

Mind & Muse - Creative Block Printing and Stretching Welcome to a day filled with creativity and relaxation! Join us for block printing and a soothing stretching session. This event is all about unleashing your artistic side and finding inner peace through gentle movements. Come ready to get your hands dirty and clear your mind in a fun and mindful way. Let's press, stretch, and breathe together! Information Source: Jaycee-may | eventbrite

The Vermont Book Awards are annual prizes for outstanding literature by Vermont authors, presented by Vermont Humanities and the Vermont Department of Libraries . Every year prizes are awarded for books written by Vermont authors and published in the previous calendar year in four categories: Poetry, Fiction, Creative nonfiction, and Children’s literature. * Join us for this community gathering of writers and readers, honoring books published by Vermont writers in 2024. A dessert reception with cash bar will be followed by a brief program revealing the four winning authors, and announcing Vermont Humanities' next Vermont Reads pick. * Bill McKibben will deliver this year's keynote speech! * Join us in the beautiful, historic chapel in College Hall , at 36 College Street in Montpelier . 2024 Vermont Book Awards Finalists Creative nonfiction William Homestead for Not Till We Are Lost: Thoreau, Education, and Climate Crisis Lucy Ives for An Image of My Name Enters America Adrie Kusserow for The Trauma Mantras: A Memoir in Prose Poems Ethan Tapper How to Love a Forest: The Bittersweet Work of Tending a Changing World Fiction M.T. Anderson for Nicked Maria Hummel for Goldenseal Carolyn Kuebler for Liquid, Fragile, Perishable GennaRose Nethercott for Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart Poetry Julia C. Alter for Some Dark Familiar Kellam Ayres for In the Cathedral of My Undoing Margaret Draft for Nowhere Was a Lake Alison Prine for Loss and Its Antonym Children’s literature Emma Hunsinger for How it All Ends (Middle grade graphic novel) Kekla Magoon for The Secret Library (Middle grade novel) Tanya Lee Stone for Remembering Rosalind Franklin (Picture book) Disability Services Vermont Humanities strives to provide accommodations whenever possible. All event locations are ADA accessible. To request a specific accommodation or a reduced price ticket contact Miciah Bay Gault at mbaygault@vermonthumanities.org by April 18. Hosts and Sponsors The Vermont Book Awards are presented by Vermont Humanities and the Vermont Department of Libraries, with support from the following Vermont businesses, organization, and individuals: Phoenix Books (lead sponsor) The Audiobook Experience (at Voice Over Vermont) Greenway Institute Susan Z. Ritz The Vermont Arts Council Vermont Book Shop * Keynote speaker Bill McKibben is an educator, environmentalist, and the author of more than 20 book. He helped founded 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, and recently launched Third Act , which organizes people over the age of 60 for action on climate and justice. Information Source: Vermont Humanities | eventbrite