We might still be in hibernation mode somewhat due to the cold weather, but there are plenty of activities and events to get involved in this March, which will be worth creeping out of our little cocoon for! From holidays, like St Patrick’s Day and Mothering Sunday, to seeing the city aglow, to unique experiences like candlelight concerts. The fun will not stop with these things to do in Bristol this March.
Celebrate the Emerald Isle with St Patrick’s Day
Unfortunately, there’s no St Patrick’s Day Parade again in Bristol in 2026—with organisers opting for a St. Patrick’s Weekend Fleadh Cheoil instead. That won’t dampen the celebrations of Irish culture and heritage, however, as the Trinity Centre is transformed for a full-day celebration of music, dance, workshops, and community across multiple spaces in one venue.
Picture it: A string quartet, a breathtaking church, your favourite music, and hundreds of gently glowing candles. Sounds pretty spectacular, right? There’s nothing more special than a Candlelight concert. In March, choose between the best of Hans Zimmer (known for his iconic movie soundtracks) or the chart-topping combination of Ed Sheeran meets Coldplay
Take ‘Inspiration’ from Bristol Temple Meads station
Part of Railway 200, celebrating 200 years of the modern railway, ‘Inspiration’ is a unique travelling exhibition housed inside a specially-liveried train. This free experience explores key moments in railway innovation, engineering and future careers through interactive carriages.
Watch the Women’s League Cup final
The 2026 Women’s League Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United will kick off at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate Stadium. The WSL champions will play in a record seventh consecutive final, while United are in the final for the first time in their history. Part of the WSL Football’s Fan Choice pilot, for the first time, fans will also be able to consume alcohol in the stands for the Final!
Witness a world premiere
A new stage adaptation of ‘The Greatest Showman’ will make its world premiere this March. Based on the 2017 smash-hit film, which tells the heavily fictionalised life story of P. T. Barnum, the new musical will debut at the Bristol Hippodrome, starring Oliver Tompsett in the lead role.
Support the independent women in your life
Supporting women shouldn’t be reserved for International Women’s Day. But serves as a positive reminder. ‘Ark At She! is a funny, heartfelt celebration of Bristol’s forgotten working-class women (from local comedian Dani Johns), specially created for M Shed to spotlight exciting, quirky and wonderful women who once called Bristol home.
Elsewhere, for International Women’s Day, Bristol Women’s Voice International returns to City Hall. Centred around themes of ‘Connection’ and ‘Common Ground’, and what women can achieve together, expect over 50 workshops, talks, panel debates, performances and many more activities.
Treat your mum to an afternoon tea for Mother’s Day
Of all the events on this list, this is the one you really don’t want to forget for heaven’s sake! Put Mothering Sunday in your diary. It’s your chance to treat your dear mum or mother figure to something special—you can’t go wrong with an afternoon tea, so why not book one this March or order one online to come straight to her door?
Spark your creativity at Neon Naked Life Drawing. With a paintbrush in one hand, and a wine glass in the other (or beer, soft drink, whatever), this unique painting workshop lets your imagination run wild in a fluorescent neon-lit setting. Draw vibrant, UV-lit life models and experiment with fun techniques like continuous line drawing, pointillism, and more!
Step into The Jazz Room for the songs of Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong
From Sinatra’s effortless swing style to Armstrong’s unforgettable voice and trumpet, their music comes alive once again in a heartfelt live tribute performance. Don’t miss this celebration of two icons whose influence shaped the world of popular music at The Jazz Room.
Get artsy around Bristol’s galleries
There are several incredible art galleries and spaces—including RWA, Spike Island and UPFEST Shop—showing off the city’s art scene over Bristol Gallery Weekend. The huge arts programme includes everything from artists’ fairs to studio tours, have-a-go sessions, and so much more.
Ger delulu with elrow
elrow is taking over The Prospect Building with high-energy house and techno. Get ready for outrageous production, immersive decor and the unmistakable elrow atmosphere—from confetti raining down to performers in every direction and the world’s best DJs blowing off the roof.
See the complete works of William Shakespeare performed (sort of)
You can catch both Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Bristol this March. But you can actually catch all the Bard’s plays in one place, with The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). The worldwide comic phenomenon returns with an updated and reinvented rollercoaster ride through all 37 of his legendary plays.
Soak up the Avon Gorge and head downstream towards the Bristol Channel
Bristol Packet Boat Trips reopens its Avon Gorge Cruise this March for 2026. Soaking up spectacular views of Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge, as you head downstream towards the Bristol Channel, for a 3.5 round trip. Pack your own picnic and climb aboard!
The post 13 absolutely marvellous things to do in Bristol this March – from boat cruises to world premieres appeared first on Secret Bristol.
