Christmas in Bournemouth 2026 begins on 12 November, with the return of the Festive Trail, Christmas Market and SKATE Bournemouth in the Lower Gardens. Families can also look forward to a Christmas Tree Maze, Santa’s Express, Story Time with Santa, festive mini golf and the Big Wheel, with celebrations continuing into January 2027.
Discover Halloween parties in Bournemouth and Poole for 2026, from masquerade balls and live music to club nights, rooftop parties and fancy dress. bournemouthlifestyle.com
Bournemouth International Film Festival returns, bringing independent films, documentaries, shorts, animation, filmmaker talks and industry events to Bournemouth. Based at Hilton Bournemouth and surrounding venues, BIFF offers two days of screenings, workshops and discussions before concluding with a black-tie awards night. Find dates, ticket prices, venue details and what to expect from Bournemouth International Film Festival.
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 the best fireworks and Bonfire Night events in Bournemouth for 2026, including three spectacular displays at Littledown and a new festival of light at Shelley Park. Our guide brings together confirmed dates, times, ticket prices and essential visitor information, alongside nearby firework displays in Poole and Broadstone. Whether you want a lively traditional celebration or a quieter alternative without loud bangs, there are several ways to enjoy Bonfire Night weekend.
Anathema Witch Markets bring alternative artists, makers, readers and independent traders to Boscombe’s historic Royal Arcade throughout the year. Each indoor market follows a different seasonal theme, with stalls selling handmade jewellery, candles, crystals, herbal products, gothic artwork, books, clothing and unusual curiosities. Entry is free, with tarot readings, live music and occasional workshops adding to the experience. This guide includes the confirmed 2026 dates, facilities, accessibility and travel information.
The Big Glow Show is a new Bournemouth event taking place at Shelley Park on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November 2026. The two-night festival will feature three choreographed laser shows, live singers, fire performers, circus entertainment, food stalls, a licensed bar and fairground attractions. With no traditional fireworks or loud bangs, it offers a different way to enjoy Bonfire Night weekend in Bournemouth, although visitors should expect bright and flashing lights throughout the evening.
Discover Christmas events in Bournemouth for 2026, including SKATE Bournemouth, the Christmas Market, Christmas Tree Wonderland, Aladdin at the Pavilion, Santa experiences and family activities. Some of the town’s biggest attractions have already confirmed their dates, while further details are still being announced. We will continue updating this guide with new events, prices and booking information as Bournemouth’s complete 2026 Christmas programme is released.
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.
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.
October brings a varied programme of events to Bournemouth, from an immersive pop-up planetarium and a major film festival to live theatre, family entertainment and the final days of a magical exhibition. Whether you are planning an autumn weekend, searching for October half-term activities or looking for something different to experience locally, these are seven of the best things happening in Bournemouth during October 2026.
Christmas Tree Wonderland Bournemouth returns, filling the Lower Gardens with illuminated trees, interactive displays and festive photo opportunities. The main light trail is free to explore, while optional attractions are expected to include Santa’s Workshop, the Christmas Tree Maze, festive mini golf and Santa’s Express. Located beside Bournemouth Christmas Market and SKATE Bournemouth, it forms the centrepiece of Christmas in Bournemouth.
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.
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.
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.
As autumn begins, Bournemouth Pavilion’s September programme delivers a fresh run of live entertainment, from standout concerts and theatre to comedy, tribute acts and special one-night performances.
Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival in Bournemouth. This award-winning festival fills Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre with spectacular outdoor performances, live music, street theatre, art installations, dance and interactive experiences.
October at Bournemouth Pavilion is packed with live entertainment for everyone, from major concerts and comedy to theatre, tribute shows and family favourites, making it one of the busiest months of the year.
Join the Romance Writing Festival 2026 in Bournemouth for a day of inspiring talks, writing workshops, expert masterclasses and networking with bestselling romance authors, literary agents and publishing professionals. Taking place at the Marsham Court Hotel on 3 October 2026, this unique Dorset literary event is ideal for aspiring and established romance writers looking to improve their craft, connect with the writing community and take the next step towards publication.
Discover what's on at Bournemouth Pavilion in November 2026, with a packed programme of live music, comedy, dance, family entertainment and festive performances. Highlights include Susan Calman, Nigel Kennedy, Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, The Stylistics and Tony Hadley. From spectacular tap dancing and tribute concerts to the Royal Marines Christmas Spectacular, there's plenty to enjoy at the Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom throughout the month.
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.
Take on one of the South Coast’s most scenic running events when the Bournemouth Bay Run returns in 2027. Starting near Pier Approach, the annual event is expected to offer a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K Kids Fun Run along Bournemouth’s famous seafront. The official 2027 date, entry fees and race schedule have not yet been announced. Find the latest event information and what runners can expect from the next Bournemouth Bay Run.
The Bournemouth Writing Festival 2027 is set to return to Bournemouth from 23-25 April 2027, bringing together writers, authors and publishing professionals for a weekend of talks, workshops and networking events. While the full programme is still to be announced, visitors can expect over 100 free and ticketed activities across Bournemouth town centre. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further details.
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.
Take on one of Dorset's most popular running weekends. The festival features the Bournemouth Half Marathon, Supersonic 10K, Supernova 5K and junior races along Bournemouth's stunning coastline. With spectacular sea views, a lively event atmosphere and distances for all abilities, Run Bournemouth is a highlight of the Dorset sporting calendar and attracts thousands of runners and supporters each year.
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