What’s On in Bristol This Weekend – 6th to 8th November 2026

Fireworks, live music, festivals and plenty of Bristol entertainment!

Looking for what’s on in Bristol this weekend?

November has arrived, and Bristol certainly isn’t slowing down.

With Bonfire Night celebrations continuing across the city, some spectacular fireworks displays are planned for Friday and Saturday. Meanwhile, one of Bristol’s biggest independent music festivals returns, the Hippodrome takes audiences back to the future, and Sunday brings live music, comedy, markets and plenty of opportunities to explore the city.

Whether you’re planning a big night out, looking for family activities or just fancy discovering something different, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Bristol from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November 2026.

Here are the Base Radio picks for the weekend.

Friday 6th November – Start the Weekend

Downend Round Table Fireworks – King George V Playing Fields

We’re starting with one of Bristol’s major Bonfire Night celebrations.

Downend Round Table Charity Fireworks returns on Friday evening, bringing together fireworks, entertainment, food, fairground attractions and a traditional bonfire.

There are two fireworks displays planned, making this a particularly good option for families.

The children’s display begins at 6.30pm, with the main fireworks spectacular at 8pm.

Gates open at 5.30pm, with entertainment throughout the evening.

The event also raises money for local charities, schools, youth groups and community organisations.

A great way to enjoy Bonfire Night while supporting good causes around Bristol.

High Fade – Trinity Centre

For our Friday-night live music pick, we’re heading to Trinity.

Scottish funk-rock trio High Fade bring their Twice As Nice Tour to Bristol.

Known for their explosive live performances, the band combine funk, disco and rock with impressive musicianship and infectious grooves.

Their reputation has grown from performing on the streets of Edinburgh to attracting audiences around the world.

The event runs from 7pm until 11pm.

If you’re into funk, soul and live music that makes you want to move, this is definitely worth considering.

Girls of the Internet – The Jam Jar

Here’s another Friday-night event that feels particularly suited to the Base Radio audience.

Girls of the Internet bring their live band to The Jam Jar in St Paul’s.

Blending soulful house, disco and electronic music, the project has built a following among fans of quality dance music.

Expect live instrumentation, soulful vocals and plenty of groove.

The event starts at 7.30pm.

A strong alternative if you’re looking for something beyond the usual Friday-night club event.

keiyaA – Shredenhams

For something more experimental, American singer and producer keiyaA performs at Shredenhams in Broadmead.

Her music moves between R&B, jazz, electronic sounds and alternative soul.

The performance begins at 8pm.

Important venue change: This show was originally advertised at Bristol Beacon’s Lantern Hall but has moved to Shredenhams.

Existing tickets remain valid.

Saturday 7th November – A Huge Day for Bristol

Simple Things Festival 2026 – Across Bristol

This has to be our Base Radio music event of the weekend.

Simple Things Festival returns to Bristol on Saturday 7th November, celebrating its twelfth edition with a huge programme of independent, electronic and experimental music.

The festival takes over several city-centre venues, including Bristol Beacon, Strange Brew, Rough Trade, The Island and Shredenhams.

And the line-up is seriously impressive.

Artists include The Avalanches, Squid, Shabaka, Cobrah, Panda Bear & Sonic Boom, Gold Panda, Hannah Diamond, Moor Mother, Mykki Blanco, Nathan Fake and Cloud Nothings.

There are also special guest-curated programmes from Squid, Shabaka, Jeremy Deller and Cobrah.

The festival begins at 12 noon, with music taking place across the city throughout the day and evening.

For anyone interested in discovering new music, experiencing different sounds and supporting Bristol’s independent music culture, this is one of the biggest events of the weekend.

Bristol Fireworks Fiesta – Canford Park

Saturday evening brings another major fireworks celebration.

Bristol Fireworks Fiesta returns to Canford Park in Westbury-on-Trym on Saturday 7th November.

Organised as a charity event, the display features fireworks from Skyburst, winners of the 2023 British Firework Championships.

The evening also includes music, family entertainment and a post-display foam party.

Gates open at 5.30pm, with fireworks scheduled for 7pm.

Tickets must be purchased online in advance, with no tickets available at the gates.

There’s also no public parking at the event, so visitors are encouraged to walk or use public transport.

This is one of our strongest family things to do in Bristol this weekend.

Fireworks to Music – Avon Valley Adventure Park

If you prefer your fireworks with a musical twist, Avon Valley Adventure Park has something special.

Its annual Fireworks to Music Spectacular returns on Friday and Saturday evening.

This year’s theme is 00s Pop vs K-Pop.

Expect fireworks, flames and lasers choreographed to music, combining early-2000s chart favourites with modern K-pop anthems.

The event runs from 5pm until 9pm, with fireworks expected at approximately 7pm, subject to conditions.

There are also food outlets and additional attractions around the park.

A great option for families who enjoy music as much as fireworks.

Back to the Future: The Musical – Bristol Hippodrome

Great Scott!

Back to the Future: The Musical continues its Bristol run at the Hippodrome.

Based on the much-loved 1985 film, the production follows Marty McFly as he travels back to 1955 in Doc Brown’s extraordinary DeLorean.

Expect familiar characters, classic songs, impressive staging and plenty of nostalgia.

Saturday has two performances:

2.30pm – Matinee performance

7.30pm – Evening performance

There’s also a Friday evening performance at 7.30pm.

The production is recommended for ages six and above, making it another option for families with older children.

Lanny – Bristol Old Vic

Saturday is your final opportunity to see Lanny at Bristol Old Vic.

Based on Max Porter’s acclaimed novel, this atmospheric production explores childhood, folklore, family and the relationship between people and the natural world.

Adapted by West Country playwright Bea Roberts and directed by Nancy Medina, the production forms part of Bristol Old Vic’s 260th anniversary celebrations.

There are final performances on Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

If you’re looking for theatre that’s a little different from the traditional West End musical, this could be a great choice.

Saturday Night – Bristol’s Nightlife Continues

Simple Things Festival After Party – Strange Brew and The Island

If a full day of music isn’t enough, Simple Things continues into the early hours.

The festival’s official after-party takes over Strange Brew and The Island, bringing together international electronic artists and Bristol’s underground music community.

The line-up includes Skee Mask and Jlin, alongside other DJs and experimental artists.

Running from 11pm until 6am, this is strictly an 18+ event.

After-party tickets are sold separately from the main festival.

For Bristol’s late-night music crowd, this is a strong Saturday-night option.

The Antics Joke Show – Tobacco Factory Theatres

Not everyone wants to spend Saturday night on a dancefloor.

The Antics Joke Show celebrates its tenth anniversary at Tobacco Factory Theatres.

The evening brings together sketch comedy, improvisation and stand-up, featuring Bristol’s Basic Self Care, Gareth Williams and Up The Antics.

The show starts at 7.30pm in the Spielman Theatre.

A good option if you’d rather spend Saturday laughing than dancing.

Sunday 8th November – Music, Markets and Something Different

Bristol Folk House Craft & Flea Market

Sunday morning is perfect for a browse.

Bristol Folk House hosts its Craft & Flea Market from 11am until 4pm.

Expect independent traders, local makers, artists, handmade creations, vintage finds and unusual gifts.

It’s a great opportunity to support Bristol’s independent creative community while discovering something a little different.

And best of all, entry is free.

Grab a coffee, explore the stalls and see what catches your eye.

Dexys Midnight Runners – Bristol Beacon

Sunday evening brings a major live music event to Bristol.

Dexys Midnight Runners perform at Bristol Beacon, bringing their distinctive mixture of soul, folk and pop to the city.

Led by Kevin Rowland, the band are best known for classics including Come On Eileen.

But there’s considerably more to their musical history than one famous song.

Expect an evening celebrating a distinctive British band with a career spanning several decades.

Doors open at 7pm, with the performance scheduled to begin at 8pm.

A strong way to finish the weekend.

Morgan Rees – Bristol Old Vic

If comedy is more your thing, Morgan Rees brings his latest stand-up show, What a Bummer, to Bristol Old Vic.

The Welsh comedian has built a growing following through his live performances, online videos and appearances on the comedy circuit.

His latest show explores relationships, unexpected life experiences and the sometimes ridiculous situations we find ourselves in.

The performance starts at 7.30pm and is recommended for ages 18+.

The Secret Life of Colour – Bristol Museum

For something more relaxed on Sunday, head to Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

The museum’s major exhibition, The Secret Life of Colour, explores how colour shapes our emotions, cultures and understanding of the world.

The exhibition features works associated with major artists including Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley, Wassily Kandinsky and Hokusai.

Alongside the artwork, visitors can discover colourful natural specimens, historic objects and unusual treasures from museum collections.

It’s a fascinating combination of art, history and science.

The exhibition runs until January, but this weekend is a great opportunity to explore it.

Special exhibition tickets are required.

People’s Art Fair – Stokes Croft

Sunday is also the final day of the People’s Art Fair at the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft.

This free exhibition celebrates Bristol’s independent creative community, bringing together artwork from local artists, makers, photographers and other creatives.

Visitors can explore original artwork, prints and smaller handmade pieces, with many items available to purchase.

The exhibition is open on Sunday from 12 noon until 4pm.

A lovely opportunity to support local creativity without needing an expensive ticket.

Looking for Free Things to Do in Bristol?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the weekend.

The Bristol Folk House Craft & Flea Market is free to visit on Sunday, while the People’s Art Fair offers another opportunity to explore Bristol’s creative scene without paying an admission fee.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery also offers free general admission, although special exhibitions may require tickets.

Or simply enjoy the city itself.

Take a walk around the Harbourside, explore St Nicholas Market, wander through Clifton Village or enjoy the autumn colours around Brandon Hill and Ashton Court.

Sometimes the simplest Bristol days out are the best ones.

Base Radio’s Weekend Picks

If we had to narrow things down this week, Simple Things Festival gets our big music pick.

With The Avalanches, Squid, Shabaka, Gold Panda and plenty more performing across Bristol, it’s a major celebration of independent music.

For families, we’d choose Bristol Fireworks Fiesta at Canford Park, while Avon Valley’s Fireworks to Music looks like another strong option.

For Friday-night music, High Fade at Trinity gets our vote, with Girls of the Internet at The Jam Jar a great alternative.

And for something a little more relaxed on Sunday, we’d recommend the Bristol Folk House Craft & Flea Market.

Whatever You’re Doing This Weekend…

Make Base Radio part of it.

Whether you’re getting ready for a night out, heading to a fireworks display, exploring Bristol with the family or simply relaxing at home, we’ll provide the soundtrack.

Great music all day, every day. No repeats, just more variety.

Listen online at BaseRadio.co.uk

Base Radio – Made in Bristol, Heard Everywhere.