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.
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.
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!
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
Events at Durlston Country Park: Cuppa and Chat
Cuppa and Chat Enjoy a cuppa, make new friends and enjoy the lovely woodland setting of the Durlston ‘Shed’. Just drop in and say hello to our ‘Sheddies’. FREE....
Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Run
Free Weekly Park Run, Every Saturday at 9am Get fit in a great location! Durlston Country Park is now host to Park Run every Saturday. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world....
Events at Durlston Country Park: Ranger Paul's Lost Tools - Children's Activity Trail
Ranger Paul's Lost Tools - Children's Activity Trail Will Ranger Paul ever learn!? Help him find his lost tools around the park. £3 per prize trail pack.
Events at Durlston Country Park:Durlston Past: Exhibition
Durlston Past: Exhibition Explore the fascinating 20th Century history of Durlston and the ‘Durlston Pleasure Grounds’. FREE In the Fine Foundation Gallery.
Full Moon Guided Walks at RSPB Arne
Full Moon Walks at RSPB Arne are back for 2023! Several dates available across the year. Don't miss this special opportunity to discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight, in an event uniquely...
ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool
Back For 2023! - The Blue Pool will be bringing back ILLUMINATE in association with OT Event Technicians for it's second year. Following on from the success of 2022, this year will include new...
Simon and Garfunkel Through the Years
Critically acclaimed as one of the greatest tribute shows in the world, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years has toured extensively in the UK, Europe, Australia and USA, receiving standing ovations...
Swanage Railway Open Days
Explore behind the scenes of the Swanage Railway. - Visit the signalbox at Corfe Castle. - Visit the 1950s signalbox museum at Corfe Castle. - Visit the carriage restoration shed at Swanage....
Events at Durlston Country Park: Stargazing
Stargazing Join the Wessex Astronomical Society to use telescopes to view the night sky. Meet at the Learning Centre. £3 per person. Booking not required. Weather dependent –...
Janice Burns and Jon Doran
Janice Burns and Jon Doran are an Anglo-Scottish duo who came together after discovering a shared love of traditional music. They find their songs in archives that span the depths of our history...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Durlston and the Sea Exhibition
Durlston and the Sea Exhibition 10am-4pm Find out about the wildlife and history of Durlston hidden beneath the waves. FREE in the Fine Foundation Gallery.
Events at Durlston Country Park: Kids Drawing Workshops
1. Kids Christmas Drawing Workshop 10.30am-12pm Join artist Mark Page in the Learning Centre for a workshop learning to draw robins, reindeer and all things Christmassy! Materials included. Ages...
Park to Pier Walk
Meeting at Durlston Castle, join a Ranger for a stroll from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier, on the way discovering the history, wildlife and geology of Durlston Bay. Once you reach the Pier, you will...
Swanage Pier Children's History Tour
Swanage Pier has a fascinating history and has always been an important part of Swanage. We will take a walk along the Pier, for about 45 minutes, strolling in the footsteps of past generations to...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Wild Wednesdays
Wild Wednesdays Drop into the Learning Centre between 11am and 3pm for painting, crafts and activities! Donations welcome.
Swanage Pier History Walk
Swanage Pier History Walk on Wednesday 15th February at 2.30pm. Enjoy a tour following in the footsteps of the Victorians in a stroll along the pier, a pleasure that has been enjoyed by generations....
Events at Durlston Country Park: Kids' Events
Events For Kids: 1. Wild Durlston: kids activity (27 October, 2pm-3.30pm)) Join Ranger Tom to learn more about Durlston through games and activities. £3 ...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Glass Engraving for Beginners (and Improvers)!
Glass Engraving Learn this fascinating craft. No experience needed! Adults and children aged 8+. Booking required. £10. At the Learning Centre.
Events at Durlston Country Park: Anglo-Saxon Sunday
Anglo-Saxon Sunday 11am-4pm Drop in and see ‘Seaxia’ - a local Anglo Saxon re-enactment group! Combat demonstrations, have a go archery, timber working and more. Weather dependent - call...
Birdwatching for Beginners Course (3 sessions over 3 months)
This winter at Arne we are offering a 3-part bird watching course for beginners. Perfect if you want to learn more about finding and identifying the birds we have here at Arne or even in your garden...