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.

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.

Jan 25

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. Saturday 4th January 2025, 6pm View the rare event...

Feb 02

Events at Durlston Country Park: Guided Walks

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

29th September, Layers in the Landscape Walk, 11am-12.30pm Discover how geology, history and natural processes have created Durlston's unique landscape. 13th...

Feb 18

Events at Durlston Country Park: Drawing in Pencil, Pen, and Ink Workshop

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Drawing in Pencil, Pen and Ink Workshop Workshop with Madelaine Devanay for beginners and improvers. In the Learning Centre £20 per person. Booking before the event is required.

Mar 15

Jurassic Express Trail Run

Welcoming back for the 3rd year, The Jurassic Express Half Marathon and Trail Run starting from Swanage! You will set off from the seaside town of Swanage, run epic trails with stunning coastal...

Mar 22

Purbeck Wellfest - Wellbeing Fair

Purbeck's wellbeing fair in the idyllic location of Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane. BH19 3EB. Local practitioners, stalls, workshops, treatments, refreshments. Free entry. NEXT EVENT -...

Apr 27

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...

May 09

Swanage Railway Diesel Gala

Swanage Railway

A three day feast of diesel as the Swanage Railway home fleet is joined by a host of visitors and works an intensive and varied timetable of passenger trains giving visitors the opportunity to ride...

May 17

Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge

Corfe Castle

Experience the stunning beauty of England's Jurassic Coast on this iconic Ultra Challenge! Starting at Corfe Castle, you'll traverse the breathtaking coastline through landmarks like Lulworth...