What’s On in Bournemouth this Week: 25 September to 1 October 2026

From the return of Arts by the Sea to live music, comedy, theatre, workshops and unusual pop-up events, Bournemouth has a packed programme this week. Our latest guide covers events taking place from Friday 25 September to Thursday 1 October 2026, including free festivals, major performances and activities across Bournemouth town centre, Boscombe and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Friday 25 September

• Arts by the Sea: ELEMENTAL - Bournemouth’s free arts festival returns with spectacular performances, live music and installations across the town centre and Lower Gardens from 5pm.
• Russell-Cotes - Beasts & Best Friends - A guided tour exploring the Victorian love of animals from 11am. Tickets cost £6 in addition to museum admission.
• Key West - Jongleurs Comedy on the Pier - An evening of stand-up comedy with Philip Simon, Dave Fulton and Jonny Awsum. Doors open at 6pm, with the show beginning at 8pm.
• O2 Academy Bournemouth - The Cavern Club’s Beatles Complete - Musicians from Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club celebrate the music of The Beatles. Doors open at 7pm.
• Blend on the Hill - Don’t Blend In Comedy Night - Independent stand-up comedy headlined by Tadiwa Mahlunge, 7pm–10:30pm. This event is for ages 18 and over.
• Bear Cave - Black Water Redemption Album Launch - Local hard-rock band Black Water Redemption celebrates the release of its debut album with a headline show. Check the official listing for the confirmed start time.

Saturday 26 September

• Arts by the Sea: ELEMENTAL - Enjoy a full day of free performances, live music, unusual installations and spectacular after-dark entertainment from approximately 10:30am.
• Westover Gallery - Tim Cotterill’s Frogman Exhibition - Meet renowned sculptor Tim Cotterill and discover rare and exclusive bronze frog sculptures, 2pm–4pm. RSVP is requested.
• B.A.D. Boscombe Arts Depot - Pop Up Choir - Join artist Amy Hopwood for a free participatory choir session, 3pm–4pm. Everyone is welcome and no singing experience is required; check booking availability.
• Bournemouth International Centre - South Coast Darts Showdown - An evening of professional darts entertainment in the BIC’s Windsor Hall from 6:30pm.
• Bournemouth Pavilion - Michael Ball: Glow - The musical-theatre star performs songs from his Glow tour alongside established favourites. Doors open at 6:30pm, support begins at 7:30pm and Michael Ball is expected on stage at approximately 8:20pm.
• Calabrese Kitchen and Deli - SEKTOR X Deli Rave - A free electronic-music event transforming an Italian deli into an intimate dance venue, 6pm–11pm. Capacity is limited.

Sunday 27 September

• Royal Arcade - Hearth & Harvest Witch Market - Browse independent traders, crafts and unusual autumnal goods at this seasonal market from 10am. The reported finishing time is 3pm; confirm before travelling.
• The Connaught Hotel & Spa - Sound Bath & Relaxation - A guided sound bath and relaxation experience designed to help participants unwind, 10:45am–11:45am.
• Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar - Soundstorm - An Arts by the Sea Fringe showcase featuring emerging musicians aged under 18 from 2pm. Check general audience access and any age restrictions before attending.
• Bournemouth Pavilion - Showtime Future Stars - An afternoon of music and dance showcasing talented emerging performers from 2:30pm.
• St Mark’s Church Hall - A Single Thread Community Fashion Show - A sustainable fashion show celebrating recycled and repurposed clothing. Doors open at 5pm and the show starts at 5:30pm. The organiser lists tickets at £5 for adults and £1 for students and children, although the festival information suggests free admission, so confirm before attending.
• Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar - Harry Skinner - Live blues from Harry Skinner as part of the Arts by the Sea Fringe programme from 8:30pm.

Monday 28 September

• The Underground - Original Music Awards Showcase - A free live-music showcase featuring four nominated young artists, 7pm–11pm. Confirm general audience access before attending.
• Bournemouth Dungeons & Dragons - Monday Gaming Session- A welcoming tabletop role-playing session at St Francis of Assisi Church Hall, 7pm–10pm. Beginners are welcome.
• BOH Studios - Beginner Lindy Hop - A beginner-friendly swing-dance class, 7pm–7:50pm. No partner is required and drop-in places are available.
• Brass Haus - HOT VOX: Sing It to Win It - Emerging artists compete in a live open-mic showcase. Doors open at 7:30pm and the music begins at 8pm. This is an 18+ event; confirm it directly with the venue because its regular quiz schedule may conflict.
• O’Neill’s Bournemouth - Monday Quiz Night - An interactive smartphone quiz from 8pm, with entry previously advertised at £2 per person.
• Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar - Forbidden Planet - An experimental live-music night hosted by Conrad Barr as part of Arts by the Sea Fringe from 9:30pm.

Tuesday 29 September

• Russell-Cotes - Object Handling: Exploring India - A hands-on museum session exploring artefacts from the Indian collection, 12pm–1pm. The session is included with museum admission.
• PATCH - Jo in the Water - A special documentary screening exploring the campaign to protect Britain’s rivers, lakes and seas. Doors open at 6:30pm and the film begins at 7pm. Confirm ticket availability.
• Café Riva - Alex Stone Book Launch - Meet author Alex Stone at this special book-launch evening, 6:30pm–9pm. Advance booking is essential.
• The Old Fire Station - Moon Idle - Brighton alternative band Moon Idle performs alongside Isaac MacKenzie Band from 7pm.
• Bournemouth Pavilion - Swan Lake - Imperial Classical Ballet presents the much-loved classical ballet at 7:30pm. Adult tickets were previously listed from £43.
• Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar - Cherry Bomb - A free showcase of female musicians hosted by Jessie Dixon from 8pm.

Wednesday 30 September

• The Anvil - THUNDERHORSE - American heavy-rock band THUNDERHORSE performs with support from Dukes of Hades. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. This event is for ages 18 and over; the venue is not wheelchair accessible.
• The Old School House - Botanical Gelli Printing - Create botanical prints during a hands-on workshop with Jasmine, 7pm–9pm. Tickets cost £30 and capacity is limited, so advance booking is essential.
• The Old School House - Yoga for Dads and Male Carers - A specialist yoga and relaxation session for dads and male carers of children with special educational needs, 7:30pm–8:30pm. Tickets cost £20 and advance booking is required.
• Smokin’ Aces - Wednesday Jazz - Live jazz featuring a rotating line-up of musicians from 8:30pm. Check the performers and any admission charge directly with the venue.
• The Dancing Jug, Triangle - Wednesday Speed Quiz - An interactive smartphone quiz followed by karaoke. Entry costs £2 per person and table reservations are recommended. Confirm the starting time with the venue.
• Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar - Open Mic Night - A free open mic hosted by Si Genaro, showcasing local musicians and emerging performers from 9pm.

Thursday 1 October

• Bar Coast - Coffee Rave - Start the day with a DJ, coffee and dancing in support of Dorset charity Diverse Abilities, 7am–8:30am. Tickets cost £5.
• PATCH - Conversation Café French Culture Day - A French cultural immersion day featuring conversation, portrait art and a French-themed lunch, 10am–4pm. Confirm RSVP requirements and whether lunch carries an additional cost.
• PATCH - Deathcore by the Sea - A heavy live-music event featuring Heirs of Tartarus and supporting acts. Doors open at 6:30pm; check current ticket availability.
• St Saviour’s Church - Polly Morris & Friends - An intimate evening concert featuring Polly Morris and fellow performers. Doors open at 7pm and the concert runs from 7:30pm–9:30pm. Tickets were previously listed at £7; confirm availability.
• Bournemouth Pavilion - Copacabana Magic - A live tribute show celebrating the music of Barry Manilow from 7:30pm.
• Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar - Rubber Soul - A free independent-band showcase hosted by Conrad Barr as part of Arts by the Sea Fringe from 9:30pm.

Useful Information

Event times, admission prices and ticket availability can change at short notice. Check directly with the venue or organiser before travelling, especially where booking information, audience access or final timings remain unconfirmed.

Images: Facebook