What's On in Swanage
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 event calendar and the two mile carnival procession is enjoyed by thousands each summer, 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 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. The National Trust at Corfe Castle and Studland Bay 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, including steam and diesel galas.
Other family friendly events include the Fairy Festival, Pirate Festival and Swanage Lifeboat Week.
Enjoy the natural world
If you want to meet a moth, watch migrating birds, go on a wildlife photography walk or get the chance to spot a dolphin, Durlston Country Park is the place to go, with a full programme of activities throughout the seasons. They also host star-gazing events at their observatory along with the Wessex Astronomical Society.
Every summer the Durlston Rangers pair up with City Cruises to offer guided bird watching boat trips to see the seabirds nesting on the nearby cliffs, including gannets, guillemots and a small number of puffins.
Cultural events, film and theatre
The Purbeck Art Weeks Festival takes place every 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 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, plus 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 happening 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: Family Art Workshop with Ilona Skladzien
Family Art Workshop with Ilona Skladzien, 11am-1pm Join Ilona for 2 hours to create artworks inspired by being a parent or having a parent. Ilona will show you her way of working with paper napkins to...
Swanage Carnival Classic Car Show
The annual Carnival Classic Motor Show is a great, family-friendly spring day out and charitable event run by the Swanage Carnival committee. This is your chance to experience a fantastic selection of...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Walk and Draw: Art Workshop
Walk and Draw: Art Workshop Join Madelaine Devenay for a 2 hour drawing workshop suitable for beginners and improvers to learn the art of outdoor drawing and sketching in the beautiful location of the...
Events at Durlston Country Park: 'Convergence' Art Exhibition
'Convergence' Exhibition 10am-5pm twenty3 art collective present a thought-provoking exhibition that explores themes from human experience. The artists, all recent MA Fine Art graduates...
The History of Rock
Join us as we celebrate a rock line-up like no other headlined by one of the greatest bands of all time! As always we'll be taking audiences on a thrilling ride through the history of rock – but...
Coastal Barbarians Swanage Rowing Regatta
The Coastal Barbarians Rowing Club CIC will be holding a regatta in Swanage Bay on April 27th 2024. This event is part of the Coastal Rowing League and will attract clubs and crews from around the UK....
Events at Durlston Country Park: Guided Walks
'Life on the Edge': Seabirds Guided Walk , 11am-12.30pm , 28/4/2024 Discover life in Durlston's seabird colonies. Early Spider Orchids and Spring Flowers...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Castle Tour
Castle Tour Join us for an hours guided walk around Durlston Castle to discover Durlston's history. No need to book, just turn up at the Castle reception. It's a free tour but donations (via...
Plan Your Visit
More to see and do...
Where to Stay
From hotels and B&Bs to cottages and apartments, all budgets are catered for in Swanage.
Explore the Coast
Swanage is part of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Stargazing
Swanage is the only town in Dorset to have its own Astronomy Centre and Observatory.
Where to Eat and Drink
With over 60 places to eat out in Swanage, there's lots of choice for all budgets.