EnLanguage Selector

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

Run Bournemouth Oct 13

Run Bournemouth

Get ready to lace up your running shoes for Run Bournemouth, taking place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th October in the stunning coastal town of Bournemouth, Dorset. This event offers a variety of...

Max Fosh Loophole Oct 15

Max Fosh Loophole

Following a smash hit debut tour in 2021 and selling out both his Edinburgh Fringe run as well as shows at the prestigious London Palladium in 2022, Max is back. With over 4 million followers across...

Carl Froch - Hall of Fame Tour Oct 19

Carl Froch - Hall of Fame Tour

NOW ON SALE! Experience an unforgettable evening with legendary former world champion, Carl Froch MBE. Coming to The Regent for one night only, hear how one of the UK's greatest boxers rose to...

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society Oct 20

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society

Julian Lloyd Webber and his wife, Jiaxin (cello), will be giving a recital on Sunday, 20th October at 3.00 pm at Kimmeridge Hall, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole BH12 5BB, to celebrate the...

Enjoy RockReef and PierZip this half-term! Oct 26

Enjoy RockReef and PierZip this half-term!

Enjoy RockReef and PierZip on Bournemouth Pier this October half-term! RockReef has a huge range of indoor adventure activities suitable for all ages from 4yrs to adults with different challenges...

Little Murmur Oct 26

Little Murmur

A dance theatre show for everyone age 7+, families and schools. Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, Aakash found school very challenging. Defined by his learning difficulties, not his abilities,...

LOL Comedy Club Oct 26

LOL Comedy Club

We'll be bringing you comedians off the telly from such shows as BBC2's Mock The Week, Channel 4's 8 Out of 10 Cats, BBC1's Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, Have I Got News For...

Michael Jackson Tribute on Bournemouth Pier Oct 26

Michael Jackson Tribute on Bournemouth Pier

You'll be thrilled by MJ this Halloween – Michael Jackson tribute live at Key West on Bournemouth! On Saturday 26th October 2024, we welcome Danny Oliver as Michael Jackson! Come and witness...

Steve BackShall Oct 26

Steve BackShall

Stunts, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big screen footage from his two decades in TV will all help Steve to bring the icons of the Big Blue to life. From great whites to great whales,...

Plan Your Visit

Search Curve