Live Music & Entertainment in Bournemouth

Looking for live music in Bournemouth? The town has more to offer than one kind of night out. Catch touring artists at the O2 Academy or BIC, find emerging performers at Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar, book a seated show at Bournemouth Pavilion, or choose a pub gig or jazz night. This guide helps you pick the right venue and links to current programmes, so you can check what is actually on before heading out.

Keep up to date on the best places for live music and entertainment in Christchurch and Southbourne. Enjoy a fantastic night out in Dorset, whether you are looking for live music, nightclub venues, a Sports Bar or more.

Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.

Celebrate Bourne Free Pride Festival 2027 in Bournemouth, with three days of live entertainment, community celebrations and family-friendly activities at Meyrick Park. Featuring the annual Pride Parade, live music, market stalls and a free Family Fun Day, it's one of Dorset's biggest and most colourful summer festivals.

The Brass Haus in central Bournemouth combines Bavarian-inspired pub atmosphere with live music, sport and great-value food and drink offers. Enjoy weekday meal-and-drink deals from £8.75, Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 4pm to 8pm, and Bottomless Brunch from £35 per person. With sharing plates, student discounts, live entertainment and major sporting fixtures shown throughout the week, it's a lively spot for lunches, after-work drinks and nights out with friends.

Discover The Four Horsemen in Bournemouth's Triangle, an independent pub known for its extensive craft beer selection, retro atmosphere and underground microclub. With over 100 beers and ciders, a popular Tuesday quiz at 8pm, live music, DJ nights, comedy and regular events, there's always something interesting happening. The venue also serves hearty pub food, making it a great spot for drinks, entertainment and a night out with friends.

Experience Proms in the Park at Meyrick Park, Bournemouth. Hosted by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, this popular Dorset summer event features two spectacular evenings of live orchestral music, from timeless classical favourites and film scores to the biggest hits of the 1990s, all ending with a breathtaking fireworks display. Find event dates, ticket information and everything you need to plan your visit.

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.

Experience the Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2027 at King's Park. One of Dorset's biggest summer music festivals, the event features live reggae, ska and dancehall performances, Caribbean food, family entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Find event dates, ticket information, opening times, venue details and everything you need to plan your visit to this popular Bournemouth festival.