Events and Festivals in Swanage
The Festival Isle
Looking for a place which offers a variety of music, sport, food and activity events throughout the year? Swanage and the Isle of Purbeck is the place to come to, with regular festivals and lots of family-friendly activities. Swanage alone has over 30 festivals each year, so there will always be an event to entertain.
Swanage Carnival is one of the highlights of the Swanage year and the two mile carnival procession is enjoyed by thousands each year, raising money for local charities. This week long event at the beginning of August includes three firework displays and over 100 events, including art competitions for children and adults, treasure hunts and a dog show. Why not join the fun?
The Swanage Fish Festival in June (returning 2023) celebrates food, fun and all things fishy, with free children’s activities. You are sure to be able to try some of the freshest seafood around, while enjoying the seaside location.
Rock Around the Clock?
Want to holiday in a place buzzing with music events and festivals? Swanage has something to suit all tastes. From free concerts by Swanage Town Band playing at the bandstand to the Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, you can enjoy live music in a wide variety of venues.
In September, the Swanage Folk Festival combines folk music, morris dancing and children’s activities. If you are more of a blues fan, the Swanage Blues Festival takes place in March and October with over 100 musicians at 60 events.
Feeling fit?
Swanage is a favourite location for kayak fishing competitions, Jurassic Coast hikes for charity and the annual sea rowing regatta.
The Studland Stampede in October is a 12 km off road running event over heathland and sandy beaches.
Family friendly
Wanting to keep the children entertained during the school holidays? They will enjoy the activities and trails offered by Durlston Country Park which has a year round programme with activities for families and a young rangers monthly club for 6-9 year olds. The National Trust at Corfe Castle, Studland and Brownsea Island also offer an inspiring range of events.
Why not go back to the stream trains of the Railway Children? Events for all the family take place on Swanage Railway throughout the year, from steam and diesel galas to evening dining and Sunday lunch services. One of the winter highlights is the Santa Special– meet Santa on the train to get into the festive spirit which returns for 2022 at Christmas.
Search our events calendar for a whole host of family friendly events, look out for the Fairy Festival, Pirate Festival and Swanage Lifeboat Week,
Enjoy the natural world
If you want to meet a moth, spot migrating birds or go on a wildlife photography walk, Durlston Country Park is the place to go, with a full programme of activities throughout the seasons.
Cultural events, film and theatre
The Dorset and Purbeck Art Weeks Festivals take place in May and artist studios and pop-up exhibitions will be opened for the festival. Purbeck Art Weeks includes live performances of classical music, poetry, dance and illustrated talks.
The Mowlem Cinema and Theatre offers you all year-round entertainment with live music and theatre performances and also a wide range of cinema for all tastes. The Mowlem is also a venue for the Purbeck Film Festival during the autumn.
Open air performances
The Amphitheatre at Prince Albert Gardens overlooking Swanage Bay is the perfect location for open air theatre throughout the summer, look out for a variety of shows and musical events in this stunning location. Book your tickets for Wuthering Heights in July and Music By The Sea in September.
Book your stay in Swanage
Now you know what’s on, find somewhere to stay during your holiday in Swanage. We have plenty of B&B, self-catering and camping options for you, ideas of things to do, places to eat and interesting shops to discover. Need extra advice? Contact our Information Centre for helpful visitor information.
Events coming soon
Events at Durlston Country Park: Bonkers Bunnies - Children's Activity Trail
Bonkers Bunnies - Children's Activity Trail, Daily 10am-4pm Hop on up and find all the Bonkers Bunnies around the park! £3 per prize trail pack.
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....
Swanage Pier History Walk
Swanage Pier History Walk on Wednesday 29th March 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': 15 Days in Clay
15 Days in Clay 15 Days in Clay Ceramic artists will be showcasing their 20 year Exhibition and Retrospective Show. An installation of ceramic figurative sculptures, inspired by our relationship with...
Easter Trail on Swanage Pier
The Easter bunny along with his friends are hiding on Swanage Pier, can you find them and arrange them into a rhyme to earn your reward…. So here is what you need to do... Pick up your activity sheet...
Family Easter Bushcraft
Embrace Spring with us on our family bushcraft and foraging sessions (min age 4+). We have all the usual bushcraft activities and some Easter themed camp crafts for you to make in the woods with us....
Foraging Walk and Wild Pizza Workshop
This foraging course in Dorset is a great way for you to learn how to identify the edible, medicinal and poisonous plants in the wild, and is the ideal introduction for all beginners who want to...
Haydn and Mozart
HAYDN – TE DEUM FOR MARIE THERESA & MASS IN B FLAT MOZART – SOLEMN VESPERS & G MAJOR VIOLIN CONCERTO After the success of "A Sure Refuge" the Purbeck Arts choir and...
Children's Swanage Pier 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: Kids Drawing Workshops
Kids Easter Drawing Workshop, 10.30am-12pm. Join artist Mark Page in the Learning Centre for a workshop learning to draw Easter bunnies and hares! Materials included. Ages 7+. Booking required....
Kayak Foraging
Join us on one of our kayak foraging adventures this summer. We'll investigate the life in our bay through foraging from the kayaks, identifying wild plants and searching for edible seaweeds as we...
Eggciting Easter Fun on Swanage Pier
Come and join us for crafts on Swanage Pier, make your very own Easter Bonnet, Bunny, Chick and much more. Try your luck at our Easter Games, "Pin the tail on the bunny", "Race to the...
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.
Events at Durlston Country Park: Kids' Events
Events For Kids: Flower Pot Planting: kids activity (6 April 2023, 2pm-3.30pm) Join a Ranger to decorate your own flower pot then plant your seeds! £5. Let's Go Fly a Kite ...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Guided Walks
1. Beating the Bounds' Guided Walk 11am, 2 January Join a Ranger to blow away the cobwebs and see in the New Year with a guided walk. 2. Winter Warmer: Guided Walk , 11am, 22...
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...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Drawing in Pencil, Pen and Ink
Drawing in Pencil, Pen & Ink, 10th April 2023, 11am-1pm. Join Madeleine Devenay for a workshop suitable for beginners and improvers. All materials provided. Booking essential £20. In...
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 –...
Events at Durlston Country Park:Introduction to Wood Engraving
Introduction to Wood Engraving Join resident printmaker Robin Mackenzie to create your own wood engraving. Suitable for beginners and intermediate. All materials provided. £75 per...