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.

Events coming soon

Wedding Supplier Fair Mar 01

Wedding Supplier Fair

Highcliffe Castle opens its doors to local wedding suppliers showcasing their expertise in an exquisite setting. Each state room will be taken over by florists, decorators, musicians, photographers,...

Lunch with... Mar 07

Lunch with...

Brand new for 2025 our Lunch with… series brings tales and anecdotes from a variety of interesting speakers with a healthy dose of networking and fundraising.

The Coastal Comedy Show with Tom Ward Mar 07

The Coastal Comedy Show with Tom Ward

Join us as we launch at a new and fabulous Bournemouth venue! The Factory Space is brand new and a creative and Performing Arts Centre and we cannot wait to fill it with laughter. Come and enjoy a top...

The Coastal Comedy Show with Mike Gunn Apr 04

The Coastal Comedy Show with Mike Gunn

Welcome to our new fabulous Bournemouth home as we stage our multi-award winning shows at The Factory Space! Coastal Comedy bring you another top night of live stand-up with 3 fantastic acts and host....

Musical Gems Apr 05

Musical Gems

This special fundraising concert features music performed by players from the BSO including works from across the ages. The concert features Gustav Holst's St Paul's Suite which commemorates...

Easter at the Castle Apr 06

Easter at the Castle

Come and enjoy Easter at the Castle, we have indoor activities - make an Easter Card for someone special or design an egg to add to our Easter wreath. Additional Easter themed crafts will be held on a...

Willow Dragonfly Workshop Apr 25

Willow Dragonfly Workshop

Create a bespoke decoration made entirely of willow - the perfect addition to any garden or pond. Hosted by our friends at Bella & Barley, this workshop will guide you through the ancient process...

Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival May 17

Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival

The Cheese and Chilli Festival is a vibrant annual event that celebrates the delightful pairing of two beloved culinary ingredients: cheese and chilli peppers. Held next to Hurn Airport, this festival...

Bournemouth 7s Festival May 23

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 and 8 Sports, over 3 INCREDIBLE Days! With a host of Headline Artists, Bingo...

Christchurch Food Festival May 24

Christchurch Food Festival

The Christchurch Food Festival 2025 will take place over May Bank Holiday weekend from 24th to 26th May. Every May we take over Christchurch Quay, possibly one of the most beautiful event...