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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

Park Yoga Jun 08

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...

Barnum Jun 16

Barnum

Hand in hand with wife Charity, Barnum's life and career twists and turns as he schemes and dreams his way to headier heights. West End favourite and TV star Lee Mead will take centre stage as the...

Father's Day at Discovery Village Jun 20

Father's Day at Discovery Village

BRICKLEY THE BUILDER'S BONZA BINGO IS COMING TO DISCOVERY VILLAGE! Join Brickley the Builder for a fun-filled family adventure this Father's Day weekend as we take on the Great Bonza Bingo...

Luke Combs UK Jul 02

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...

Jukebox Idols Jul 04

Jukebox Idols

Brought to life with show-stopping dance routines. Nadiya and The Overtones will be joined by a stellar supporting cast of dancers, celebrating the iconic hits of legendary artists such as Elvis...

Dinosaurs Live! Jul 11

Dinosaurs Live!

Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world-renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up...

Jongleurs Stand Up Comedy on Bournemouth Pier Jul 16

Jongleurs Stand Up Comedy on Bournemouth Pier

Jongleurs Comedy returns for a hilarious line-up to Key West on Thursday 16th July. This is your chance to enjoy a night full of laughs with some of the top comedians! Here's the knockout line-up...

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender Jul 24

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

Welcome to the Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2026! Join us for a weekend filled with good vibes, great music, and irie times at Kings Park, Boscombe. Get ready to groove to the rhythms of reggae, ska,...

MAMMA MIA! Jul 28

MAMMA MIA!

Set on a Greek island paradise, a story of love, friendship and identity is cleverly told through the timeless songs of ABBA. Sophie's quest to discover the father she's never known brings her...

Inflatable 5k Bournemouth Aug 01

Inflatable 5k Bournemouth

Inflatable 5k Bournemouth, Dorset - Saturday 1st August 2026 Get ready for an unforgettable day out as the Inflatable 5K arrives in Bournemouth. This exciting fun run features a huge range of giant...

Stompin' on the Quomps Aug 01

Stompin' on the Quomps

Stompin on the Quomps is a Jazz music festival situated in the picturesque surroundings of Christchurch Quay in Dorset. THE MUSIC A range of danceable, funky, uplifting smooth Jazz, ranging from 1940s...

Bluey's Big Play Aug 06

Bluey's Big Play

Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey's Big Play is the theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning...

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