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Events and Festivals in Bournemouth

Bournemouth boasts a year-round calendar of over 500 events, so whatever time of year you visit and whatever your interests, there’s always something for the whole family to enjoy.

Bournemouth International Centre is the largest concert venue in Dorset and hosts events throughout the year. From music and west-end productions to comedians, sports and food festivals, it all happens here. 

The Pavilion Theatre is located next to the beautiful lower gardens. Book tickets for dancing, music shows, tribute acts, comedy clubs and not forgetting the annual Christmas pantomime.

Bournemouth Festivals

The Shake and Stir Vintage Music Festival in June takes place in Southbourne. It has become renowned locally and across the south of England, for its incredible vintage-themed live entertainment and music along with local food & drink, trade stalls, vintage and classic cars, mods and rockers, and classic bikes.

The award winning Bournemouth Air Festival is the highlight of the August event calendar offering three days and nights of awesome entertainment and breath-taking air displays by the world’s greatest teams and pilots.

In October, time your visit to enjoy the Arts by the Sea Festival which is a rich mix of some of the best regional and national and international arts across dance, film, theatre, performance, visual arts, spoken word, literature and music.

Bournemouth's music concerts

Bournemouth has plenty for culture lovers with some of the best entertainment venues around – the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), the Pavilion Theatre and O2 Academy offer live entertainment all year round.

You’ll find everything from big named acts to tribute bands and up and coming stars. So whether you like rock, pop, indie or classical music, you won’t fail to be entertained in Bournemouth.

Theatres and shows in Bournemouth

If you’re a fan of musicals, plays, ballet and opera you will love visiting the Art Deco Pavilion Theatre in the centre of Bournemouth. They have a year round programme of shows for all the family to enjoy. Next door to the Pavilion Theatre is Pavilion Dance South West who host their own live and on-screen dance performances, outdoor events and also give the audience the chance to get involved and take part.

Look out for musical performances produced by Bournemouth University – you are sure to be amazed.

If you’re looking for a comedy show or open-mic night, you will lots of them all across Bournemouth and the surrounding towns. Plenty of side-splitting fun for everyone!

Looking to stay overnight in Bournemouth?

Bournemouth is well known for its huge variety of hotels, B&Bs and self catering options situated along the stunning coastline. So whatever you're choice of accommodation, you'll be assured of a great nights rest in Bournemouth.

Events coming soon

Bluey's Big Play Aug 08

Bluey's Big Play

Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey's Big Play is the theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning...

Park Yoga Aug 08

Park Yoga

Free outdoor Park Yoga sessions every Sunday throughout the summer, 9.30-10.30am. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including children. Roll up your mat and join us for a weekly fix of...

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks Aug 14

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks

(Fridays) 24 and 31 July and 7,14, 21 and 28 August 2026. Be prepared to be dazzled by the summer Bournemouth firework display!  Bournemouth seafront will light the skies up. Pull up a chair...

Christchurch Carnival Aug 14

Christchurch Carnival

Christchurch Carnival is a FREE community event for you and your loved ones to come together.  Our purpose is to raise money for local non-profit organisations and charities. Join us on 14th to...

Friday Night Fireworks & Free Live Music Aug 14

Friday Night Fireworks & Free Live Music

Be prepared to be dazzled by these much-loved Summer Bournemouth Friday Firework displays from the best views on the pier! We'll be hosting FREE live music to start the evening off. Treat yourself...

Waitress Aug 24

Waitress

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn,...

Highcliffe Charity Players presents Come From Away Aug 27

Highcliffe Charity Players presents Come From Away

Highcliffe Charity Players proudly stage the uplifting true story behind Come From Away. In the 25th anniversary year of the Twin Towers tragedy, this powerful production reflects on a moment of...

George Michael Tribute on Bournemouth Pier Sep 05

George Michael Tribute on Bournemouth Pier

Steve Mitchell returns to Bournemouth Pier as George Michael! Bournemouth Pier will be entertained by Mitchell's musical talents as he sings George Michael & Wham's greatest hits. Steve...

Take That Tribute on Bournemouth Pier Sep 19

Take That Tribute on Bournemouth Pier

Let it Shine are the number 1 Take That Tribute act in the South West and they are returning to Key West on Bournemouth Pier after a sold out show in 2025. You will hear all of Take That's biggest...

The South Coast Swim Sep 19

The South Coast Swim

The South Coast Swim is making its debut in Bournemouth, Dorset in 2026! With distances ranging from 250m to 10km, there is something for everyone, whether you're dipping your toes in or chasing...

Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival Sep 25

Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

Arts by the Sea is a celebration of art, culture, people and place. Our theme for 2026 is ‘ELEMENTAL.’ Arts by the Sea brings together large-scale spectaculars, diverse music,...

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