You are here: What's On
What’s On
With over 500 events every year, Bournemouth is known for its busy calendar and is proud to be an eventful town. Whether you’re staying overnight or visiting for the day, there’s always something going on. Your holiday in Bournemouth is so much more than just a break by the sea...
Active & Sports
We have some of the UK’s most stunning coastline and we like to make the most of it so you’ll find a whole bunch of outdoor activities in Bournemouth. From swims and runs like the Bournemouth Marathon Festival to water sports and beach games, you can get involved or just come and watch.
Arts & Craft
Bournemouth’s peaceful surroundings and picturesque scenery inspire creativity. Why not get along to an arty event near you? In late September early October, you’ll find the Arts by the Sea Festival in full swing across the town. With dance, theatre, installations and much more, there are plenty of ways to experiment with your artistry.
Exhibitions & Shows
Our international concert venues, museums and theatres put on a huge variety of events throughout the year. You’ll find art and sculpture on display as well as lifestyle exhibitions – whether you want to pick up ideas for your forthcoming wedding, try a new health and fitness fad or simply ogle luxury or historic motors.
Family
Bournemouth is a lively seaside resort with lots of exciting activities for you and your family. Our festivals are great for all ages – look up to the skies for awesome displays at the Air Festival or be wowed by cultural performances during Arts by the Sea. There’s outdoor music and cinema in the summer months, and lights in the gardens at Christmas as well as an ice rink.
Festivals
We’re extremely proud of our festivals here in Bournemouth – it’s what makes us different! Among the biggest are the Air Festival in summer and Arts by the Sea in autumn. But there are also lots of other opportunities to celebrate in the resort. Whatever the time of year, you can find yourself immersed in anything from food and drink to music and even competitive sports.
Heritage & Culture
Bournemouth fuses Victorian heritage and modern culture, meaning that you can both celebrate the past and embrace the future. You’ll find everything from a museum exhibition of ancient artefacts to cutting edge performance in one of our historic theatres.
Food & Drink
The coast and countryside surrounding Bournemouth is rich in local produce. The town centre itself is also a multicultural hub with international restaurants around every corner. So, throughout the year, there’s a variety of food and drink events showcasing everything from speciality diets, including vegan, to exotic flavours.
Nature & Wildlife
If you like being at one with nature, there’s lots to see in and around Bournemouth. We’ve got places where you can observe marine life and tons of opportunities for bird watching and stargazing along the coast including a nature reserve. There are special events throughout the year so you can join in with tours and talks from the experts.
Theatre & Concerts
Bournemouth’s international venues and historic theatres attract some of the biggest acts from the UK and around the world. Our calendar is packed with pop concerts and shows including West End hits and star-studded pantomimes.
Comedy & Live Music
You’ll find a huge selection of gigs and giggles in the centre of the resort as well as our coastal villages. From tours by the biggest names on the comedy circuit to open mic nights showcasing local talent, you’ll have a night out to remember. In the summer months, there are even live stages on the sand or overlooking the sea so you can dance to a beat as the sun goes down.
Dance & Performance
Bournemouth welcomes some of the biggest dance shows and competitions to the town to its world-class performance venues. From ballet and ballroom to contemporary and conceptual, there’s always something to keep you on your toes.
Christmas & New Year
Christmas in Bournemouth is a uniquely magical experience and there’s never a shortage of things to do. This year we are celebrating a magical Christmas Tree Wonderland! You can enjoy late-night shopping, carol concerts, Christmas markets, pantomimes and much more. Father Christmas isn’t a stranger to a break by the sea so there’s usually a chance to meet him in the town or coastal villages!
Looking for accommodation in Bournemouth… a perfect place to stay by the sea…
Bournemouth is well known for its great variety of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and self catering options situated along our stunning coastline. You’ll find luxury international hotel groups, national chains, beautiful boutique hotels, independent and family friendly hotels and guest houses, budget friendly hotels, a great choice of self catering options and caravan and camping parks along our neighbouring coastline and countryside.
