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 through 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 hots up. Then there’s lots to do over the Easter holidays – from egg hunts to craft workshops, 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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Xchurch Music Festival 2024

Christchurch

Get ready for the ultimate summer party at Xchurch Music Festival, happening July 19th-21st. Loaded with the finest local talent from across Dorset and beyond

Dates

From:

19 July 2024to21 July 2024Open 16:00 - 23:00
WACKADOO! Bluey is visiting Swanage Railway!

Station Approach, Swanage

Come and see everyone's favourite Blue Heeler at Corfe Castle Station on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September.

Dates

From:
28 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
From:
29 Sept 2024Open 10:00 - 16:00
TANKFEST

Wareham

The world's best display of historic moving armour returns for three explosive days in June.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

28 June 2024to30 June 2024Open 08:30 - 17:00
Swanage Jurassic Circular Cruise

Poole

Embark on a round trip to Poole and back on our circular Jurassic cruise from Swanage.

Dates

From:

30 Mar 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 10:15 - 14:30
South Coast Makers Night Market

Bournemouth

Retro stalls + Handmade Makers plus DJ's, crate digging, street food, pop up bar, creative drop in recycled craft workshop.

Dates

From:
4 May 2024Open 16:00 - 20:00
Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival

High Street, Southbourne

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

Dates

From:

22 June 2024to23 June 2024
Sea Train Adventure Return

Poole

A relaxing cruise around the eastern tip of the Jurassic Coast with live commentary into the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, where you shall disembark.

Dates

From:

30 Jan 2024to31 Oct 2024Open 09:00 - 16:45
Sandbanks Beach Rugby and Netball Festival

Poole

Sandbanks Beach Rugby Festival makes its augural appearance on the festival calendar offering a weekend of Sand, Sun, Music, Rugby & Netball.

Dates

From:

2 Aug 2024to4 Aug 2024Open 09:00 - 22:30
Sail with Santa at Poole Quay

Poole

Santa has taken a break from all of his hard work in the North Pole this winter to join us on our Sail with Santa cruises around Poole Harbour.

Dates

From:

30 Nov 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 11:00 - 16:00
Quiet Mornings at The Tank Museum

Wareham

Quiet Mornings at The Tank Museum are aimed at anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to The Tank Museum.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:
15 June 2024Open 09:00 - 11:00
From:
19 Oct 2024Open 09:00 - 11:00
Poole Summer Fireworks

Poole

Get your groove on for Poole Quay Summer Fireworks, as fabulous FREE live music, entertainment and fireworks come to Poole Quay over the summer!

Dates

From:
8 Aug 2024
From:
15 Aug 2024
From:
22 Aug 2024
From:
29 Aug 2024
Poole Sail with Santa

The Quay, Poole

Every Saturday and Sunday in December up to 22nd December plus Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th December – Sail with Santa himself!

Dates

From:

1 Dec 2024to24 Dec 2024Various Opening Times
Pilford Heath Transport and Heritage Show 2024

Wimborne

Family weekend featuring all things classic. Cars, motorbikes, tractors, stationary engines, big and small Steam Engines, Military, Classic and working Commercials, Buses, Fire Engines.

Dates

From:

12 July 2024to14 July 2024Open 10:00 - 05:00
November 5th Fireworks

Poole

FREE Firework Night on Poole Quay! No better way to spend bonfire night.

Dates

From:
5 Nov 2024
May Half-Term at RockReef

Bournemouth

Are you ready to make the most of the May half-term in Bournemouth? Whether you're a local looking for rainy-day activities or a visitor seeking seaside fun, we've got you covered.

Dates

From:

25 May 2024to2 June 2024Various Opening Times
May Half Term: D-Day Deceptions

Wareham

This May Half Term at The Tank Museum, 25 May-2 June 2024, enjoy D-Day-themed fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Venue

The Tank Museum, Bere Regis & Surrounding

Dates

From:

25 May 2024to2 June 2024Open 09:30 - 17:00
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:
15 June 2024
Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

If you are looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair!

Dates

From:

25 Aug 2024to29 Aug 2024

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

Family Events

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