Old City Sounds 2026
Bristol’s free music festival, Old City Sounds, returns this August Bank Holiday
Date
29 August 2026
Sabrina Shutter
Senior Events Project Manager
Presented by Bristol BID, Old City Sounds will make its return on Saturday 29 August. Back for its fourth edition, the festival will once again transform Bristol’s Old City with live music, creative activities, family entertainment and plenty to see and do.
Taking place across King Street, Welsh Back, St Nicholas Street and St Stephen’s Church, Old City Sounds is delivered in partnership with local venues and businesses. It also incorporates the beloved Old Duke Jazz Festival, a staple of Bristol’s music calendar for almost 60 years.
The festival is designed to showcase independent venues, hospitality businesses and the creative community that makes the Old City such a vital cultural hub. The festival offers a free, accessible day out for families before the start of the new school year.
Alongside a music programme featuring everything from swing to soul, rock to pop, to DnB, the kids’ zone will also return, packed with live music, craft, face painting, circus performers, bubble artists, and more.
Explore Old City venues
Bristol Old Vic
An eclectic blend of big band, jazz, dance classes and pop covers at the UK's oldest continually running theatre.
The Crown
Late night favourite The Crown welcomes some of Bristol's finest drum n bass collectives, keeping the party rolling into the early hours.
Franco Manca
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with live music and a bite to eat at the Clare Street pizzeria.
The Glassboat
The ever-popular Old City Sounds silent disco returns to our favourite on-the-water venue.
The Library Cocktail Bar
Always popular with cocktail lovers, get set for an evening of soulful singing. 18+ only.
The Mother's Ruin
Bands playing outdoors from 3pm before some of Bristol's finest DJs take over the bar and The Rathouse until late into the night.
Mr Wolfs
Doubling up on last year's offering, Mr Wolfs are serving up a live music lineup featuring Bristol Northern Soul Club, famous faces and so much more.
The Old Duke
King Street's legendary jazz venue will be celebrating nearly 60 years of their beloved festival with an all-day jazz celebration.
Seamus O'Donnells
Country, indie and folk music at the Old City's very own Irish bar - famed for its party atmosphere.
St Nicholas' Market
A global food offering at Bristol's legendary covered market - the perfect stop-off in between the music.
St Stephen's Church
Jam packed with music, crafts, workshops and fun for all ages, our designated Kids' Zone is back.
Latest news
Keep up to date with updates for the 2026 festival.
This event has been part-funded by Bristol City Council’s City Centre and High Street Programme, the West of England Combined Mayoral Authority and the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.