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What’s On In Bournemouth
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. Take a look at our 2020 Festival and Event Highlights poster for more details.
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 Bay Run 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.
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.
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 in autumn what better time to experience Bournemouth’s sense of frightful fun than at Halloween? For a magical time, see the 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, competitive sports and even digital festivals such as BFX.
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.
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.
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.
Where to stay in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth is the perfect destination for staycations and has a wealth of fantastic accommodation options. Situated along our stunning coastline, you will find a fabulous range of beautiful beachfront hotels, stylish boutiques, national chains, family run guest accommodation, independent hotels, B&B’s, great self-catering options, caravan & camping parks and Beach Lodges – the latest addition to a plethora of choices.
