Events Guide | What’s On in Bournemouth

Join Ecstatic Dance every Wednesday at The Neptune Bar in Boscombe. Enjoy uplifting music, conscious movement, and community connection in a welcoming seaside space.

Join the festive sparkle at Christmas Tree Wonderland Bournemouth from November to early January – free immersive trail of illuminated trees live music ice rink and Alpine market for all ages.

Join Rotary Westbourne for an evening of live music at Key West on Bournemouth Pier. Enjoy great entertainment while supporting local charities and community causes.

This Christmas you can enjoy this year's Bournemouth pantomime Cinderella from Sat 6 Dec 2025 – Sun 4 Jan 2026

Skate this winter at Cool Coast Ice Rink in Bournemouth. Enjoy indoor ice skating, family fun, and festive vibes at the BIC’s Purbeck Hall.

Visit the Westbourne Farmers & Makers Market to explore locally produced bakes, homegrown vegetables, handmade preserves, cold pressed coffee - meet our wonderful makers and support your market community!

Bournemouth Bay Run is held in March and offers a race for all the family, whatever your running ability. The races are held on Bournemouth’s seven-mile coastline - choose your distance and enjoy amazing views as you walk, jog or run along the seafront.

Bournemouth Writing Festival is a festival celebrating creativity and talent in Bournemouth's local writing scene. Talks, seminars, panels, and performances are all available over a weekend in April, with something for anyone - from young children to published authors.

On Sunday, 17 May 2026, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride will occur in cities worldwide, uniting riders to support Movember’s efforts in raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Bournemouth-Poole ride, one of the largest globally and the biggest in the UK, attracts approximately 1,000 riders and ranks among the top fundraisers.

The largest music and sport festival in the world, Bournemouth 7s has come around once again! Buy tickets here: https://bournemouth7s.com/tickets/

The Art & Makers Market Bournemouth is located in Westover Gardens, next to the new Aviary. The market was established over 60 years ago and is one of the largest, and longest running, open air art displays in the country. This is a free attraction run as not for profit by local artists & creatives.

Bournevaria Oktoberfest is the biggest Oktoberfest celebration on the South Coast. Located in the Windsor Hall at the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, the event is held every September. The event is a chance to enjoy German tradition and is set in the Bavarian-themed beer hall at the BIC. Book tickets to this event to enjoy several fun evenings of live entertainment, great food, and fantastic German beers.

Arts by the Sea Festival is Bournemouth's annual celebration of art, culture and people, normally held at the end of September. Enjoy a weekend of festivity in the centre of Bournemouth including amazing parades, colourful live music, imaginative installations and fun for all ages! Find out more about this year’s artists, performances and events.

The Shake & Stir Festival is ideal for any vintage life-styler looking for somewhere to celebrate retro music, vehicles, dancing, or fashion. From the 1920s to the '70s, the bonanza of all things vintage features a variety of performances, displays, traders and more.

Run Bournemouth is a fun sporting festival involving a series of running races on the Bournemouth seafront on 8th / 9th October. This is a popular event for the whole family with running options of a half-marathon, 10km, 5km as well as Junior event categories.

Calling yarn lovers and hand stitchers to Stitch Night! Bring along your current WIP for a laidback, social craft sesh with like-minded creatives.

Check out What’s On at the Bournemouth Pavilion - from Live Music to Theatre Shows and more…….

Experience Skate Bournemouth this winter at the Lower Gardens. Enjoy festive fun, music, and ice skating under the lights — perfect for families, friends, and holiday outings.

Discover The Alpine Lodge in Bournemouth, a cosy festive bar at the heart of the Christmas Market in The Square. Enjoy mulled wine, winter cocktails, live music, quiz nights, and seasonal entertainment in a charming alpine-inspired lodge. Open daily from 11am to 11pm throughout the Christmas season — the perfect spot for festive drinks, group gatherings, and Christmas cheer.

Experience the magic of Bournemouth Christmas Market 2025 in the town centre. Enjoy festive stalls, delicious food, unique gifts, live music, and the famous ice rink in the Lower Gardens.

Slug & Lettuce Bournemouth offers 2-for-1 cocktails every day and a popular Bottomless Brunch with unlimited drinks and food options, all in a lively, stylish setting perfect for daytime plans and evenings out.

Be At One Bournemouth offers daily 2-for-1 cocktails, student discounts, £5 margaritas mid-week and 50% off spirits for students and industry workers, all set to DJs and a lively nightlife atmosphere.