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.

Mar 14

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, 21 February at 7pm View the slim crescent...

Mar 14

Jurassic Express Trail Run

Welcoming back for the 4th 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 14

Mother's Day Nasturtium Planting

Corfe Castle

Bring your Mum, Grandma, or a special someone for a special Mother's Day activity at Corfe Castle. Plant nasturtium seeds in your very own eco‑pot while surrounded by the atmospheric ruins of a...

Mar 15

Mother's Day

Enjoy a Sunday Carvery on Mother's Day (Sunday 15th March) at the Coast Restaurant in Swanage. Overlooking Swanage Bay, Coast Restaurant has fantastic views of the Jurassic Coast. It's...

Mar 21

Events at Durlston Country Park: Robin Mackenzie Wood Engraving Workshop

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Robin Mackenzie Wood Engraving Workshop , 10.30am-4pm Join printmaker Robin Mackenzie to create your own wood engraving. £85 per person. Booking required - email robin@robinmackenzie.co.uk...

Mar 21

The Veronique Joly Trio

A vibrant mix of classic swing, Bossa Novas and smooth jazz performed by vocalist Veronique Joly, guitarist Rob Palmer and Canadian saxophonist Terry Quinney. Paris-born Veronique has appeared at...

Mar 27

Klezmer Foygl

The Mowlem Theatre, Cinema and The Showbar

Based in London, Klezmer Foygl is an exciting new ensemble playing both traditional and original Klezmer repertoire. Meaning 'Klezmer Songbird' in Yiddish, the quartet is led by clarinettist...

Mar 27

Spring Steam Gala - Swanage Railway

Swanage Railway

Visit Swanage Railway's annual Spring Steam Gala this March. VISITING LOCOMOTIVES: To Be Confirmed. ALL LOCOMOTIVES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND SHORT NOTICE CHANGE.

Mar 28

Easter egg hunt at Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle

Make your way throughout the castle and find activities for the whole family. Taking place between 28 March to 12 April 2026, from 10am to 4pm, with last entry to the trail at 4pm, so come along and...

Mar 28

Studland's Easter Adventure in Nature

Studland Bay

Head along the trail and find nature inspired activities for the whole family. How quick can you be at the animal run? Can you describe the animals in guess who? Will you correctly match the animals...