Bristol — Week of 10 Aug 2026

CodeHub Bristol's regular Hack Night is a relaxed social-coding evening at DeskLodge House for anyone with an interest in programming and web development, whatever their level. Bring a side project you've been meaning to get to, pair up with someone on a new idea, work through coding challenges, or just come to learn and meet Bristol's developer community. Arrive from 6pm for intros by 6:30pm, then solo or group hacking until close. CodeHub is a chapter of OpenTechSchool and one of the most active grassroots dev communities in the South West.

The South West Data Social is an informal monthly evening for anyone involved in using, learning about or discovering data technologies - data engineers, analysts, data scientists, ML practitioners and the merely data-curious - to meet and network. Held on the second Tuesday of every month at the Watershed on Bristol's Harbourside, it's a long-running, welcoming fixture of the city's data community (part of the wider South West Data group, 1,600+ members). Turn up from 7pm for relaxed conversation, war stories and knowledge-sharing over a drink - no talks, no pressure, just good company from across the region's data scene.

A two-day in-person hackathon at UWE Bristol bringing together students, recent graduates and researchers from the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol to solve real-world industry challenges with AI. Participants work in curated multidisciplinary teams of four to five on live briefs set by cross-sector partners including Capsule Insurance (supported by Hiscox), IngeniumAI and the NCC, with mentoring, networking and refreshments provided across both days. No AI expertise required — the event is pitched as a learning opportunity as much as a competition, and is open to students and recent graduates of any discipline. Organised by Tech West England Advocates in collaboration with UWE and the University of Bristol.

Bristol Tech Social's weekly afterwork mixer brings together the city's tech community for relaxed networking over drinks at Hort's Townhouse on Broad Street. It's an open, come-as-you-are social for anyone working in or around tech - software developers and engineers, data scientists and analysts, cybersecurity professionals, product managers, startup employees, tech entrepreneurs, career-changers and students breaking into the industry. There's no formal programme: just a friendly space to expand your network, swap ideas, hear about job opportunities and referrals, and stay current on what's happening in AI, data, IT and software across Bristol. Tickets are a nominal GBP 3 online (no door sales); RSVP also unlocks the organiser's Discord and WhatsApp communities. Runs every Friday from 6pm.