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 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 four days and three 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 performances and events produced by the Arts University Bournemouth – you are sure to be amazed and intrigued.
Over in Boscombe, The Shelley Theatre stages a variety of entertainment for all tastes including comedy nights, film, live music, performance and dance.
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
Bayside Pop Up Restaurant
This unique timber framed pop-up restaurant & venue is located on golden sand along the 7-mile beachfront between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers. Under the culinary supervision of our head chef...
Bournemouth Friday Fireworks
Be prepared to be dazzled by the Bournemouth Firework display! Friday 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th August 2022 with the display at 22:00 Bournemouth seafront will light the skies up. Pull up...
Collecting the World: QuayCrafts at the Russell-Cotes
QuayCrafts at the Russell-Cotes Tuesday 28th June – Sunday 16th October 2022 An exhibition of contemporary art responses by QuayCrafts, a group of artist/makers based on the Isle of Wight....
Dancing Terraces 2022
Every Friday and Saturday in August 7 – 9pm Pavilion Dance Garden Terrace Line-up Coming Soon! Our free dancing terraces are designed for people of all ages – just come and join in,...
Exhibition: The Lost Words
This enchanting exhibition combines the creative talents of writer Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris to celebrate the relationship between language and the living world, and nature’s...
GIANT
GIANT is the home of contemporary art in Bournemouth. It is the largest art centre of its kind on the central south coast and presents a comprehensive program of curated exhibitions and projects...
Live Music on Bournemouth Pier this Summer - 1st July to 27th August
Relax and unwind with Live Music this Summer at one of the most beautiful venues in Bournemouth. Come down, enjoy some tasty food, wonderful 2-4-1 cocktails surrounded by spectacular sea views and...
Mr Eversley
Mr Eversley is originally from Cuba and he brings the Cuban rhythms with his congas, bongos, maracas and percussion, creating a vibrant and colour DATE: Friday 22nd July 2022 STAGE: Bournemouth - The...
Outside the Lines: A Contemporary Art Exhibition for All
Have you ever looked at the splashes of paint, random marks and obvious brushstrokes of contemporary art and asked… What makes THIS art good? Couldn't ANYONE paint this? Just WHAT am I...
Outside the Lines: A Contemporary Art Exhibition for All
Have you ever looked at the splashes of paint, random marks and obvious brushstrokes of contemporary art and asked… What makes THIS art good? Couldn't ANYONE paint this? Just WHAT am I looking at?...
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...
Summer Holiday Fun by the Sea at RockReef
RockReef and PierZip on Bournemouth Pier will be open 7 days a week for summer holiday fun! Find us on Bournemouth Pier! Book online to get FREE Pier Toll! Just show your booking confirmation upon...
Summer Live
Absolute Music's... Summer Live 2022 July & August - Bournemouth Square Shop, eat and dine plus FREE entertainment in Bournemouth town centre. FREE ADMISSION! Friday 15th July til...
The Old Boys Photography and Art Exhibition
Two friends decided to exhibit their photography. From Landscapes, Architecture, ICM, Cyanotypes. Come and have a chat, we are friendly. Affordable, original photography and Art. Insta:...
The Road to the Museum
Print Room Exhibition 25 January – 1 September 2022 As part of the museum’s centenary celebrations in 2022, our latest exhibition in the Print Room tells the story of Sir Merton and Lady...