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 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

Christmas in Christchurch Dec 10

Christmas in Christchurch

At The Regent Centre, Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special will be taking place on 5th November 2023. Let the magic of Christmas begin with all your favourite festive songs being performed live by...

Festivities at Highcliffe Castle Dec 10

Festivities at Highcliffe Castle

A Victorian Christmas at Highcliffe Castle. Indoor trail: Visit Highcliffe Castle this Christmas and take part in our Victorian Christmas trail from Sunday 3rd December until Thursday 21st December....

Pieces Of Our Past Dec 10

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

Whitbread Inns Festive Cocktails Dec 10

Whitbread Inns Festive Cocktails

Whitbread Inns The Globe, a collection of cosy local pubs designed for those seeking relaxation and quality dining experiences, is pleased to announce its exclusive selection of festive...

Christmas Spectacular Dec 16

Christmas Spectacular

The Glad Rag Production Company is delighted to bring the Christmas Spectacular back to the Regent Centre stage. This year’s Spectacular features Squash the Elf and Santa's daughter Joy as...

Cheese and Chilli Festival May 18

Cheese and Chilli Festival

The Cheese and Chilli Festival is the perfect event for cheese lovers who can try and buy from an incredible range of local and regional products. Meanwhile for those who enjoy a slice of spice, The...

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...

Christchurch Carnival Aug 10

Christchurch Carnival

Christchurch Carnival is returning for another wonderful event in the summer. Join us for some carnival fun on the Quay, 10 and 11 August 2024. We are the Christchurch Carnival...