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 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.
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 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 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
Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition
Step back in time and explore recognisable Bournemouth scenes through the years, from our collection. In this mini exhibition, we will be exhibiting watercolours and lithographs from notable Dorset...
Stranger Sings
Straight from off-Broadway, to a UK premiere 3-month sell-out run in London, we're now thrilled to announce the UK nationwide Theatre Tour of Stranger Sings! This award-winning sci-fi spoof is a...
9 To 5 The Musical
Milton Musical Society are excited to be back at the Regent performing 9 to 5 The Musical. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, the musical is based on the seminal 1980...
9 To 5 The Musical
Milton Musical Society are excited to be back at the Regent performing 9 to 5 The Musical. With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, the musical is based on the seminal 1980...
Bournemouth Writing Festival
Inspiring writers to write with a smorgasbord of free and paid-for events and activities, involving experienced writers and professionals. All literary and writing events over the three-day weekend...
Seven Wonders Suite
Another world premiere! Despite having been in the Classic FM Hall of Fame since 2005, Stuart Mitchell's work has never been performed in its entirety. We are delighted to be doing that with this...
Rupaul's Drag Race UK Vs The World Live Tour
Get ready to sashay and slay as the unstoppable RuPaul's Drag Race is heading to Bournemouth this May with a brand new live tour. Experience your favourite Queens in an all-new production as 11...
Keane
Hopes and Fears was a landmark album for Keane and has set all kinds of records in the process. It's one of the best selling albums in UK chart history having sold over 2.5 million in the UK in...
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...
Romesh Ranganathan: Hustle
Join Romesh as he examines all of these issues and more while providing no real answers. Best known for The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, The Ranganation, Rob & Romesh Vs, A League Of Their...
Abba Tribute Night
On Saturday the 11th of May, Abba's Angels (as seen on TV!) will be joining us for a night filled with all things Abba, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of their win at Eurovision! For just...
Average White Band
In addition to the band's hit singles, many of their album tracks such as 'Schoolboy Crush' and 'Person to Person', amongst many others, have been heavily sampled by the likes of...
Bingo That's Bonkers
We're taking bingo out of the hall, adding comedy, music and even bigger balls! With a smashing atmosphere, crazy games, and not to mention great prizes, the Bingo revolution starts here. Your...
Bingo Thats Bonkers
We're taking bingo out of the hall, adding comedy, music and even bigger balls! With a smashing atmosphere, crazy games, and not to mention great prizes, the Bingo revolution starts here. Your...
Paloma Faith
This is the first new music from Paloma since the release of her fifth studio album 'Infinite Things' in November 2020 and is the first time in her career where she has executively produced a...
Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival
Experience the ultimate family-friendly extravaganza at the Cheese & Chilli Festival, where fun knows no bounds! Delight in a fusion of cheese and chilli-themed delights, featuring a tantalising...
Video Games in Concert
From the Nine Realms to the Forbidden West, Hyrule to The Continent, Raccoon City to the Keystone Dimension and beyond, Video Games in Concert is sure to inspire you to return to the lands you love,...
Shalamar
The Greatest Hits Tour will be a feast of non stop "banging tunes" complemented with silky smooth ballads from the golden voice of Howard Hewett – one of the greatest singers of all time....
Christchurch Food Festival
The Christchurch Food Festival 2024 will take place over May Bank Holiday weekend from 25th to 27th May. The festival is a fast-growing business-led event, and it has developed into a...
May Half Term at RockReef
May Half Term Just Got More Fun! Are you ready to make the most of the May half-term in Bournemouth? Whether you're a local looking for rainy-day activities or a visitor seeking seaside fun,...