Events in Christchurch

Want your holiday or break to be full of colour, with fascinating events to give it that special feel? 

With a packed calendar of events, there is always something exciting happening in Christchurch, so whatever time of year you decide to visit, you will discover wonderful festivals, fetes, fairs and more!

Daytime fun and evening entertainment, Christchurch offers a great mix of traditional events and more quirky, unusual festivals.  

From music and dance to food, from land-based activities to all things afloat, there’s the perfect event for you, just join in and enjoy!

Christchurch Carnival

Held every August on Christchurch Quay, the Christchurch Carnival is a weekend of fun not to be missed.

With music, dance shows, food, drink and not forgetting the Parade and spectacular firework display, there is something for all ages.

Events to savour

Every May the town’s streets are filled with the most delicious and tempting aromas as the renowned Christchurch Food Festival takes place.  

Discover wonderful locally produced food and drink at the market stalls, try treats from abroad, or watch professional chefs in action at the cooking demonstration tent.

Book ahead and take advantage of a superb range of offers and special events in local restaurants, hotels, pubs and cafes.

Like things a little hot and spicy? Check out the annual Cheese and Chilli Festival held every May and challenge your taste buds with all things spicy, you’ll be amazed at the range of chilli based products on offer!

A musical mixture

Enjoy chilling out and listening to music? Christchurch offers a fantastic selection of musical events covering many genres, from classical pieces at the Priory church or opera at the Regent Centre, to showcasing local bands and music at the Christchurch Music Festival.

Make the most of a warm summer evening with a fabulous open-air concert at Highcliffe Castle, or enjoy smooth jazz at the wonderfully named ‘Stompin on the Quomps’ a family friendly music festival on picturesque Christchurch Quay every August, with fun and activities for all the ages.

An artful affair

Like to soak up local arts and cultural activities on your holiday? 

With both visual and performing arts events throughout the year you will find plenty in Christchurch to appreciate.

The area’s galleries host regular art and craft exhibitions and the arts are celebrated at both the Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival in June and Mudeford Arts Festival in July. 

Some of the town’s picturesque venues host quality open-air theatre production, so pack a delicious picnic and enjoy some Shakespeare on a summer’s eve.

All afloat

The harbour and coastline are always a riot of colour and activity as local sailing clubs regularly host regattas and windsurfers travel from miles to enjoy the wave sailing at Avon Beach. 

Relax on the seafront or harbourside and watch the ever-changing patterns on the water as the sailors compete.

With sailing and watersports such an integral part of the area, the Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day every July is a popular and fun event - enjoy the lifeboat and helicopter displays, cheer on the entrants in the raft race and try your hand at a range of watersports.