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

African Art and Sculpture Exhibition Mar 23

African Art and Sculpture Exhibition

Opens November 2022 We are working with members of the wider community to bring unseen objects in our collection to life through our upcoming exhibition on African art and sculpture. Keep an eye on...

GIANT Mar 23

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...

The Coastal Comedy Show with Tom Deacon Mar 24

The Coastal Comedy Show with Tom Deacon

Come and enjoy a top night of entertainment with 3 acts and host in our beautifully intimate venue at Canvas. Our headliner Tom Deacon is as seen on The Rob Brydon Show (BBC2). Dave's One Night...

Adele Tribute on Bournemouth Pier Mar 25

Adele Tribute on Bournemouth Pier

A beautiful night with our heart-wrenchingly talented Adele Tribute! On Saturday 25th March 2023, Jax Hall returns to Bournemouth Pier as Adele. A Tribute To The Music Of Adele Jax's 'Inspired...

March for Men Mar 25

March for Men

The popular 5k or 10k event takes place at 10am from Bournemouth Pier and is an opportunity for people of all ages, abilities and genders to directly contribute significant funds to men's health...

Bournemouth Bay Run Apr 02

Bournemouth Bay Run

Bournemouth Bay Run - 2nd April 2023 Whatever your running ability – fun or competitive, there’s a race for you. Set against the backdrop of Bournemouth’s famous seven-mile...

Art and Makers Market Apr 07

Art and Makers Market

The Art & Makers Market, located in Westover Gardens, Bournemouth next to the new Aviary, was established over 60 years ago and is one of the largest, and longest running, open air art displays in...

Art and Makers Market Easter Pop-up Apr 07

Art and Makers Market Easter Pop-up

This Easter the Art & Makers Market in Westover Gardens, is running a pop-up event from Friday 7th to Monday 10th April from 11am to 5pm. This free attraction, run by local creatives, was...

Free Live Music on Bournemouth Pier This Easter Apr 07

Free Live Music on Bournemouth Pier This Easter

Relax and unwind with Live Music this Easter 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...

Billy Ocean Apr 14

Billy Ocean

Billy Ocean has spent more of his life on stage than anywhere else. Next year, Billy returns to his natural environment with a string of headline shows throughout the UK, with a set hand-packed with...

AFC Bournemouth Women v Maidenhead United Ladies Apr 16

AFC Bournemouth Women v Maidenhead United Ladies

On Sunday 16th April, AFC Bournemouth Women will be playing at Vitality Stadium for the second time ever. Come along and show your support at this exciting, family-friendly fixture, and experience...

Bournemouth Writing Festival Apr 21

Bournemouth Writing Festival

A three-day extravaganza of talks, walks, seminars, panels, performances and workshops for writers wanting to write. We've curated a smorgasbord of professional writers and industry experts,...

The Coastal Comedy Show with Laura Lexx Apr 28

The Coastal Comedy Show with Laura Lexx

Coastal Comedy Club in Bournemouth offers the very best in stand-up talent in our beautiful intimate venue at Canvas. Come and enjoy a top night of live stand-up comedy with 3 fantastic acts and host....

Robbie Williams Tribute on Bournemouth Pier Apr 29

Robbie Williams Tribute on Bournemouth Pier

The UK & Europe's number 1 tribute to Robbie Williams! Live at Key West on Bournemouth Pier! On Saturday 29th April 2023, We welcome Robbie To The Max! Robbie To The Max is one of the most...

Three Phantoms Apr 29

Three Phantoms

Three Phantoms has won five star plaudits around the world and its artists are renowned for their acclaimed performances in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's The Phantom Of the Opera. Offering the very best...

Olly Murs May 01

Olly Murs

Don’t believe everything you see on TV: Olly Murs has been away. After recently signing to EMI Records, the chart-topping star is back and now returns with the release of  Marry...