EnLanguage Selector

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

Bournemouth Alpine Bar Dec 11

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 11

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 11

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...

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth, 14 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay and get into the festive spirit. With a Christmas...

Christmas in Christchurch Dec 11

Christmas in Christchurch

Christmas Tree Festival at Highcliffe Castle Highcliffe Castle is hosting our first ever Christmas Tree Festival in December 2024. Following the exceptional number of visitors to our already well...

Christmas with Santa at Discovery Village Dec 11

Christmas with Santa at Discovery Village

The Grotto Alternative you've all been searching for...... This Christmas, Discovery Village invites little adventurers to step into a world of wonder and teamwork! Join the Mayor of Discovery...

Moguls Bar - Ice Skate Bournemouth Dec 11

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 11

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...

University Carol Service Dec 12

University Carol Service

All are welcome to the University Carol Service on Thursday 12th December at 6pm in St Peter's Church, Bournemouth (BH1 2EE). Following the very traditional nine lesson and carol format, you can...

Breakfast with Santa on the Pier! Dec 14

Breakfast with Santa on the Pier!

We've heard that Key West on Bournemouth Pier is having a special visit from Father Christmas this year! Breakfast with Santa – dates available: Saturday 14th December 2024 – Tickets...

Christmas Spectacular Dec 14

Christmas Spectacular

The Glad Rag Production Company is delighted to bring the Christmas Spectacular back to the Regent Centre stage. This year, the story follows Santa and his elves busily preparing for Christmas when an...

Andre Rieu: Gold and Silver Dec 16

Andre Rieu: Gold and Silver

Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu's dazzling Christmas Concert, "Gold and Silver," exclusively in cinemas! This magical event embodies the festive spirit of Christmas,...

Plan Your Visit

Search Curve
Footer Curve