EnLanguage Selector

Events and Festivals in Purbeck

 

On the Isle of Purbeck, there is a year-round calendar of events to keep you entertained at all times and in all weathers. So whether you are wanting to take an art class, watch open-air theatre or eat all you can at a foodie festival, there is plenty on offer.

Toe tapping fun

If you’re a music lover, then we’ve got just about everything you could want, from headlining acts at Camp Bestival to up and coming local bands performing in pubs.

Blues, Roots and Folk are big on the list of music festivals which take place every year and have a huge following – so book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

Challenge yourself

Are you the fitness fanatic in your family whose idea of a relaxing holiday is to go for a 5 mile run every morning? Then you might like to take part in or watch one of our many sporting events – marathons, rowing regattas, walking challenges and triathlons are just a few. Or why not make up your own running, cycling or walking route – there are plenty of hill climbs to get the heart racing!

Family friendly

The events calendar is bursting with things to keep the kiddies amused or to entertain the whole family during your visit.

The Tank Museum’s TankFest is a highlight of the year – the world's biggest and best live display of historic armour, living history, and much more at the Home of the Tank. And then when summer arrives it’s all about carnival week with fun and games, competitions, fancy dress and parades.

If art is more your scene, you won’t want to miss Purbeck Art Weeks where there are open studios to watch the artists at work, exhibitions and musical performances.

And if you are visiting during the school holidays, our local attractions always have extra special events to let the children burn off some energy and the adults put their feet up for five minutes!

Something for all seasons

It’s not just the summer which is packed with events. If you are visiting at Easter, you’ll find chocolate egg hunts and treasure trails for all ages – who doesn’t love chocolate!

Autumn brings Halloween fancy dress parties, pumpkin festivals and amazing firework displays and bonfires on Guy Fawkes Night. And then to close the year, you can celebrate the Winter Solstice, witness the lighting up of our towns and villages with Christmas lights, join in with some carol singing, and then ring in the New Year with a glass of bubbly or two.

Book your stay on the Isle of Purbeck

So you've planned what you are going to do while on holiday, now find somewhere to stay. You'll find lots of choices from homely guest houses to 5 star campsites. For extra advice, contact one of team at Swanage Information Centre.

Events coming soon

Mindfulness Walk Jul 17

Mindfulness Walk

Embark on a journey through mindfulness in nature. Attune your senses to the woodland's whispers. Traverse sensory landscapes living in the moment, concluding with mindfulness movements in the...

Park Yoga Swanage Jul 17

Park Yoga Swanage

Park Yoga Swanage 2026 Enjoy free outdoor yoga sessions in the beautiful surroundings of Forres Field, Swanage, every Sunday morning throughout the summer season. Park Yoga is a national charity...

Wareham Carnival Jul 17

Wareham Carnival

Wareham Carnival is here again this year between Friday 17th and Sunday 19th July 2026. Head to Wareham Recreation for all the action including music, food and drink, with the procession taking...

Balladeste music gig Jul 18

Balladeste music gig

'Balladeste' seamlessly weave together contemporary Indian , classical and baroque influences and folk traditions. ' A warm summer breeze showcasing the improvisational talents of this...

Harder sounds Globe inn fundraising day Jul 18

Harder sounds Globe inn fundraising day

Harder sounds brings you a full day and evening of dance music all while.raising funds for will does children's charity . Globe inn pub swanage is giving us the space to put on our summer event ....

Rachel McShane & The Cartographers Jul 18

Rachel McShane & The Cartographers

A renowned folk singer, cellist, fiddle and viola player from the North East of England, Rachael McShane gained fame as an original member of the award-winning folk band Bellowhead. A much...

Shrewton Silver Band at the Bandstand Jul 18

Shrewton Silver Band at the Bandstand

Shrewton Silver Band returns to Swanage Bandstand in Swanage, Dorset and will be playing a diverse range of music ranging from brass band favourites to pop, swing and show tunes. Come and join us...

The Wild Swimming Festival Jul 18

The Wild Swimming Festival

The Wild Swimming Festival is the event beside the sea that you've all been asking for. Featuring live music, swim races, seminars with experts in water safety sessions, local food and drink and...

Wakey, Wakey, Paddle and Brekkie Jul 18

Wakey, Wakey, Paddle and Brekkie

Whether you're a beginner or an old hand, share a wonderful kayaking experience in this unique location. After you've built up your appetite, let us treat you to a traditional full English...

Romeo & Juliet Jul 19

Romeo & Juliet

A family feud divides the community! Violence stalks the streets. Who can see beyond the hate and dare to follow their heart? A pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet! Oddsocks return with...

Plan Your Visit

Search Curve
Footer Curve