What's On This January In Bristol

2023 is off to a great start already in Bristol. Make the most of it by reading our blog on all of the best events, shows and festivals in Bristol this month. Find out what's on this January in Bristol.

Lunar New Year at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery: 28^th – 29^th January 2023

Welcome in the Year of the Rabbit with live performances and activities with Bristol Museum’s community partners. A trip to the museum will see the return of the exciting and colourful lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, and the chance to learn about Chinese and Korean culture. There are plenty of craft and traditional activities, and look out for our roving pandas!  You can also find beautiful Chinese goods for sale in the shop. To see the programme and find out more, click here.

Photo Open exhibition at the Royal West of England Academy : 28^th Jan - 1^st May 2023

Following Bristol Royal Academy’s 169th Annual Open Exhibition, showcasing some of the most exciting artists from across the country and beyond, which closes on January 8^th, the RWA presents the Photo Open.

The RWA Photo Open celebrates contemporary photographic practice in all its forms. This Open Call exhibition invited submissions from artists and photographers, at any stage of their careers, who create photographic work or explore the nature of photography in their work.

All exhibits in the Photo Open will be for sale and once the show opens can be purchased from the RWA shop online and at the RWA.

For more information on photography at the RWA, click here.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year at MShed: 19^th November 2022—29^th May 2023

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is back at M Shed with a brand new set of images capturing the breath-taking diversity of the natural world. Celebrating its 58^th year, this exhibition is a must-see for any nature, wildlife and photography enthusiasts. To book tickets and check opening times, take a look at their website.

Belly laughs Bristol: 5^th – 31^st January 2023

Set up by Mark Olver in 2018, Belly Laughs is back! Buckle up for a month of live gigs and excellent food and drink across the city, all in the name of raising money for good causes.

With contributions from some of Mark’s comedian friends and familiar Bristol faces (including Russell Howard, Jon Richardson, Abi Clarke, Jayde Adams, John Robins, Joe Wilkinson and more) you are invited to celebrate this glorious city whilst raising money for good causes.

This year will support a range of Bristol charities, including Caring in Bristol and Julian Trust.

Tickets are selling out fast, to book and find out more, click here.

Winter Wonders Activity Trail at Westonbirt Arboretum: 7^th January – 28^th February 2023

Follow a trail through Silk Wood, enjoying a winter ‘sound hunt’ by listening for the wind blowing through the tree tops, the birds singing and your footsteps crunching on leaves.

Learn about the science of winter and trees and find out how some animals keep cosy in the woodland. Find these activities and more at Westonbirt Arboretum, perfect for the whole family! To plan your visit, click here.

Jersey Boys at the Bristol Hippodrome: 10^th – 20^th January 2023

The internationally acclaimed stage sensation Jersey Boys is working its way back around the UK! This smash hit musical has won 65 major awards and has been seen by over 27 million people worldwide. Appearing at Bristol’s iconic Hippodrome Theatre, you won’t want to miss opening night! Book tickets here.

Circus of Horrors at Wookey Hole: 12^th January 2023

The famed Circus of Horrors is back and better than ever, with the all new haunted fairground. Imagine a brilliant rock show combined with amazing, bizarre & dare devil Circus acts, a stellar light show all performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek. If Quentin Tarantino had directed Cirque Du Soleil you would be half way there. For more information and tickets, click here.

An introduction to Psychedelic Medicine at The Square Club: 18^th January 2023

For over 15 years Dr Ben Sessa has been at the forefront of psychedelic research in the UK. Come along to a talk by Ben about the history, pharmacology and clinical uses of psychedelics, followed by a discussion about the current psychedelic renaissance and further details of his team’s new psychedelic clinic in Clifton. For more info and tickets, click here.

Stay with Clifton Short Lets this January, part of Bristol’s favourite independent hospitality group.

As always, for more information on all of the events happening in Bristol this season, take a look at Visit Bristol.