About The City Brief Bristol
Your Personal Newsletter For All Local Events in Bristol
Bristol has a long history as a centre for commerce, culture, and local discussion. From its time as a major port to its growth as a hub for music, film, and progressive ideas, each neighbourhood has developed its own character and events calendar. The City Brief helps you stay up-to-date on what's happening across Bristol each week, whether that's a festival in Bedminster, a walking tour in the Old City & Centre, or community events around landmarks like St. Mary Redcliffe Church. Our weekly coverage follows the recurring celebrations that define Bristol's year: the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, the Harbour Festival with free weekend performances, Upfest's street art displays, and Bristol Pride. We also monitor smaller events, craft beer festivals, theatre, markets, and local initiatives, that give neighbourhoods like Stokes Croft and Clifton Village their weekly rhythm. Bristol offers a varied event scene. A typical week might include experimental performance art at Mayfest, street art events around the city, or a sailing of The Matthew of Bristol. Neighbourhoods have their own flavour: Southville has an independent spirit, Park Street its galleries and shops, Harbourside its crowds and activities. Knowing what's on, where, and when, given the city's size and the number of events, can be difficult. That's where we come in. The City Brief simplifies Bristol's weekly events into a clear, local newsletter. We focus on genuine happenings, festivals, talks, markets, performances, and community events, without the noise. We help you navigate the calendar, discover what's nearby, and stay connected to the city's culture. Whether you're in North Fringe, the West End, or anywhere else, our digest keeps you informed about worthwhile local events.
What we Cover
Each week The City Brief highlights events happening across Bristol – live music, theatre, food, family activities, markets and more.
Have a look at what's happening this week and this coming weekend.
About The City Brief
The City Brief is a global network of local newsletters. We succeed in sending the best of local information to local people. To learn more, visit our main website.
About the editor
The City Brief Bristol is edited by Dean Withey, founder of The City Brief. A former RAF pilot turned founder and investor, Dean has built and sold two technology companies, including ubisend, a conversational AI platform used by the NHS and BAE Systems, and has shipped more than thirty enterprise AI systems over twenty years in tech. He is based in Norwich, England.
Why this site exists, in Dean's words: "In an AI-powered world, you can no longer trust what you see and hear online. The future is local: trusting only what you can see for yourself. The City Brief is the trusted brief for what's happening in your city."
Listings are gathered from venue websites, official box offices and event platforms, then checked and curated before publishing. AI tools assist with drafting; every published page follows our editorial policy.
Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it.