Old City Sounds 2026
Bristol’s free music festival, Old City Sounds, returned in August 2026.
Date
29 August 2026
Sabrina Shutter
Senior Events Project Manager
The free Bank Holiday festival once again brought together 11 venues across the Old City, with Bristol Old Vic, Mr Wolfs, The Old Duke, Mothers’ Ruin, The Crown, The Library, Seamus O’Donnell’s, St Nicholas Market, Franco Manca, The Glassboat and St Stephen’s Church, each creating their own unique programme of entertainment.
Running from midday until late, the festival moved from family activities and live performances during the day to DJ sets and label takeovers at night, inviting visitors to explore the Old City and discover independent venues, bars, and hidden gems.
One of the day’s standout moments came at Bristol Old Vic, where its historic foyer was transformed into a 20s ballroom as Lindy Hop dancers, young and old, took to the floor, accompanied by Bristol Community Big Band. The programme continued into the evening with The ZuZu Men, wowing the crowd with their extensive repertoire of covers.
Programme & festival map
Our programme and festival map allowed festivalgoers to discover all 11 Old City Sounds venues and plan their day.
The eclectic line-up was, as ever, packed with live music, entertainment and events throughout the day, from 12pm until late.
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.
News
Updates from the 2026 festival.
This event was 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.