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.

Dec 11

'Incredible Insects of Durlston' exhibition at Durlston Country Park

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

A brand-new free exhibition arrives in Durlston Castle's Fine Foundation Gallery over this festive period. 'Incredible Insects of Durlston' will showcase the National Nature Reserve's...

Dec 11

Artisans on the Beach

Artisans on the Beach is an established event and now in its 11 th year. It is run to give local artists and crafts people the opportunity to show and sell their handmade and handcrafted items...

Dec 11

Christmas in Swanage

The beautiful Victorian seaside town of Swanage is the perfect destination to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Christmas Shopping Whether it is strolling through the town's main thoroughfare...

Dec 12

Raclette & wine night with live music from Gemma Leanne

Raclette & Wine Night with Live Music from Gemma Leanne Thursday 12th December | 7:00 PM | The Greyhound, Corfe Castle Join us for another relaxed festive evening filled with delicious food, fine...

Dec 13

ABBA Tribute night at The Greyhound

Get ready to sing along to all of ABBA's greatest hits at The Greyhound in Corfe Castle - it's gonna be a night to remember! ABBA Tribute & Party Night at The Greyhound, Corfe Castle Join...

Dec 13

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, 11 October at 7pm View Saturn, Neptune,...

Dec 13

Father Christmas Yuletide Express

Swanage Railway

Step into a world of twinkling lights, festive cheer and timeless Christmas tradition aboard the Father Christmas Yuletide Express. Leaving from Swanage Station, beautifully dressed for the season,...

Dec 13

Festive Fun Days on Swanage Pier

Swanage Pier

Feel the festive spirit as you arrive at our enchanting Winter Wonderland, where twinkling lights and music fill the air. Be warmly welcomed by our merry elves before gathering your loved ones for a...

Dec 14

Father Christmas's Grotto on Swanage Pier

Swanage Pier

Feel the festive spirit as you arrive at our enchanting Winter Wonderland, where twinkling lights and music fill the air. Be warmly welcomed by our merry elves before gathering your loved ones for a...

Dec 17

Crazy Christmas Trail at Durlston Country Park

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

If you're hosting some energetic elves over the festive season, bring them for a loop of Durlston Country Park's Crazy Christmas Trail between Weds 17th December and Weds 7th Jan. Collect your...