Situated on the River Avon, Bristol represents a city steeped in history. While many of its sites inviting us to look back at its past, the city encourages visitors and locals to look ahead with some new and exciting openings and events coming this year.

© Paul Box, Visit West

Bristol will be the home of many festivals this year, such as Bristol Harbour Festival, July 15–17. This iconic festival will celebrate its 50^th year with music, maritime fun and markets around the city’s harborside. Visitors and locals will enjoy live performances, circus acts, street food, market stalls and more than 100 sailing ships in the harbor.

Another highly anticipated event, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, will take place August 11–14. Hosted at Ashton Court Estate, more than 100 hot air balloons gather for a mass ascent. One night of the festival, Night Glow, sees the sky light up with the balloons. The festival will also feature market stalls, live music and street food stalls.

© Dave Pratt, Visit West

Bristol’s museums have much to show in 2022, as well. At Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, an exhibition of works selected by leading artist Grayson Perry will grace the halls. The exhibition runs through Sept. 4. At M Shed Museum, the Think Global, Act Bristol exhibition invites visitors and locals to engage in the city’s role in the climate and ecological crises and learn about the city’s role in the past and present. This exhibition runs from June 25 to the end of October.

The highly anticipated Wake the Tiger Amazement Park, slated to run this summer, will feature interactive and immersive art displays. The one-hour journey transports visitors into the magical realms of an ‘alchemist’s dream.’ Visitors will explore 27 artistic rooms, each aiming to transform the way we live and encourage us to make positive steps to create a brighter future.

© Gary Newman, Visit West

Recently opened and soon-to-open hotels also bring excitement to Bristol. Located on Broad Street, the former Edward Everard printworks building becomes a 4-star Clayton Hotel, courtesy of Dalata Group. The early 20^th-century property will include 255 rooms and a restaurant.

The Moxy Bristol Hotel, opened this April, joins the city, with its 214 rooms situated in a boutique and affordable hotel. Part of the Marriott group, Moxy Bristol Hotel embraces sustainable initiatives and serves as a convenient location for visitors wanting to stay close to the city center and shopping quarter.