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 & Food 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.

Music festivals and events in Swanage

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 October with over 100 musicians at 60 events.

Running, hiking, swimming and rowing events

Swanage is a favourite location for kayak fishing competitions, Jurassic Coast hikes for charity and the annual sea rowing regatta.

In July, the Wild Swimming Festival champions sea swimming in and around Swanage Bay.

The Studland Stampede in October is a 12 km off road running event over heathland and sandy beaches.

Family friendly events in Swanage

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.

Nature and wildlife events

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 Country Park Rangers pair up with Coastal 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 in Swanage

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.

Oct 23

Flying Scotsman at Swanage Railway

Swanage Railway

Flying Scotsman Comes to Swanage Railway One of the world's most famous steam locomotives is coming to Swanage Railway this autumn as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations. From Friday 23...

Oct 23

Purbeck Film Festival

The Rex Cinema

30 Years of the Purbeck Film Festival in 2026. The Purbeck Film Festival is the oldest rural film festival in the UK, supported by over 8,500 people annually. All our film events offer more...

Oct 24

David Mynne - Widdershins

Welcome to WIDDERSHINS: a long-forgotten village buried deep in a dark, wild corner of Cornwall. Here, Bob Droll (local raconteur, folklore enthusiast and village-hall caretaker) will take you on a...

Oct 24

Spooky Halloween Trail on Swanage Pier

Swanage Pier

This half term, join us for a frightfully fun Halloween Trail that's perfect for the whole family. Explore the Pier and keep your eyes peeled for spooky surprises hidden along the way. Match each...

Oct 24

Studland's Wicked Wildlife Trail

Studland Bay

Head through the enchanted forest, the spooky sports sand bowl and back along the beach as you search out the activity stations. Start your journey by making your wand and fill in your wizards...

Oct 25

Trust10 Trail Run

Studland Bay

Trust10 running is about enjoying the landscapes and nature surrounding you rather than a competitive event supported by timing systems. Therefore, if timing is important to you, we recommend that you...

Oct 28

Spooky Halloween Crafts and Games on Swanage Pier

Swanage Pier

Unleash your creativity this October half term with our frightfully fun Halloween craft and game session! Join us for a drop-in activity where you can create your own spooky masterpieces, just in time...

Oct 29

Discover the Hidden Fungi of Studland: A Guided Walk with Andy Knott

Studland Bay

Explore the magic of Studland's woodland with Andy of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms, a passionate expert with over a decade of experience in fungi identification. On this walk, you'll delve into...

Oct 30

Halloween Ghost Train at Swanage Railway

Swanage Railway

Ghost Train Returns for Halloween 2026 After a hugely successful debut, Swanage Railway's Ghost Train returns for Halloween 2026, bringing even more spooky fun to the Purbeck countryside. Step...

Oct 31

Events at Durlston Country Park: Stargazing

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Stargazing Join us and the Wessex Astronomical Society at the Learning Centre to and look through the telescopes and the observatory dome telescope. The events are weather dependent, in case of...