What’s On In Bournemouth

Bournemouth is an eventful town, known for its busy calendar. This is never more true than when the sun shines and you're welcomed by a seasonal calendar of extra events, festivals, fireworks fun and more. 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 Bay Run to water sports and beach games, you can get involved or just come and watch.

Arts & Crafts

Bournemouth’s peaceful surroundings and picturesque scenery inspire creativity. With dance, theatre, installations and much more, there are plenty of ways to experiment with your artistry. Check out the Upside Gallery, selfie walls along the seafront, South Coast Makers Market  and the Westover Art and Makers Market.

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.

Dance & Performance

Bournemouth welcomes some of the biggest dance shows and competitions to the town and its world-class performance venues. From ballet and ballroom to contemporary and conceptual, there’s always something to keep you on your toes. Pavilion Dance South West presents a year-round programme of innovative and inspiring dance performances.

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. 

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, Arts by the Sea in autumn and Christmas Tree Wonderland in the winter. Celebrating the great outdoors throughout the summer, Festival Coast Live! brings live performances across the town.

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.

Fun Fairs & Fairgrounds

Bournemouth host a range of Fairgrounds in various locations around the town during the year with all your favourite thrill rides, children’s rides, games and side stalls. Fun for all the family!

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. We've seen Osprey's nesting in both Christchurch and Poole and nearby Brownsea island is a fantastic place to spot wildlife! There are special events throughout the year so you can join in with tours and talks from the experts such as at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre.

Markets

Bournemouth has a thriving market scene offering a wealth of goods from locally sourced produce, hand crafted items and beautiful antiques, to gift ideas and stunning flowers and plants to take home with you. Enjoy the warm and welcoming ambience at our local markets, strike up a conversation with the friendly stall holders for that personal touch!

Theatre & Concerts

Bournemouth’s international venues and historic theatres attract some of the biggest acts from the UK and around the world. Bournemouth International Centre and Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre has a packed programme 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.