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 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.
Summer-time fun
During the summer there are lots of outdoor dance, theatre and music performances across Bournemouth and the surrounding coastal villages.
Music
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.
Theatre and shows
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 dotted 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
Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition
Step back in time and explore recognisable Bournemouth scenes through the years, from our collection. In this mini exhibition, we will be exhibiting watercolours and lithographs from notable Dorset...
Siam Photography Exhibition At The Russell Cotes
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the wonders of 19th-century Southeast Asia as seen through the lens of the intrepid adventurer and photographer, John Thomson. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery...
Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize
The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize has an established reputation as the UK's most important annual open exhibition for drawing. Founded in 1994, the Drawing Prize celebrates talent and...
Fascinating Aïda The 40th Anniversary Show
Fascinating Aïda have racked-up millions of internet followers, performed in the world's most prestigious venues and been showered with awards and plaudits since they sashayed onto the scene...
10cc In Concert
50 years on from their debut album, art pop and soft rock legends 10cc have announced they are coming to Bournemouth Pavilion as part of their Spring 2024 tour. The announcement comes whilst the band...
Make Your Own Spring Flower Wreath
Celebrate the arrival of Spring and the awakening of nature by making a decorative wreath that shows off the delicate colours of the new season – you will need to bring some resources. During...
AFC Bournemouth vs Keynsham Town Ladies
AFC Bournemouth women's team will return to Vitality Stadium on Sunday 24th March (2pm kick-off) to host Keynsham Town Ladies. Adult tickets are priced at only £7 and concession groups go...
Vitality Bournemouth Bay Run
Vitality Bournemouth Bay Run - 24th March 2024 Whatever your running ability – fun or competitive, there’s a race for you. Set against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s famous...
Coleen Nolan: Naked
However, there is still one thing that that needs ticking off the showbiz bucket list. So, for the very first time, Coleen takes to the stage with her first ever solo show…Naked! (Not literally!)...
Taylormania
An award winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis a self obsessed 'Swiftie' with an incredible live band and dancers...
Easter Holidays at RockReef
EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN BOURNEMOUTH THIS EASTER HOLIDAYS WHATEVER THE WEATHER Shake off the winter blues and join us this Easter! Do you live in Bournemouth and want something to keep the kids...
An Evening with The Fast Show
It has been thirty years since viewers got their first glimpse of such iconic characters as Suits You Sir, Ted and Ralph, Does My Bum Look Big In This, Competitive Dad and so many more. Now, to...
Marti Pellow Popped In Souled Out
It follows the two fastest-selling shows of his career – at the legendary London Palladium and Glasgow's SEC Armadillo. This tour will see Marti bring a truly unique experience for audiences,...
Jurassic Live
Aimed at the whole family this comedic & thrilling new family-fun stage adventure follows our team of dino rangers on the hunt for an evil man stealing dinosaurs & their eggs. Along the way...
Superslam Wrestling
All Star Superslam Wrestling returns to the Pavilion Ballroom with non-stop ring action from their team of 5 star wrestlers from around the UK!
Peppa Pigs Fun Day Out
Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party- it's going to be an exciting and fun packed day. Prepare to sing and dance with...
Russell-Cotes Upstairs Downstairs Tour
Discover the history of the Russell-Cotes family and their home. Join a member of our curatorial team for a walking tour of areas of the museum not usually open to the public, including rooms which...
Seann Walsh: Back From The Bed
I guess I can start with the fact I renamed the tour. Sticking with 'Same Again?' felt a bit triggering after the last few years we've had. So it is now called Back from the Bed. Some of...
James Blunt Who We Used To Be
James Blunt makes a most welcome return to the road next year in support of his brilliant new album Who We Used To Be - out 27 October on Atlantic Records. "I cannot find the words to say how...
Drawing in Creative Practice: Panel Discussion
AUB Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Gough will be speaking with Professor Anita Taylor, Founding Director of the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, and invited panellists about the Trinity...