1) What’s on in January in Bournemouth

The United Kingdom Open Dance Festival returns to Bournemouth International Centre, bringing six days of world-class Ballroom and Latin dance competitions to the South Coast. Featuring professional champions, rising stars and talented amateur dancers from around the world, the prestigious event includes daytime qualifying rounds, glamorous evening finals and live orchestral music. Discover the competition programme, ticket options and everything you need to plan your visit.

Discover Barbara's Bier Haus Bournemouth, an après-ski-inspired bar on Old Christchurch Road offering daily Happy Hour, bottomless brunch and a lively programme of entertainment. Enjoy 50% off selected drinks from 4pm to 8pm, Saturday brunch with unlimited pizza and drinks, Sunday Boozy Quiz nights and Monday Music Bingo. With live music, free karaoke, student deals, DJs and alpine-inspired food, Barbara's brings a lively mountain-party atmosphere to Bournemouth town centre throughout the week.

Bournemouth parkrun is a free weekly 5K for runners, joggers and walkers at Kings Park. Taking place every Saturday at 9am, it welcomes experienced runners, complete beginners, families and anyone wanting a more active start to the weekend. Here is everything you need to know about the course, registration, parking, public transport and current participation rules.

Celebrate the beginning of 2027 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Day Viennese Gala at Lighthouse, Poole. Taking place on Friday 1 January, this uplifting afternoon concert features sweeping Strauss waltzes, lively polkas, orchestral favourites and vocal performances from soprano Claudia Boyle. Expect famous pieces including The Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz and Offenbach’s Can-Can during an elegant musical celebration inspired by Vienna’s traditional New Year concerts.

Discover Smokin' Aces Bournemouth, an award-winning cocktail bar and whiskey lounge in the Triangle, known for its live music, expertly crafted drinks and lively atmosphere. Enjoy Wednesday jazz nights, Friday live bands, Saturday DJs and a monthly quiz, alongside whiskey, rum, gin and cocktail masterclasses starting from £28 per person. With its hidden downstairs lounge, welcoming approach and late-night opening hours, Smokin' Aces remains one of Bournemouth's most distinctive independent nightlife venues.