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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

AUB International Collective 2025 Apr 21

AUB International Collective 2025

AUB Students' Union (AUBSU), in partnership with TheGallery and AUB International, present AUB International Collective: a unique collaboration that embraces artwork created by students with...

Design; Disruption; Divergence Apr 21

Design; Disruption; Divergence

Three exhibitions of student, staff and graduate artwork from Arts University Bournemouth and British University Vietnam, in three locations: one in the UK, one in Vietnam, and one in the virtual...

Discovery Village Easter. Egg-Venture Apr 21

Discovery Village Easter. Egg-Venture

This Easter, hop into an unforgettable adventure at Discovery Village with Farmer Rusty Crow's Easter Egg-Venture! Designed for children and their families, this 2-hour interactive play session is...

The Great Tail Trail Apr 21

The Great Tail Trail

Julia's House is making a splash across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with The Great Tail Trail - a community art adventure that encourages everyone to be a tourist in their own back yard!...

Spring Wellbeing Event Apr 24

Spring Wellbeing Event

Spring has arrived, and to celebrate longer days and (hopefully!) warmer weather, Bridge Health & Wellbeing has brought together a range of experts to help local residents focus on their wellbeing...

Bournemouth Writing Festival Apr 25

Bournemouth Writing Festival

Free and ticketed events and activities across Bournemouth Town Centre to inspire you to write. Best-selling authors, writing professionals, literary agents, poets and writers will be delivering...

Willow Dragonfly Workshop Apr 25

Willow Dragonfly Workshop

Create a bespoke decoration made entirely of willow - the perfect addition to any garden or pond. Hosted by our friends at Bella & Barley, this workshop will guide you through the ancient process...

Ben Portsmouth This Is Elvis Apr 26

Ben Portsmouth This Is Elvis

Witnessing sell out performances on the same Las Vegas stage where Elvis performed to London's West End, you won't want to miss seeing this incredible performance. Making history in 2012, Ben...

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society Apr 27

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society

Trio Shaham - Erez - Wallfiisch (piano trio) will play works by Mozart, Shostakovich and Ravel in the final concert of Bournemouth Chamber Music Society's 80th season. It is a rare chance to hear...

Wicked Sing-Along Apr 27

Wicked Sing-Along

Gather your friends and join us in the enchanting world of Wicked at this unforgettable screening event. Equipped with your exclusive Sing-Along gift bag, you'll be singing along with the film in...

Luke Combs UK May 01

Luke Combs UK

Get ready to experience the heart and soul of country music as we pay homage to one of the genre's biggest stars. Join us for a night of incredible songs, authentic Southern vibes, and a whole lot...

Acoustic Night at The Four Horsemen May 02

Acoustic Night at The Four Horsemen

Join us on Friday, 2nd of May, for an acoustic showcase of four South Coast artists. We have unsigned and independent music live from the Retro Four Horsemen Pub. Expect a variety of different...

Daniel O'Donnell May 02

Daniel O'Donnell

You can measure Daniel O'Donnell's incredible 40-year career through his impressive sales feats if you like: here's a singer who's achieved 12 gold-selling albums and another seven...

Paul Smith: Pablo May 03

Paul Smith: Pablo

Get ready to experience the jaw-aching, laugh out loud comedy that only Smith can deliver. This is Paul Smith's biggest and funniest tour yet, and it promises to have you rolling around in...

The Ed Sheeran Songbook on Bournemouth Pier May 03

The Ed Sheeran Songbook on Bournemouth Pier

The Ed Sheeran Songbook Tribute Returns to Key West on Bournemouth! On Saturday 3rd May 2025, We welcome back Jack as Ed Sheeran! Back by popular demand and sold out at Key West on Bournemouth Pier in...

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