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 find discover wonderful festivals, fetes, fairs and more!

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

Events coming soon

Pieces Of Our Past Mar 19

Pieces Of Our Past

Come and experience the history of the Castle, from Harry Gordon Selfridge's visitor book to Lady Louisa's diary, this exhibition highlights never before seen photographs and artefacts

Bingo That's Bonkers May 17

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 May 17

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...

Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival May 18

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...

Bournemouth 7s Festival May 24

Bournemouth 7s Festival

The Multi-Award-Winning festival hosts 30,000 People, 3,000 Campers, 100+ Live Acts and DJs, 400+ Teams, 12 Festival Arenas, 7 Sports, over 3 INCREDIBLE Days! With a host of Headline Artists, Bingo...

Christchurch Food Festival May 25

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...

Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival Jun 08

Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival

The Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival returns for 2024 and takes place on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. The event, which started in 2014, will once again be held throughout the village...

Christchurch Music Festival Jul 19

Christchurch Music Festival

The Christchurch Music Festival is coming to town, and we can't wait to share this incredible weekend with you! Taking place at The Quomps on Christchurch Quay this summer, our festival is all...

Mudeford Arts Festival Jul 27

Mudeford Arts Festival

The festival showcases the many and varied forms of arts and crafts, through sales opportunities, demonstrations, exhibitions and performances. We choose our artists & artisans to ensure a wide...

Stompin' on the Quomps Aug 03

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...