Events and Festivals in Bournemouth
Bournemouth boasts a year-round calendar of over 500 events, so whatever time of year you visit and whatever your interests, there’s always something for the whole family to enjoy.
Bournemouth Festivals
The Shake and Stir Vintage Music Festival in June takes place in Southbourne. It has become renowned locally and across the south of England, for its incredible vintage-themed live entertainment and music along with local food & drink, trade stalls, vintage and classic cars, mods and rockers, and classic bikes.
The award winning Bournemouth Air Festival is the highlight of the August event calendar offering three days and nights of awesome entertainment and breath-taking air displays by the world’s greatest teams and pilots.
In October, time your visit to enjoy the Arts by the Sea Festival which is a rich mix of some of the best regional and national and international arts across dance, film, theatre, performance, visual arts, spoken word, literature and music.
Summer-time fun
During the summer there are lots of outdoor dance, theatre and music performances across Bournemouth and the surrounding coastal villages.
Music
Bournemouth has plenty for culture lovers with some of the best entertainment venues around – the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC), the Pavilion Theatre and O2 Academy offer live entertainment all year round.
You’ll find everything from big named acts to tribute bands and up and coming stars. So whether you like rock, pop, indie or classical music, you won’t fail to be entertained in Bournemouth.
Theatre and shows
If you’re a fan of musicals, plays, ballet and opera you will love visiting the Art Deco Pavilion Theatre in the centre of Bournemouth. They have a year round programme of shows for all the family to enjoy. Next door to the Pavilion Theatre is Pavilion Dance South West who host their own live and on-screen dance performances, outdoor events and also give the audience the chance to get involved and take part.
Look out for musical performances produced by Bournemouth University – you are sure to be amazed.
If you’re looking for a comedy show or open-mic night, you will lots of them dotted all across Bournemouth and the surrounding towns. Plenty of side-splitting fun for everyone.
Looking to stay overnight in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth is well known for its huge variety of hotels, B&Bs and self catering options situated along the stunning coastline. So whatever you're choice of accommodation, you'll be assured of a great nights rest in Bournemouth.
Events coming soon
Art and Makers Market Easter Pop Up
This Easter the Art & Makers Market in Westover Gardens, is running a 4 day event, from Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April, open from 11am to 5pm. This free family attraction has something for...
Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition
Step back in time and explore recognisable Bournemouth scenes through the years, from our collection. In this mini exhibition, we will be exhibiting watercolours and lithographs from notable Dorset...
Easter Holidays at RockReef
EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN BOURNEMOUTH THIS EASTER HOLIDAYS WHATEVER THE WEATHER Shake off the winter blues and join us this Easter! Do you live in Bournemouth and want something to keep the kids...
Siam Photography Exhibition At The Russell Cotes
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the wonders of 19th-century Southeast Asia as seen through the lens of the intrepid adventurer and photographer, John Thomson. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery...
An Evening with The Fast Show
It has been thirty years since viewers got their first glimpse of such iconic characters as Suits You Sir, Ted and Ralph, Does My Bum Look Big In This, Competitive Dad and so many more. Now, to...
Marti Pellow Popped In Souled Out
It follows the two fastest-selling shows of his career – at the legendary London Palladium and Glasgow's SEC Armadillo. This tour will see Marti bring a truly unique experience for audiences,...
Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize
The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize has an established reputation as the UK's most important annual open exhibition for drawing. Founded in 1994, the Drawing Prize celebrates talent and...
Jurassic Live
Aimed at the whole family this comedic & thrilling new family-fun stage adventure follows our team of dino rangers on the hunt for an evil man stealing dinosaurs & their eggs. Along the way...
Superslam Wrestling
All Star Superslam Wrestling returns to the Pavilion Ballroom with non-stop ring action from their team of 5 star wrestlers from around the UK!
Peppa Pigs Fun Day Out
Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party- it's going to be an exciting and fun packed day. Prepare to sing and dance with...
Russell-Cotes Upstairs Downstairs Tour
Discover the history of the Russell-Cotes family and their home. Join a member of our curatorial team for a walking tour of areas of the museum not usually open to the public, including rooms which...
Seann Walsh: Back From The Bed
I guess I can start with the fact I renamed the tour. Sticking with 'Same Again?' felt a bit triggering after the last few years we've had. So it is now called Back from the Bed. Some of...
James Blunt Who We Used To Be
James Blunt makes a most welcome return to the road next year in support of his brilliant new album Who We Used To Be - out 27 October on Atlantic Records. "I cannot find the words to say how...
Drawing in Creative Practice: Panel Discussion
AUB Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Gough will be speaking with Professor Anita Taylor, Founding Director of the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, and invited panellists about the Trinity...
Stranger Sings
Straight from off-Broadway, to a UK premiere 3-month sell-out run in London, we're now thrilled to announce the UK nationwide Theatre Tour of Stranger Sings! This award-winning sci-fi spoof is a...
Bournemouth Writing Festival
Inspiring writers to write with a smorgasbord of free and paid-for events and activities, involving experienced writers and professionals. All literary and writing events over the three-day weekend...
Seven Wonders Suite
Another world premiere! Despite having been in the Classic FM Hall of Fame since 2005, Stuart Mitchell's work has never been performed in its entirety. We are delighted to be doing that with this...
Rupaul's Drag Race UK Vs The World Live Tour
Get ready to sashay and slay as the unstoppable RuPaul's Drag Race is heading to Bournemouth this May with a brand new live tour. Experience your favourite Queens in an all-new production as 11...
Keane
Hopes and Fears was a landmark album for Keane and has set all kinds of records in the process. It's one of the best selling albums in UK chart history having sold over 2.5 million in the UK in...
Park Yoga
Free outdoor Park Yoga sessions every Sunday throughout the summer, 9.30-10.30am. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including children. Roll up your mat and join us for a weekly fix of...