The best things to do in Bristol

5 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 5 places · showing the latest additions first

Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater

Entertainment

Whether you’re in the mood for music, comedy, or family shows, Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater keeps the calendar stacked September…

70 Memorial Blvd

“Whether you’re in the mood for music, comedy, or family shows, Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater keeps the calendar stacked September through May with crowd-pleasing performances in a historic local landmark right here in Bristol. It’s the kind of place you suggest once and end up going to all season.”

From the Bristol newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Chippanee Golf Club

Entertainment

Chippanee Golf Club delivers a fun, challenging 18-hole round on 150 acres of rolling terrain about 900 feet up, plus a newly renovated…

6 Marsh Rd

“Chippanee Golf Club delivers a fun, challenging 18-hole round on 150 acres of rolling terrain about 900 feet up, plus a newly renovated clubhouse that stares down the first fairway and Bristol’s hills. Bonus for families, there’s Har-Tru tennis, an Olympic-size pool, and solid on-site dining.”

From the Bristol newsletter, September 19, 2026

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Hidden Valley Miniature Golf and Waterfront Grille

Entertainment

Meticulously landscaped grounds, continuous waterfalls and thriving greenery make Hidden Valley Miniature Golf & Waterfront Grille a legit…

2060 West St (Southington)

“Meticulously landscaped grounds, continuous waterfalls and thriving greenery make Hidden Valley Miniature Golf & Waterfront Grille a legit local escape, then the newly renovated Waterfront Grille answers cravings with fresh ground burgers, savory sides, Gifford's Ice Cream and Libby's Italian Ice.”

From the Bristol newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Spare Time Bristol

Entertainment

Large bowling center featuring burgers, pizzas and beer, plus a laser tag arena and an arcade.

177 Farmington Ave

“Large bowling center featuring burgers, pizzas and beer, plus a laser tag arena and an arcade.”

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Fork and Band Slingshot (Fork Plus Band Slingshot)

Entertainment

Whether you're wrangling kids, co-workers, or your competitive streak, Fork and Band Slingshot turns slingshots into a full-on indoor…

in the Downtown Cultural District, 99 Main St

“Whether you're wrangling kids, co-workers, or your competitive streak, Fork and Band Slingshot turns slingshots into a full-on indoor shooting gallery with reactive targets that spin, ring, and light up across Carnival, Outer Space, Sports, and Showtime lanes.”

From the Bristol newsletter, September 12, 2026

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