Featured Events in Bristol in May 2025 (December Updated)

Katie Paterson in collaboration with Zeller & Moye has gathered 10,000 tree species spanning time and space for Hollow. A new public artwork for Bristol, commissioned by the University of Bristol and produced by Situations. From 9 May 2016 step inside a structure that is made of thousands of unique samples of tree species, sourced from every country across the world, from fossilized trees from the earliest forests that emerged over 390 million years ago to the most recent emergent species. Within Hollow you will discover the story of the planet. Renowned for her exploration of the cosmos and geological time, artist Katie Paterson has amassed a collection of 10,000 tree species to form a new artwork for Bristol. The samples of wood span time and space and have been sourced from across the globe. From the oldest tree in the world to some of the youngest and near-extinct species, the tree samples contain within them stories of the planet’s history and evolution through time. Hollow opens to mark the opening of the University of Bristol’s new Life Sciences building. As part of the unveiling of Hollow, join the artist and architects in conversation with Dr Jon Bridle from the University of Bristol's Life Sciences department. Monday 9 May, 6.15pm see www.situations.org.uk for booking details.

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

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

BOUNCERS - a hilarious comedy by John Godber Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt at this uproarious comedy by the talented John Godber. Join us at the Hen & Chicken for a night of non-stop entertainment as we follow the antics of a group of bouncers at a local nightclub. With witty dialogue and hilarious situations, this play is sure to leave you in stitches. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of laughter! Information Source: Star Nation | eventbrite

Taster Sessions are an opportunity for beginners to try paddling for the first time with an experienced paddler/coach or for club members to meet and enjoy time on the water together. It's a good way to meet other members of the club. It is a gentle paddle on the River Avon in kayaks and canoes and is suitable for adults and children over 8 and most abilities. Please do contact us if you want to check if it will be OK for you. We ask that if you have a child paddling with us you stay at the sailing club or nearby in case your child wants to finish early or gets cold. We meet at 6.30pm at the Bristol Avon Sailing Club, get everyone sorted with boats and kit and then get you on the water. We paddle either upstream or downstream depending on conditions. There is no charge for parking. There are changing facilities, toilets and showers (male and female) so bring a towel. We aim to be off the water by 8.30pm. After the paddle some of us head to the nearby pub for a drink and cheesy chips. You'd be very welcome to join us. What do I need to bring? You need to bring water, a snack and a spare set of dry clothes. We recommend wearing shorts or leggings - not jeans! A warm layer like a fleece is a good idea for cooler days. Avoid cotton t-shirts and bottoms. If you have one - a wet-suit is great. If windy you might want to wear a cagoule. You will need to wear something on your feet - wet suit boots/beach shoes or trainers you don't mind getting wet are ideal. Kit If you require kit - boat, paddle, spraydeck, helmet and buoyancy aid then we can provide it for you. We ask that all paddlers wear a helmet for their own safety. Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. We look forward to paddling with you. Thank you To the volunteers from NACC who make Taster Sessions possible. Information Source: North Avon Canoe Club | eventbrite

Nordic walking is a fun and welcoming outdoor activity that builds on natural walking. Using two lightweight poles, it transforms your walk into a full-body workout. It’s suitable for everyone, and with the right technique, you can regain your energy, strengthen your upper and lower body, relax your mind, and feel the joy of your whole body moving. Plus, you can burn 20-46% more calories than regular walking! Come and try a Nordic walking taster session with our friendly, qualified instructors—they’ll provide the poles, and you can go at your own pace. No need to worry about fitness levels; it’s all about enjoying yourself and moving in a way that feels good. Meeting point: Knowle West Health Park, Downton Road BS4 1WH This taster is part of the Bristol Walk Fest 2025. Got any questions, email Vicky@letswalkbristol.org Information Source: Let's Walk Bristol C.I.C | eventbrite

Join us for The Clay Connection, a hands-on workshop exploring the incredible ceramic work on display at the Ken Stradling Collection. Guided by Amber Bardell, an experienced arts facilitator, this session will invite you to: Engage with clay through mindfulness exercisesCreate observational drawings inspired by Sam Haile’s workHand-build your own ceramic vessels, decorating them with patterns influenced by Haile’s designsThis workshop is open to all abilities and designed to immerse you in the artistic process, encouraging playful exploration and creativity. Attendees will be able to take home their pots and drawings on the same day, with all materials provided. Since this is a single-session workshop, we will be using air-drying clay, allowing us to experience the full breadth of hand-building techniques within the time available. 🔗 Find out more about Amber Bardell: www.amberbardell.com | Instagram: @amberbardell 📍 Accessibility: Please note that the workshop space is accessed via stairs, and we will be moving between levels to view the exhibition. Seating will be provided for the main portion of the session. For any access queries, please contact engagement@stradlingcollection.org. Information Source: The Stradling Collection | eventbrite

Join us for The Clay Connection, a hands-on workshop exploring the incredible ceramic work on display at the Ken Stradling Collection. Guided by Amber Bardell, an experienced arts facilitator, this session will invite you to: Engage with clay through mindfulness exercisesCreate observational drawings inspired by Sam Haile’s workHand-build your own ceramic vessels, decorating them with patterns influenced by Haile’s designsThis workshop is open to all abilities and designed to immerse you in the artistic process, encouraging playful exploration and creativity. Attendees will be able to take home their pots and drawings on the same day, with all materials provided. Since this is a single-session workshop, we will be using air-drying clay, allowing us to experience the full breadth of hand-building techniques within the time available. About the Facilitator Amber Bardell is a multidisciplinary artist based in Bristol, UK, whose work draws inspiration from the natural world to share affirmations. They explore the concept of nourishment, examining how the arts contribute to well-being on both a personal and community level through arts facilitation. Bardell’s multimedia practice spans painting, ceramics, murals, animation, and curation. Their interdisciplinary approach allows them to select the most apt medium for each concept they engage with. Currently, Bardell is transitioning towards a more sustainable practice, exploring what it means to collaborate with the earth. 🔗 Find out more about Amber Bardell: www.amberbardell.com | Instagram: @amberbardell 📍 Accessibility: Please note that the workshop space is accessed via stairs, and we will be moving between levels to view the exhibition. Seating will be provided for the main portion of the session. For any access queries, please contact engagement@stradlingcollection.org. Information Source: The Stradling Collection | eventbrite