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Festivals

Whilst the vast open spaces, countryside and stunning coastlines are here to help you #escapetheeveryday outdoor events are, understandably, limited during these unprecedented times.

As and when we hear we will be updating the individual event entries, but please do check with the event organisers before attending any of these events.

We also have some amazing digital experiences you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Visit our Bournemouth at Home Page.

As always you can stay in touch via our social media pages.

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#LOVEBOURNEMOUTH

With a reputation as an eventful destination, we’re very proud of what we’ve got going on in and around Bournemouth.

It’s our festivals that set us apart from other British seaside towns and it’s what keeps families and enthusiasts coming back to the destination year after year.

Our major festivals take place throughout the year, kicking off with the Bournemouth Bay Run in the spring. Offering a variety of distances, whether you’re a competitive athlete or a fun runner, there’s no better place to work up a sweat than beside the seaside along the Bournemouth coastline.

The summer sun brings with it a host of the world’s most impressive planes as the Bournemouth Air Festival swoops into town. With four days of fun on land, at sea and in the skies, it’s the perfect family festival. The well-loved selection of Britain’s Armed Forces dazzle crowds along our award-winning seafront and best of all, it’s free! Although there are usually pop concerts and rides which are ticketed, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy the festival without paying a penny.

In the autumn, we turn our minds and eyes to culture with Bournemouth’s Arts by the Sea Festival . This multi disciplinary event showcases a packed programme of art, dance, music and theatre, stretching across a number of days and into venues at the heart of Bournemouth as well as further out into our coastal villages.

With acts that appeal to all ages, it’s a great way to learn and discover more about art and culture against a breath-taking coastal backdrop.

We will also have great Halloween events in October until the beginning of November!

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

We also host a variety of smaller and specialist festivals throughout the year. From food and drink to jazz, as well as introductions to other countries and cultures, there’s always a reason to celebrate in Bournemouth.

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.

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Number of results: 24

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Featured Events

Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford

*Great Dorset Steam Fair has been postponed until 2021*
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:

26 Aug 2021to30 Aug 2021
Bournemouth 7s Festival

East Parley, Christchurch

***NEW DATES 2021***
Renowned as the Sporting Glastonbury, Bournemouth 7s has established a formidable reputation amongst sportspeople and festival-goers alike!

Dates

From:

27 Aug 2021to29 Aug 2021Various Opening Times
Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth

*CANCELLED UNTIL 2021 - Get set for the UK's biggest free air festival. 4 award-winning days of action and entertainment in the air, on land and at sea!

Dates

From:
2 Sept 2021Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
3 Sept 2021Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
4 Sept 2021Open 10:00 - 22:00
From:
5 Sept 2021Open 10:00 - 18:00
Inside Out Dorset Festival

Poole Quay, Poole

Inside Out Dorset festival returns between 17 September - 26 September 2021 (the previous event date was 11 - 27 September 2020). Come with us on a performance adventure across Dorset, stay tuned as locations and performances are revealed.

Dates

From:

17 Sept 2021to26 Sept 2021

Events

Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe (B.E.A.F.)

Boscombe, Bournemouth

Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe festival is returning, just a bit later!

Dates

From:

29 May 2021to6 June 2021
Cheese & Chilli Festival

Christchurch

We are delighted to announce that the amazing Cheese and Chilli Festival is back in Christchurch. The event will bring an amazing array of tastes, colours and experiences to town and is a ‘must go to event’. Come rain or shine, the event will be…

Dates

From:

6 June 2021to7 June 2021
Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival

Highcliffe

Highcliffe Food Festival is a two-day event where the streets are revived! The Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival 2021 will be held on the weekend of Sat 12th & Sun 13th June 2021.

Dates

From:

12 June 2021to13 June 2021Open 10:00 - 17:00
FlowerFest

Christchurch

*New Dates*
Welcome to our second year of FlowerFest, here in our delightful historic town of Christchurch, Dorset. After the success of our first year, we are delighted to announce we will be promoting and supporting the local Macmillan Caring…

Dates

From:

18 June 2021to20 June 2021
Harry Paye Pirate Day

Poole

Shiver yer timbers as Harry Paye Pirate Day returns to Poole Quay!

Dates

From:
19 June 2021
The Original Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival

Southbourne

Celebrating vintage… American hot rods, custom motorbikes, classic cars and retro fashion. Wartime moments, dance displays, and live music from the 1920’s to the 1970’s - including Rock 'n’ Roll, Rockabilly, Lindy Hop, Blues, Jazz, Americana and…

Dates

From:

19 June 2021to20 June 2021
Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim

Bournemouth

We're back for our 30th anniversary! Take part on Saturday or Sunday and swim 1.4 miles between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers in one of Europe's biggest charity swimming events.

Dates

From:
3 July 2021Open 14:00 - 20:00
From:
4 July 2021Open 10:00 - 14:00
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

Bournemouth

*Postponed until 2021*
This is 1st Reggae in Park event in Bournemouth, a unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and Reggae music adding to the thread that weaves the cloth of "togetherness and diversity" in Bournemouth.

Dates

From:

3 July 2021to4 July 2021Open 10:00 - 08:00
Bourne Free - Bournemouth's Pride Festival

Bournemouth

New Dates! Bourne Free will be back in 2021 on the 9th and 10th July at Meyrick Park! Bournemouth Pride Festival - Bourne Free. We invite you to join us for a weekend of fun and frolics, good music, great entertainment and of course the famous…

Dates

From:

9 July 2021to10 July 2021
Sandpolo at Sandbanks

Poole

**Event Postponed until 2021** Sandpolo at Sandbanks - New dates for 2021 announced

Dates

From:

9 July 2021to10 July 2021Open 13:00 - 01:00
Poole Goes Vintage

Poole

*CANCELLED FOR 2020*
Celebrate all things retro on the Quay as Poole goes Vintage returns to town each summer! This celebration of 1940s-60s music, fashion, memorabilia, entertainment and transport is a feel-good festival the whole family will enjoy.

Dates

From:
11 July 2021
SandFest

Poole

**Please note ** We have been forced to postpone the event until 2021 due to Covid-19. We will be back in 2021 with the date of 11 July 2021. SandFest at Sandbanks - Event postponed in 2020.

Dates

From:
11 July 2021Open 12:00 - 22:00
Beer and Bluegrass Festival

Poole

**2020 Event cancelled**
World class music and beer festival featuring bands from the USA plus the chance to sample real ales, ciders and home-cooked food.
Camp Bestival

East Lulworth

***Camp Bestival 2020 will no longer be taking place, but Camp Bestival will be back at Lulworth Castle on 29th July - 1st August 2021***
Welcome to the wonderful world of Camp Bestival a multi-award winning festival that combines an…

Dates

From:

29 July 2021to1 Aug 2021

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