Enjoy fantastic family events such as the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

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Family Events

With warmer weather than the rest of the UK, soft sandy beaches, and a ton of traditional seaside attractions, Bournemouth is a great place for a family day out, quick getaway, or summer holiday. And we put on hundreds of events throughout the year to make sure that everyone is entertained during their stay.

In the spring, kids can get involved in the Bay Run. There’s a 1K fun run with a fancy dress theme, so they can start getting out and about as the resort heats up. Then there’s lots to do over the Easter holidays – from egg hunts to craft workshops, so your little ones can enjoy their days away from school beside the seaside.

Once we get into the heart of the summer season, there are a great selection of events and festivals to be enjoyed across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole.

One of the largest is our very own Bournemouth Air Festival! Families come to enjoy four days of action in the air, out at sea, and on land. It all takes place along Bournemouth’s award-winning seafront, and there are 1 1/2 miles of stalls, rides, games, and demonstrations to wow visitors of all ages. In August, be dazzled by our Friday night fireworks – a great way to make the most of the balmy summer evenings.

As we come into autumn, Bournemouth does anything but hibernate! There are half-term and Halloween events at our visitor attractions and museums, as well as our very own Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival. A celebration of dance, theatre, comedy, art, performance, film, and more features free and family-friendly events in and around the town at a variety of venues – some are even roaming outdoor shows!

In November and into the New Year, celebrate Christmas in Bournemouth.

And as if that wasn’t enough, all year round we’ve got family-friendly shows at theatres in and around the resort, including the Bournemouth International Centre, Pavilion, and the Lighthouse in Poole.

So, what are you waiting for? Rally the troops, pack up your bags, and head to Bournemouth for a fun-filled and carefree break beside the sea.

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Featured Events

Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival

High Street, Southbourne

For fans of vintage and retro music, vehicles, dancing, fashion and lifestyle living

Dates

From:

28 June 2025to29 June 2025
Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

Bournemouth

Arts by the Sea is a celebration of art, culture, people and place.

Dates

From:

26 Sept 2025to28 Sept 2025

Events

William Cole & Son Fun Fair

Poole

Dorset’s biggest and best fairground is back!

Dates

From:

23 May 2025to1 June 2025
May Half Term: VE Day Stories

Wool

Half term VE Day fun for the whole family to enjoy. Tank displays, kids' activities, vehicle rides, and more!

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

24 May 2025to1 June 2025Open 09:30 - 17:00
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Bournemouth

Escape to a world of pure imagination with Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical.

Venue

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
28 May 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
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29 May 2025Open 14:30 - 17:00
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29 May 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
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30 May 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
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31 May 2025Open 14:30 - 17:00
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31 May 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
Harry Paye Pirate Day

Poole

Avast me harties! Tis time for land lubbers to dig out yer eye patch, earing and cutlass for Poole’s annual celebration of its favourite pirate son Harry Paye.

Dates

From:
14 June 2025Open 12:00 - 18:00
Dads PierZip For Free This Father's Day

Bournemouth

Treat Dad to an awesome PierZip experience this Father's Day!
One Dad can zip for free with every full-paying customer on Sunday 15th June.
It's a step up from a pair of socks or a 'World's Greatest Dad' mug! How about racing him from the top of…

Dates

From:
15 June 2025Open 11:00 - 15:00
Father's Day Papa's Paddle to the Pub

Beaulieu, Brockenhurst

Treat your Papa to a relaxing paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River this Father's Day with New Forest Activities.

Dates

From:
15 June 2025Open 09:00 - 17:00
TANKFEST 2025

Wool

The world's best display of historic moving armour returns for three explosive days in June!
TANKFEST features three full days of arena action, with explosive displays of unique historic and modern armour running throughout the weekend.
See the…

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

27 June 2025to29 June 2025Open 08:30 - 18:00
Xchurch Music Festival

Christchurch

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of live music, great food, and entertainment for all ages.

Dates

From:

18 July 2025to20 July 2025Open 11:00 - 23:00
Summer Holidays: Season of STEM

Wool

Experience the biggest day out in history with interactive exhibitions, 300 tanks, STEM-themed activities, and more at Dorset's largest indoor attraction.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

19 July 2025to2 Sept 2025Open 09:30 - 17:00
Dino Tales: Jurassic Rescue

Bournemouth

Put on your safari hats and get ready for some ranger danger and roarsome routines! There's a baby Ankylosaurus lost in the forest who needs your help and you must find her before the Evil Zookeeper Scientist does…

Flapping frills and dino…

Dates

From:
8 Aug 2025Open 16:00 - 17:00
BSO Proms in the Park 2025: Classical Extravaganza 2.0

Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns to Meyrick Park in 2025 for our annual series of outdoor concerts, beginning on Friday 8 August with our Classical Extravaganza 2.0. Bring your picnics and camping chairs and settle in for an evening of…

Venue

Meyrick Park, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
9 Aug 2025Open 20:00 - 22:00
Symphonic Smash Hits - the 80s

Bournemouth

The BSO is back at Meyrick Park for an evening of smash hits from the 80s on Saturday 9 August!

Venue

Meyrick Park, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
9 Aug 2025Open 20:00 - 22:00
Tiger Day Autumn 2025

Wool

See a WWII tank display and explore The Tank Museum on a day dedicated to the world's most infamous tank.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:
20 Sept 2025Open 08:30 - 17:00
October Half Term: Women in Warfare

Wool

This October half-term, we're celebrating Women in Warfare.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

25 Oct 2025to2 Nov 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
Steve Backshall: Deadly Live!

Bournemouth

The Ultimate Wildlife Adventure
Get ready, UK! This Autumn half-term, award-winning wildlife presenter Steve Backshall is bringing Deadly Live! to arenas nationwide—an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat experience based on the hugely popular BBC…

Venue

Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth

Dates

From:
28 Oct 2025Open 14:00 - 17:00
Cinderella Pantomime 2025

Bournemouth

You shall go to the ball! Get ready to join us next year for our brand new panto, Cinderella! Noel Brodie will return for his 11th year in panto as Buttons.

Venue

Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth

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From:
6 Dec 2025Open 14:30 - 17:30
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Enjoy fantastic family events such as the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

Family Events

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