Until May 1

The RWA Photo Season
Royal West of England, Bristol

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. Often side-lined as a significant artform, the Photo Open aims to showcase the sheer quality and range of photographic work being produced by photographers and artists across the UK and abroad now.
rwa.org.uk

Until May 1

Jem Southam: A Bend In The River
Royal West of England, Bristol

The RWA presents a special exhibition by leading Bristol-born photographer Jem Southam. Southam is known for his diligently observed landscape photography documenting subtle changes in an environment over time, often photographing his surroundings in the South West of England.
rwa.org.uk

Until May 4

Spotlight Talks: ‘Rodney Graham. Getting it Together in the Country’
Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Bruton

Discover Hauser & Wirth Somerset’s free, drop-in talks exploring the life and work of artist Rodney Graham, led by members of their gallery team. Taking place every Thursday, these talks are open to all, with no advance booking necessary.
hauserwirth.com

Until May 7

Spotlight Talks: ‘The New Bend’
Hauser and With Somerset, Bruton

Discover Hauser & Wirth's free, drop-in talks exploring the work featured in their exhibition, ‘The New Bend’, curated by Legacy Russell. Led by members of their gallery team, these talks are open to all, with no advance booking necessary.
hauserwirth.com

Until May 19

Mother
SERCHIA Gallery, Bristol

SERCHIA presents Mother - an exhibition by Ada Marino, Angela Shaffer, Jade Carr Daley, Jessa Fairbrother, Jip Van de Beek, Julie Scheurweghs, Lindley Warren Mickunas, Safia Mirzai, Shona Morgan, and Vincent Ferrané.
serchiagallery.square.site

Until May 21

Artists Network Exhibition
Royal West of England Academy, Bristol

A long-awaited exhibition showcasing the varied work of Artist Network members, a group of nearly 100 practising visual artists from Bristol and the south-west seeking to develop their careers as painters, printmakers, photographers and sculptors.
rwa.org.uk

Until May 31

Garden Sculpture Trail
American Museum & Gardens, Bath

A contemporary outdoor sculpture trail, featuring 40 unique sculptures by British artists and designers, artfully arranged in the spring gardens
americanmuseum.org

Until June 3

Revolution, Propaganda, Art: Printmaking in Modern China
The Museum of East Asian Art, Bath

The exhibition showcases a series of prints selected from Muban Educational Trust’s collection of over 6,000 and tells the story of China’s twentieth-century wars, revolution and rejuvenation.
meaa.org.uk

Until July 2

The Dynamic by Sebastian Bruno
Martin Parr Foundation, Bristol

The story of Wales’ most distinctive local newspaper—focusing on the newspaper’s editors—Tony Flatman and Julian Meek—and the community they represent, as told by the paper’s former staff photographer.
martinparrfoundation.org

Until July 4

America in Crisis
American Museum & Gardens, Bath

A major American photography exhibition exploring social change in the US through the lens of a diverse group of artists, in an exciting new partnership with the Saatchi Gallery, London.
americanmuseum.org

Until September 2

Sheer: BS3 Contemporary
Silver and Steel Studios, Bedminster

Sheer: BS3 Contemporary celebrates three diverse practises; the jewellery of Lindsay McDonagh, silKK Jewellery, and Emily Butterly represent a new generation of contemporary craft made in the heart of Bristol.
silverandsteelstudios.co.uk

May 2 - 19

West Country Scribes
Ilminster Arts Centre

An exhibition by a well established group of Calligraphers, West Country Scribes, including a Calligraphy Alphabet by all the members.
ilminsterartscentre.com

May 4 - September 24

Myfanwy MacLeod: The Botanist
Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff

Taking Michael Pollan’s book The Botany of Desire as a starting point, Myfanwy MacLeod examines four plants: the apple, the tulip, cannabis, and the potato.
chapter.org

May 12 - 20

Jules Wild : Beautiful Possibilities
Spring Cheltenham

Beautiful Possibilities is the debut solo exhibition of mixed media artist, Jules Wild. The exhibition features some of her latest work exploring her love of bold colour, punchy florals and pops of urban and graffiti references.
juleswild.com

May 19 - June 30

Styled By Design
David Simon Contemporary, Castle Cary

An outstanding exhibition of 20th Century Modernist Textiles, paintings and multiples by 20th Century masters including Pablo Picasso, John Piper, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Elizabeth Frink and Patrick Heron.
davidsimoncontemporary.com

May 20 - August 13

Found Cities, Lost Objects: Women in the City
Royal West of England Academy, Bristol

Curated by Turner Prize winner, Lubaina Himid CBE, this Arts Council Collection touring exhibition explores modern city life from a female perspective. Themes range from safety and navigation to concepts of belonging and power. Included are Bristol artists whose work examines Bristol’s history - where it has come from and where it is now. 
rwa.org.uk

May 23 - June 16

Ilminster Annual Open Art Exhibition
Ilminster Arts Centre

The Ilminster Arts Centre's annual judged Open Exhibition 2023, celebrating the work of established and emerging artists living and working in the south-west.
ilminsterartscentre.com

May 24 - June 9

Afterword | UWE MA Photography Exhibition
SERCHIA Gallery, Bristol

"Afterword" presents selected work by the graduating class of 2023 from The University of the West of England’s Photography MA course. The exhibition celebrates the diverse scope of contemporary photography today, with each artist highlighting its considerable breadth of aesthetic and thematic concern: Motherhood, addiction, place, family, self, philosophy, and politics have all been explored through disparate lenses and differing styles.
serchiagallery.square.site

May 26 - 28

Still and still moving - Od Arts Festival 2023
Across East and West Coker

With a packed programme of art and community activity, expect intriguing artwork by 23 artists in unusual locations across two villages, guided walks, bookbinding, sculpture workshops - even a silent disco. Free and open to all!
odartsfestival.co.uk

May 30

EcoWild Children's Natural Dye Workshop
Greyfield Wood, High Littleton

A fun-filled day in the woods with EcoWild offering the chance to learn about natural plant dyes! Games, exploration and plenty of time to experiment with natural dyes and to dye their own piece to take home.
bookwhen.com

May 31 - June 1

EcoWild Holiday Adventure Club
Greyfield Wood, High Littleton

EcoWild's Holiday Club is a chance for children to explore, learn about wildlife and be inspired by nature. Expect games, art and craft, hot chocolate and cooking snacks on the fire.
bookwhen.com

May 7

Coronation Celebration
SS Great Britain, Bristol

Brunel’s SS Great Britain will celebrate the coronation of King Charles III with a right-royal afternoon tea experience. Visitors can step on board the ship and tuck into a delicious selection of treats in the ship’s luxurious First Class Dining Saloon.
ssgreatbritain.org

May 7

Coronation Big Lunch
Roth Bar & Grill, Bruton

Celebrate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III by taking part in the National Big Lunch at Roth Bar & Grill. Enjoy an arrival cocktail, followed by a two-course seasonal lunch.
rothbarandgrill.co.uk

May 29

All-American BBQ
American Museum and Gardens, Bath

Family friendly American BBQ on the sun-soaked terrace with spectacular valley views. Delicious meat and veggie options, classic American slaws and salads, ice cream, and a range of drinks. Normal admission applies.
americanmuseum.org

May 26

Evening Woodland Yoga & Meditation
Greyfield Wood, High Littleton

Fireside yoga and meditation with EcoWild between the roundhouse and a lovely grove of beech and sweet chestnuts. Simple poses for body and mind - open to all levels.
bookwhen.com

May 1

Cub Sport
The Louisiana, Bristol

Australian sensations Cub Sport return to the UK for the first time since 2019 - don't miss a night at The Louisiana full of fabulous pop bangers!
thelouisiana.net

May 4

Skye: Single Release Party
Komedia, Bath

Candid lyrics and dreamy melodies, Skye creates her own ‘sad girl pop’ sound combining soft synth and acoustic driven bedroom pop. Influenced by the honest lyrical style of Holly Humberstone and dark pop sound scape of Gracie Abrams, her deeply conversational songs will leave you tearing up on public transport.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 7

Mad Dog Mcrea plus Support
Komedia, Bath

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 8

Common Molly
Komedia, Bath

With rippling guitar lines, beat-inspired drumming, warm bass lines and vocals that demand to be heard, Common Molly is an ambient indie pop band from Bath. Through their songs, they capture the idiosyncratic bedroom grunge of Soccer Mommy and the haunting expanse of early Bon Iver, with the effortless tone of Stevie Nick’s voice being captured in the band’s lead vocalist, Bobby Crowhurst.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 10

Maebe
Komedia, Bath

Maebe play heavily layered instrumentals that span prog, math and post-rock, delivering big riffs and even bigger hooks.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 11

The Mary Wallopers
Komedia, Bath

The Mary Wallopers – brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and their friend Sean McKenna – started as a three-piece Irish ballad group traveling the length and breadth of the country singing & collecting songs.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 12

La Vie en Rose - Gypsy Jazz
Ilminster Arts Centre

Toe-tapping rhythms and soaring melodies combine in a virtuoso performance of gypsy favourites, jazz standards, soulful ballads and Latin swing, all played with the verve and joy that is the heart of this music.
ilminsterartscentre.com

May 18

Swiftogeddon: The Taylor Swift Club Night
Komedia, Bath

A night dedicated to worshipping at the altar of Taylor Swift: non-stop Swifty all night: deep cuts, extended mixes, fan favourites and all the hits. Do you have a Blank Space in your diary? Then this night is Taylor-made for you! Join fellow fans in a celebration of the genius of the Swift – because she’ll never go out of Style.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 20

Mallavora | Origins EP Launch
Crofters Rights (Room 2), Bristol

Launch party celebrating Mallavora's 2023 EP 'Origins'. Supports: NO:IR + Izzi Allard & the Diabolical Bombshells. Fish Outta Water Media and Amy Loizou will also be showcased during the night.
headfirstbristol.co.uk

May 21

Luna Liqueur
Komedia, Bath

Luna Liqueur is the artistic alter-ego portrayed by 22 year old, singer/songwriter Jessica Marsden. She uses music to express a personal viewpoint on the complexities of modern relationships and the spiralling pressure of self-perception on her generation and having to keep up with the ever-turning trends and expectations of modern life.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 26

Fleetwood Bac perform the album ‘Rumours’
Komedia, Bath

FLEETWOOD BAC are the world’s first and best Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, the only Mac tribute to authentically replicate the classic ‘Rumours’ line-up.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 26

An Oscar for Ella - Joanna Eden & Craig Milverton
Ilminster Arts Centre

Celebrating the pairing of two of jazz’s greatest artists. When Oscar Peterson and Ella Fitzgerald first met for ‘Jazz at the Philharmonic’ they found they were a natural pairing and a legend was born.
ilminsterartscentre.com

May 27

Vent du Nord
Widcombe Social Club, Bath

Le Vent Du Nord - Quebec's most celebrated, breath-takingly energetic folk band, top of the bill in innumerable festivals - a true AOTA coup!
eventbrite.co.uk

May 7

WOMANCE - Creative Pop-Up
At The Chapel, Bruton

Makers market and creative living pop-up with seasonal pre-loved clothing, vintage homeware, crafts + more. Plus live DJs, kids fun + food! 12 - 5pm.
instagram.com

May 13

Folklore & Foraging Walk
Greyfield Wood, High Littleton

A two-hour introduction with EcoWild to the folklore of our woods and hedgerows: their culinary or medicinal uses and folklore meaning. Part of Bristol Walk Fest 2023.
bookwhen.com

May 21

Rare Plant Fair
American Museum and Gardens, Bath

For all plant lovers and garden enthusiasts, the Rare Plant Fair is an excellent opportunity to buy beautiful, interesting and unusual plants. A selection of 17 specialist nurseries, all genuine growers and plant experts, are ready to offer advice and expertise to help you create your dream garden.
americanmuseum.org

May 23

Deep Time Walk
Greyfield Wood, High Littleton

A two-hour walk with EcoWild through beautiful countryside to get to know the land and connect with the past and the flow of life that has brought us into existence.
bookwhen.com

May 12 + 13 + 19

Candle Making Workshop
True Grace, Warminster

Looking to spark your creative flame and learn something new? True Grace’s candle-making workshop provides a fun and unique way to spend time with friends and family. The two-hour long session is run by their in-house expert, who will share their extensive knowledge on candle making, the complexities of fragrance, candle care tips and answer any burning questions you may have! At the end you will come away with your very own handmade candle.
truegrace.co.uk

May 27

Wildflowers for Beginners
Grow Wilder, Bristol

Get started in botany, gain confidence with field guides and learn about the six common plant families on this one day course for beginners.
avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

May 30

Introduction to Ecology
Bath City Farm, Bath

Gain an understanding of the principles of ecology, habitats & species identification on this one day course with ecologist Matt Collis.
avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

May 31

Introduction to Butterfly and Moth Identification
Grow Wilder, Bristol

Explore the lives of our fascinating UK butterflies and moths. Learn how to identify them on this one day course led by ecologist Matt Collis.
avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

May 6

Angela Barnes: Hot Mess
Theatre Royal, Bath

Angela Barnes (Mock The Week, Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and former chair of BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz) has good intentions but trying to live your best life, as it turns out, is really bloody hard. Stand-up, stories and jokes from “...a gloriously down-to-earth, straight-talking and extremely funny comic” (Guardian).
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 9 - 13

Guys and Dolls
Theatre Royal, Bath

Guys and Dolls takes our heroes from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, until eventually everyone ends up right where they belong. Bath Operatic and Dramatic Society return to the Main House stage following recent highly-acclaimed productions including Legally Blonde, Crazy For You and Sweet Charity.
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 10

Justin Moorhouse: Stretch & Think
Komedia, Bath

A brand new show that may contain: Yoga, getting older, Madonna, shoplifters, Labradoodles, middle-aged cyclists, The Menopause, running, hating football fans but loving football, not drinking, funerals, is Tapas a rip off?, Captain Tom, Droylsden, the environment, self-improvement, ruining a sexual position, electric car charging spots used by doggers, nursery graduation, horses, Stig look-a-likes, home cooked food in places that aren’t your own home, the odd advantages of fundamental religions, the gym, shop door etiquette. And he’s got a new suit. Come, it’ll be fun.
komedia.co.uk/bath

May 13

A Room of One's Own
Ustinov Studio, Bath

The award-winning Dyad Productions (Female Gothic) return with a twenty-first century take on Virginia Woolf's celebrated pre-TED talk. Take a wry, amusing, and incisive trip through the history, meeting Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn, and Shakespeare's sister - Judith! Travel to the far-flung future of...2028. But whatever you do, Keep Off the Grass.
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 14

5 Soldiers
Theatre Royal, Bath

A thrilling and humane portrait of army life telling the stories of five men and women serving on the front line told through Rosie Kay’s trademark intense physical and athletic dance theatre.
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 16 - 20

An Inspector Calls
Theatre Royal, Bath

When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives and challenge us all to examine our consciences. More relevant now than ever, this is a must-see for a whole new generation.
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 19 + 20

A Couple of Swells
Ustinov Studio, Bath

Fascinating Aida’s Liza Pulman teams up with acclaimed musician and singer, Joe Stilgoe, in a vibrant and entertaining potpourri of classic songs and wit, highlighting Joe’s virtuoso piano playing and Liza’s exquisite vocals.
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 23 - 27

Stumped
Theatre Royal, Bath

Stumped is a brilliantly witty new play by Shomit Dutta which explores what the friendship between these two playwrights may have looked like. Starring Stephen Tompkinson as Samuel Beckett (Brassed Off, Drop the Dead Donkey, DCI Banks, Wild at Heart) and Andrew Lancel (The Bill, Coronation Street) as Harold Pinter.
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 26

Tapped
Ustinov Studio, Bath

A garage. A flipchart. A pile of Club biscuits. T-shirts that don't fit. And three people who are really stuck. Gavi wants to inspire his community. Which is tricky when everyone would prefer to just stay at home and watch Bake Off. With the help of daily mantras, goal setting and repeatedly listening to Spandau Ballet, he believes he can change their lives for the better.
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 26 + 27

Dylan Dodds & Friends 2 (Friends Still Not Included)
Burdall’s Yard, Bath

Eight years ago, Dylan Dodds asked himself a question. “Could he BE any more ridiculous?” The answer, it turns out, is yes. As he was the same age as the characters in Friends, he started blogging about the show every fortnight and comparing it to his own life. In 2019 he did a show about it. Now here’s the sequel.
burdallsyard.co.uk

May 27

A Shining Intimacy
Ustinov Studio, Bath

A garage. A flipchart. A pile of Club biscuits. T-shirts that don't fit. And three people who are really stuck. Gavi wants to inspire his community. Which is tricky when everyone would prefer to just stay at home and watch Bake Off. With the help of daily mantras, goal setting and repeatedly listening to Spandau Ballet, he believes he can change their lives for the better.
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 30 - June 3

The Way Old Friends Do
Theatre Royal, Bath

A new comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens. In the late 1980s, two Birmingham school friends tentatively come out: one as gay, the other - more shockingly - as an ABBA fan. Thirty years later, they reunite to form the world’s first ABBA tribute band – in drag. Can their friendship survive the tribulations of a life on the road; one full of platform boots, fake beards and a distractingly attractive stranger?
theatreroyal.org.uk

May 31

The Crowd Creativity Show! - Bath Fringe Festival
Widcombe Social Club, Bath

An unpredictable interactive show for all ages. Join in with your phone to control the artist as he makes paintings, poetry and dance, and help make beautiful chaos!
bathboxoffice.org.uk