Free Bank Holiday Festival This August Line-Up & Set Times

Published On: August 20th, 2026

Free Bank Holiday Festival This August Line-Up & Set Times

The full programme and set times are now live ahead of Bristol’s ultimate free Bank Holiday festival this August, taking place on Saturday 29 August.

Old City Sounds returns next weekend, bringing a massive, free celebration of live music and entertainment to the historic Old City. From live bands and kids’ activities to silent discos and late-night DJ takeovers, this free August Bank Holiday festival offers an unmissable lineup for all ages.

Running from 12:00 PM until 4:00 AM on Saturday 29 August, the free, family-friendly event spans 11 iconic venues across central Bristol: Bristol Old Vic, Mr Wolfs, The Old Duke, Mother’s Ruin, The Crown, The Library, Seamus O’Donnell’s, St Nicholas Market, Franco Manca, The Glassboat, and St Stephen’s Church.

With just over a week to go, the full programme is live with complete set times and venue maps to help festivalgoers plan their weekend: oldcitysounds.co.uk.

What’s On: Free Live Music Across Bristol’s Old City

Now in its fourth year, Old City Sounds is curated to be explored on foot, with every venue offering a distinct vibe just minutes apart:

Mr Wolfs: Doubling its lineup for 2026, headline acts include Jack Bessant (Reef founder), Chris Jagger & The Terraplanes (fronted by the brother of Mick Jagger), Bristol Northern Soul Club, KIMA MOON, and a closing set by DJ Jambo.
Bristol Old Vic: A vibrant mix of big band, brass, and dancing featuring the Bristol Community Big Band, free Lindy Hop dance classes, and a late-night show from local legends The ZuZu Men.
The Old Duke (King Street): Celebrating nearly 60 years of its iconic jazz festival with an all-day blues and jazz lineup, including The Patsy Gamble Blues Collective.
Seamus O’Donnell’s & St Nicholas Market: Catch country, indie, and folk acts like Devils Doorbell at Seamus O’Donnell’s, or grab street food accompanied by DJ Paradisco at St Nick’s.
Franco Manca & The Glassboat: Enjoy an intimate, unplugged Sofar Sounds session at Franco Manca, or dance by the water at The Glassboat’s open-air silent disco.

Free Family Activities & Kids Zone

Families looking for free things to do in Bristol this August Bank Holiday can head directly to St Stephen’s Church.

The dedicated Kids Zone features a packed schedule of free entertainment, including:

Afidance’s African Drumming Workshop
Live youth music performances and interactive arts & crafts
An all-ages family rave to close out the afternoon

Late-Night DJ Takeovers & Nightlife

As night falls, the festival transitions into a celebration of Bristol nightlife:

Mother’s Ruin: Shifts from outdoor daytime bands to high-energy indoor DJ sets, headlined by Get Weird: YGF Dex ft. The Loud Pack.
The Crown: Delivering underground electronic music until 4:00 AM with a full Void Radio takeover, featuring Rogue Frequency: Glovez and No More All Male Lineups presenting K-SHA b2b Karmae T.

“A Truly Unique Free Festival for Bristol”

Sabrina Shutter, Senior Project Events Manager at Bristol BID, commented:

“What makes Old City Sounds really special is the incredible range of programmes our venues have created individually. From a family rave and creative workshops to live music and top DJ collectives, there is something for every age and musical taste.

Best of all, it is completely free—giving everyone the chance to experience Bristol’s brilliant independent venues, support local artists, and enjoy everything the Old City has to offer this August Bank Holiday weekend.”