Events & Festivals - What’s On Guide in Dorset UK

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

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

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 October. 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.

Information on car boot sales in Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole & Dorset.

Discover the best cinemas in Dorset, including the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area - essential knowledge for any local film buff. With a variety of excellent films displayed in these venues weekly, movie-goers are bound to enjoy the immersive experiences these locations offer.

Beyond its breathtaking coastline and undulating countryside, Dorset is a year-round festival destination that is teeming with local flavour, creativity, and life. These festivals highlight Dorset's unique local customs, literary celebrations, and top-notch music and culinary events. With so many annual festivals, Dorset has something to offer everyone, whether you're planning a cosy winter retreat or a summer seaside escape.

Guide to events at Hengistbury Head, near Christchurch in Dorset.

Guide to events at Highcliffe Castle, near Christchurch in Dorset.

Guide to events at The Amberwood Inn, near Christchurch, Dorset

Find information about 2025 Festival Events in Christchurch, Dorset, including food, music and car festivals.

The Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival takes place every June - its is a two-day celebration of local food & drink. The event is organised and run by a committee of unpaid volunteers who want to ensure the festival promotes local food producers, independent restaurants and retailers in Highcliffe. The objective of the festival is also to increase the profile of Highcliffe as a tourist destination, and to encourage people to eat healthy, homemade and locally sourced food through educations & fun workshops, plus cookery demonstrations.

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

Situated in the centre of Christchurch High Street, the Regent Centre is the cinema, Theatre, concert Hall, art Gallery and entertainment centre that serves Christchurch, Dorset and the surrounding area.

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 Air Festival is held every year at the end of August / early September. Enjoy 3 days of fantastic action on Bournemouth's seafront, including a daily display from The Red Arrows. Entertainment continues into the evening, including Pyrotechnic Night Air Displays with and live music. This amazing Air Show is free to watch and free to enjoy. Friday & Saturday see the skies light up with fireworks at Bournemouth seafront! Details on the 2025 Air Festival are still due to confirmed. Site opens at 10am and closes at 10pm (on Sunday site closes at 6pm).

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.

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.

For the 11th year, the Cheese and Chilli Festival is returning to Christchurch in 2025! The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration filled with incredible flavours, colours, and experiences—you won’t want to miss it! Whether the sun is shining or it’s a bit rainy, it will be an amazing time for everyone! The Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival celebrates local producers of cheese and chilli related products, hosts a variety of musical and theatrical entertainment, and supports local charities with it's profits. Be it live cooking demonstrations, circus-style performances, live music, taste tents, or chilli eating competitions, the festival is filled with delightful activities for adults and kids alike.

Come and join in the fun for free! The Christchurch Carnival promises a fun weekend which includes a float parade, fireworks, stalls and more! The event takes place every August.

Come and enjoy a lovely festive day out with a Christmas Market, live Reindeer in Saxon Square, Santa's Parade, Santa's Grotto & the Christmas lights switch on!!!

Launched in 2000, Christchurch Food Festival continues to bring people together in one of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast to share great food and drink. With chef demos, live entertainment, and a delicious selection of local produce, the festival celebrates the pleasure of food while also helping to support small producers and independent food businesses.

Christchurch Priory hold their annual Music and Arts Festival every June. All tickets can be bought from the Christchurch Priory Box Office. Details of the 2025 festival are still due to be published.

Poole Quay is the perfect location to enjoy Fireworks Night on Bonfire Night / 5th November. This fantastic free event starts at 5pm, with the firework display at 8pm - the evening includes live music, family entertainment and activities. Parking: We highly recommend parking at either the Dolphin Shopping Centre or Harbourside Park as the car parks at the seafront and Quay can get really busy.

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.

Bournemouth Bay Run is held in October 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.

Shop small, handmade and sustainable this festive season at Westbourne Artisan Christmas Market! Visit to find amazing gifts and treats from talented local makers and creatives.