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

Beauty and the Beast - Christmas Pantomime Dec 14

Beauty and the Beast - Christmas Pantomime

Professional pantomime arrives at the Regent this Christmas as we welcome award-winning Polka Dot Pantomimes to present a tale as old as time - BEAUTY AND THE BEAST! Starring KEITH MYERS as Dolly...

Bournemouth Alpine Bar Dec 14

Bournemouth Alpine Bar

Eat, drink and be merry in the tradtional festive Alpine Lodge Bar located in Bournemouth's Town Centre.  Enjoy cosy indoor and outdoor seating whilst you soak up the Christmas...

Bournemouth Christmas Market Dec 14

Bournemouth Christmas Market

Head on down to Bournemouth Square and find the perfect present at the Christmas Alpine Market.  Take your pick from a wide array of hand made and traditional Christmas gifts at the outlet market...

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland Dec 14

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Spectacular Christmas tree trail, enchanting illuminations and seasonal family fun! Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world. See them shimmer against the...

Breakfast With Santa on Bournemouth Pier Dec 14

Breakfast With Santa on Bournemouth Pier

Back by popular demand for the 4th year running, Santa will be journeying down from the North Pole to visit all the good girls and boys and share a festive breakfast at Key West Bar & Grill. Keep...

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth Dec 14

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth, 13 November 2025 to 4 January 2026 Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay and get into the festive spirit. With a Christmas market,...

Christmas Magical Tour Dec 14

Christmas Magical Tour

We're back for 2025 with a new route and a new pickup point next to Bournemouth Christmas Market. Beginning at Avenue Road, Bournemouth (outside Boots), the tour will take in the lights, festive...

Cinderella Pantomime Dec 14

Cinderella Pantomime

inderella is back - and it's bigger, bolder, and more brilliant than ever before. Gather your loved ones – your family, friends, and fellow fairy tale fans - because a dazzling adventure like no...

Moguls Bar - Ice Skate Bournemouth Dec 14

Moguls Bar - Ice Skate Bournemouth

All that joyous energy got you tired? Or do you simply just want to kick back whilst overlooking the skaters?  Moguls Bar will simmer you down with aromatic mulled wine or a steamy hot...

SKATE Bournemouth Dec 14

SKATE Bournemouth

SKATE Bournemouth is back and we can’t wait to see you on the ice! The rink is held within the canopies of Bournemouth's Lower Gardens, which will be magically brought to life for the...

Christmas Drop 'N Go! Dec 19

Christmas Drop 'N Go!

Need Time for Christmas Shopping without the Kids? Whether you're out celebrating or tackling your festive to-do list, our Drop 'n Go sessions have you covered! Your children will stay active...

Elf The Musical Dec 19

Elf The Musical

This larger-than-life production brings the festive magic to the arena with unforgettable scenes, including Santa's flying sleigh, an interactive snowball fight with the audience, and a giant...

PierZip Night Flights Dec 20

PierZip Night Flights

Get ready for the festive season with the world's first pier-to-shore zipline like you've never seen it! For the first time ever, PierZip on Bournemouth Pier is lighting up the night sky! Take...

RockReef Christmas Holidays on Bournemouth Pier Dec 20

RockReef Christmas Holidays on Bournemouth Pier

RockReef & PierZip will be open daily 20th December 2025- 4th January 2026. Christmas Holiday Fun Begins with RockReef & PierZip! Want something to keep the kids entertained over the Christmas...