What's on Bournemouth, this season
Next big date 0 days Arts by the Sea Festival 2026 Friday 25 September · Bournemouth Seafront, Town Centre, and Chines What is on in Bournemouth, all year
Festivals, live music, theatre, comedy, sport, markets and the seasonal fixtures, grouped by month. 120 upcoming events listed.
The big annual dates
Full calendar on the guide- Arts · annual
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Autumn Season 2026
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's autumn programme of evening concerts at the Lighthouse in Poole, with selected dates at the Bournemouth Pavilion. Repertoire spans Romantic symphonies, choral works, and contemporary commissions.
- Arts · annual
Arts by the Sea Festival 2026
Bournemouth's annual public arts festival, with outdoor installations along the seafront, performance pieces in the chines, and pop-up galleries through the town. Run by the Bournemouth Arts University and partners; programme published in summer.
- Festival · annual
Romance Writing Festival
Listed for Saturday 3 October 2026: Romance Writing Festival, at Bournemouth.
- Festival · annual
Bournemouth International Film Festival
Listed for 9 October 2026 to 10 October 2026: Bournemouth International Film Festival, at Bournemouth.
- Sport · annual
Run Bournemouth 2026
Run Bournemouth, the running weekend that replaced the Bournemouth Marathon: the Bournemouth Half Marathon, the Supersonic 10K, a 5K and junior races along the seafront, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026.
- Family · annual
October Half-Term at the Lower Gardens
Free family activities at Bournemouth Lower Gardens through October half-term week, including outdoor games, craft tents, storytelling, and seasonal Halloween events. Programme published by Bournemouth Town Centre BID closer to the date.
- Seasonal · annual
Bournemouth Christmas Market & Alpine Village
20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 is when Bournemouth Christmas Market & Alpine Village is on, at Bournemouth Lower Gardens. It is organised by BCP Council.
- Seasonal · annual
Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026
The annual Christmas market filling the Town Square and adjoining streets with wooden chalets, German-style hot chocolate, mulled wine, regional crafts, and seasonal food. Open daily through the Christmas season alongside the Tree Wonderland illuminations.
The full calendar
Dates are confirmed by organisers. Check the official event page closer to the day for start times and tickets.
July 2026 4
- Comedy
Saturday Night Comedy: Jaggers Comedy Club Bournemouth
Listed for 20 dates, beginning 18 July 2026: Saturday Night Comedy: Jaggers Comedy Club Bournemouth, at Canvas, Bournemouth.
- Comedy
Comedy At Caplins Bar
Comedy At Caplins Bar, at Chaplins Cellar Bar, Bournemouth, takes place on 2 dates, beginning 20 July 2026.
- Comedy
Laughing Bellys Comedy At The Snug
Comedy night alert: Laughing Bellys Comedy At The Snug runs on 6 dates, beginning 22 July 2026 at The Snug, Christchurch.
- Music
Conker Unplugged
4 dates, beginning 31 July 2026 is when Conker Unplugged is on, at Conker Spirit, Bournemouth.
August 2026 3
- Music
Compton Organ Shows
Live music night alert: Compton Organ Shows runs on 2 dates, beginning 4 August 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Community
Speed Dating in Bournemouth - Ages 30-45
Listed for 3 dates, beginning 6 August 2026: Speed Dating in Bournemouth - Ages 30-45, at Be At One Bournemouth.
- Comedy
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club - Bournemouth
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club - Bournemouth is a comedy night at Bournemouth Pavilion, on 4 dates, beginning 22 August 2026.
September 2026 7
- Community
Speed Dating in Bournemouth | Ages 40-55
2 dates, beginning 3 September 2026 is when Speed Dating in Bournemouth | Ages 40-55 is on, at Be At One Bournemouth.
- Comedy
Comedy At The Fishermans Haunt
Listed for 3 dates, beginning 11 September 2026: Comedy At The Fishermans Haunt, at The Fishermans Haunt, Christchurch.
- Arts · annual
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Autumn Season 2026
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's autumn programme of evening concerts at the Lighthouse in Poole, with selected dates at the Bournemouth Pavilion. Repertoire spans Romantic symphonies, choral works, and contemporary commissions.
- Music
Michael Starring Ben
2 dates, beginning 19 September 2026 is when Michael Starring Ben is on, at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Nightlife
Rubyz Bournemouth Presents SCREAMS and SEQUINS
Rubyz Bournemouth Presents SCREAMS and SEQUINS, at Rubyz Cabaret, Bournemouth, takes place on 10 dates, beginning 19 September 2026.
- Arts · annual
Arts by the Sea Festival 2026
Bournemouth's annual public arts festival, with outdoor installations along the seafront, performance pieces in the chines, and pop-up galleries through the town. Run by the Bournemouth Arts University and partners; programme published in summer.
- Music
UMP presents THUNDERHORSE
Wednesday 30 September 2026 is when UMP presents THUNDERHORSE is on, at The Anvil, Bournemouth.
October 2026 50
- Music
Copacabana Magic - The Barry Manilow Tribute Show
Live music night alert: Copacabana Magic - The Barry Manilow Tribute Show runs on Thursday 1 October 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Music
Joe Jackson - Hope and Fury Tour 2026
Live music night alert: Joe Jackson - Hope and Fury Tour 2026 runs on Friday 2 October 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Music
The Hu - Warrior Chant Tour
The Hu - Warrior Chant Tour, at O2 Academy Bournemouth, takes place on Friday 2 October 2026.
- Music
UMP Presents Stoned Statues
UMP Presents Stoned Statues, at The Anvil, Bournemouth, takes place on Friday 2 October 2026.
- Music
Badness: Madness Tribute
Listed for Saturday 3 October 2026: Badness: Madness Tribute, at Bournemouth Pier.
- Festival · annual
Romance Writing Festival
Listed for Saturday 3 October 2026: Romance Writing Festival, at Bournemouth.
- Music
Steve Hackett - Best of Genesis and Solo Gems
Tuesday 6 October 2026 is when Steve Hackett - Best of Genesis and Solo Gems is on, at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Comedy
Jonathan Pie: The End Of The World According To Jonathan Pie
Listed for Wednesday 7 October 2026: Jonathan Pie: The End Of The World According To Jonathan Pie, at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Music
Youthful Rachmaninov
Youthful Rachmaninov is a live music night at Lighthouse, Poole, on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
- Music
We Are Scientists
We Are Scientists is a live music night at O2 Academy Bournemouth, on Thursday 8 October 2026.
- Festival · annual
Bournemouth International Film Festival
Listed for 9 October 2026 to 10 October 2026: Bournemouth International Film Festival, at Bournemouth.
- Music
Katherine Jenkins - 25 Year Anniversary Tour
Katherine Jenkins - 25 Year Anniversary Tour, at Bournemouth Pavilion, takes place on Friday 9 October 2026.
- Music
The Wonder Stuff + Inspiral Carpets
Live music night alert: The Wonder Stuff + Inspiral Carpets runs on Friday 9 October 2026 at O2 Academy Bournemouth.
- Music
This Flight Tonight - The Songs Of Joni Mitchell
Live music night alert: This Flight Tonight - The Songs Of Joni Mitchell runs on Friday 9 October 2026 at St Peter's Church, Bournemouth.
- Music
UMP Presents Dazzling Killmen
UMP Presents Dazzling Killmen, at The Anvil, Bournemouth, takes place on Friday 9 October 2026.
- Nightlife
BFT 2 Year Anniversary Party
Listed for Saturday 10 October 2026: BFT 2 Year Anniversary Party, at Canvas, Bournemouth.
- Sport · annual
Run Bournemouth 2026
Run Bournemouth, the running weekend that replaced the Bournemouth Marathon: the Bournemouth Half Marathon, the Supersonic 10K, a 5K and junior races along the seafront, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October 2026.
- Talks
Dr John Cooper Clarke
Dr John Cooper Clarke, at Lighthouse, Poole, takes place on Saturday 10 October 2026.
- Festival
Fazzafest 6
Fazzafest 6 is a festival at The Bear Cave, Bournemouth, on Saturday 10 October 2026.
- Comedy
Phil Wang: UH OH
Saturday 10 October 2026 is when Phil Wang: UH OH is on, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Nightlife
Southbound Presents: FALSE PERSONA + DUNMAN
Listed for Saturday 10 October 2026: Southbound Presents: FALSE PERSONA + DUNMAN, at The Four Horsemen Pub, Bournemouth.
- Music
Anvil & UMP Present Daily Thompson
Sunday 11 October 2026 is when Anvil & UMP Present Daily Thompson is on, at The Anvil, Bournemouth.
- Music
What the World Needs Now: The Burt Bacharach Songbook
Live music night alert: What the World Needs Now: The Burt Bacharach Songbook runs on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Music
Brandon Flowers
Wednesday 14 October 2026 is when Brandon Flowers is on, at O2 Academy Bournemouth.
- Music
Westlife 25 - The Anniversary World Tour
Westlife 25 - The Anniversary World Tour is a live music night at Bournemouth International Centre, on Wednesday 14 October 2026.
- Music
Antony Szmierek
Antony Szmierek, at O2 Academy Bournemouth, takes place on Friday 16 October 2026.
- Music
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Film with Live Orchestra
Listed for Friday 16 October 2026: Avatar: The Last Airbender - Film with Live Orchestra, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Comedy
Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel
Comedy night alert: Austentatious: An Improvised Jane Austen Novel runs on Sunday 18 October 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Theatre
The Legends in Vegas - After Hours
Theatre performance alert: The Legends in Vegas - After Hours runs on Tuesday 20 October 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Theatre
Magic Men
Magic Men is a theatre performance at Bournemouth International Centre, on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
- Comedy
Nigel Havers - Talking B*ll*cks
Comedy night alert: Nigel Havers - Talking B*ll*cks runs on Wednesday 21 October 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Music
Transvision Vamp
Transvision Vamp is a live music night at O2 Academy Bournemouth, on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
- Music
Glorious Heights
Thursday 22 October 2026 is when Glorious Heights is on, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Music
Cody Pennington Country Show
Cody Pennington Country Show is a live music night at O2 Academy Bournemouth, on Friday 23 October 2026.
- Music
Leo Sayer: Can't Stop Loving You
Leo Sayer: Can't Stop Loving You is a live music night at Lighthouse, Poole, on Friday 23 October 2026.
- Music
Boyzlife Featuring Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden
Boyzlife Featuring Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, at Lighthouse, Poole, takes place on Saturday 24 October 2026.
- Comedy
Ginger Johnson: Show Pony
Comedy night alert: Ginger Johnson: Show Pony runs on Saturday 24 October 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Family · annual
October Half-Term at the Lower Gardens
Free family activities at Bournemouth Lower Gardens through October half-term week, including outdoor games, craft tents, storytelling, and seasonal Halloween events. Programme published by Bournemouth Town Centre BID closer to the date.
- Theatre
Meet the Hatter
Theatre performance alert: Meet the Hatter runs on Saturday 24 October 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Seasonal
Halloween at Bournemouth Oceanarium (Ocean-Scarium)
Seasonal event alert: Halloween at Bournemouth Oceanarium (Ocean-Scarium) runs from 25 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 at Oceanarium, Bournemouth.
- Seasonal
October Half Term: Halloween Fun at the Russell-Cotes
25 October 2026 to 31 October 2026 is when October Half Term: Halloween Fun at the Russell-Cotes is on, at Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth.
- Music
The Beat: Dance Crazed Too UK Tour
The Beat: Dance Crazed Too UK Tour, at O2 Academy Bournemouth, takes place on Sunday 25 October 2026.
- Music
Jalen Ngonda: Doctrine of Love Tour
Jalen Ngonda: Doctrine of Love Tour, at O2 Academy Bournemouth, takes place on Tuesday 27 October 2026.
- Seasonal
Eastern Odyssey
Eastern Odyssey, at Lighthouse, Poole, takes place on Wednesday 28 October 2026.
- Comedy
Flo & Joan - With Feeling
Listed for Thursday 29 October 2026: Flo & Joan - With Feeling, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Sport
GrandSlam Wrestling
Sporting event alert: GrandSlam Wrestling runs on Thursday 29 October 2026 at O2 Academy Bournemouth.
- Family
Steve Backshall - Deadly Live!
Friday 30 October 2026 is when Steve Backshall - Deadly Live! is on, at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Comedy
Susan Calman: Tall Tales
Comedy night alert: Susan Calman: Tall Tales runs on 2 dates, beginning 30 October 2026 at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Nightlife
Religion Rave - 31.10.26
Saturday 31 October 2026 is when Religion Rave - 31.10.26 is on, at The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth.
- Music
Tim Burton's Universe by Mystery Ensemble
Tim Burton's Universe by Mystery Ensemble is a live music night at Bournemouth, on Saturday 31 October 2026.
November 2026 49
- Music
Sunshine Symphonies
Sunshine Symphonies, at Lighthouse, Poole, takes place on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
- Comedy
Thomas Green - Brainstorm
Listed for Wednesday 4 November 2026: Thomas Green - Brainstorm, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Seasonal
Poole Fireworks Cruise
Poole Fireworks Cruise, at Poole Quay, takes place on Thursday 5 November 2026.
- Theatre
Obscura: Double Bill by Company Chameleon
Friday 6 November 2026 is when Obscura: Double Bill by Company Chameleon is on, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Nightlife
The Ultimate MAGIC MIKE Tribute Brunch
Listed for Friday 6 November 2026: The Ultimate MAGIC MIKE Tribute Brunch, at Canvas, Bournemouth.
- Music
Elvis: Viva Las Vegas!
Live music night alert: Elvis: Viva Las Vegas! runs on Saturday 7 November 2026 at Not specified.
- Seasonal
G4 Christmas 2026
Seasonal event alert: G4 Christmas 2026 runs on Saturday 7 November 2026 at Christchurch Priory.
- Talks
Professor Brian Cox: Emergence World Tour
7 November 2026 to 8 November 2026 is when Professor Brian Cox: Emergence World Tour is on, at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Music
Legend Live presents Bob Marley at The Old Fire Station
Legend Live presents Bob Marley at The Old Fire Station is a live music night at The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth, on Sunday 8 November 2026.
- Music
Dizzee Rascal
Dizzee Rascal, at O2 Academy Bournemouth, takes place on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
- Comedy
Judi Love: All About The Love
Wednesday 11 November 2026 is when Judi Love: All About The Love is on, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Music
Blancmange
Live music night alert: Blancmange runs on Thursday 12 November 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Music
Gareth Malone - Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth: At The Movies
Live music night alert: Gareth Malone - Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth: At The Movies runs on Thursday 12 November 2026 at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Music
Suede & Manic Street Preachers
Listed for Thursday 12 November 2026: Suede & Manic Street Preachers, at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Music
UMP presents ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK
Listed for Thursday 12 November 2026: UMP presents ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK, at The Anvil, Bournemouth.
- Music
Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
Jools Holland and His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra is a live music night at Bournemouth Pavilion, on Saturday 14 November 2026.
- Music
Myles Smith: My Mess, My Heart, My Life Tour
Saturday 14 November 2026 is when Myles Smith: My Mess, My Heart, My Life Tour is on, at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Theatre
The Sound of Musicals - Poole
Theatre performance alert: The Sound of Musicals - Poole runs on Saturday 14 November 2026 at St Aldhelm's Church, Poole.
- Music
The Stylistics
The Stylistics is a live music night at Bournemouth Pavilion, on Sunday 15 November 2026.
- Music
The Script: Man In The Arena Tour
Monday 16 November 2026 is when The Script: Man In The Arena Tour is on, at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Seasonal
TONY HADLEY - The Christmas Big Band Tour 2026
Monday 16 November 2026 is when TONY HADLEY - The Christmas Big Band Tour 2026 is on, at Bournemouth Pavilion.
- Music
Hothouse Flowers - the Greatest Hits Tour
Listed for Wednesday 18 November 2026: Hothouse Flowers - the Greatest Hits Tour, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Music
Imperial Majesty: Beethoven's Emperor Concerto
Live music night alert: Imperial Majesty: Beethoven's Emperor Concerto runs on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Comedy
Paul Smith: HAPPY
Paul Smith: HAPPY, at Bournemouth International Centre, takes place on 2 dates, beginning 18 November 2026.
- Theatre
The Archers: Live at 75
Theatre performance alert: The Archers: Live at 75 runs on Thursday 19 November 2026 at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Seasonal · annual
Bournemouth Christmas Market & Alpine Village
20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 is when Bournemouth Christmas Market & Alpine Village is on, at Bournemouth Lower Gardens. It is organised by BCP Council.
- Seasonal · annual
Bournemouth Christmas Market 2026
The annual Christmas market filling the Town Square and adjoining streets with wooden chalets, German-style hot chocolate, mulled wine, regional crafts, and seasonal food. Open daily through the Christmas season alongside the Tree Wonderland illuminations.
- Seasonal · annual
Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland 2026
The Lower Gardens and Town Centre transformed into an illuminated woodland for the Christmas season, with hundreds of decorated trees, light tunnels, the Bournemouth Christmas Market alongside, and seasonal events for families.
- Music
Fleetwood Bac
Fleetwood Bac is a live music night at St Peter's Church, Poole, on Friday 20 November 2026.
- Sport
AFC Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest
Saturday 21 November 2026 is when AFC Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest is on, at Vitality Stadium.
- Comedy
Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean
Listed for Saturday 21 November 2026: Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean, at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Seasonal · annual
Christmas Tree Wonderland
Christmas Tree Wonderland is a seasonal event at Bournemouth Lower Gardens, from 21 November 2026 to 31 December 2026. Entry is free.
- Music
Big Country + The Alarm
Big Country + The Alarm, at O2 Academy Bournemouth, takes place on Wednesday 25 November 2026.
- Music
Flower Power
Live music night alert: Flower Power runs on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Music
The Australian Pink Floyd: The Happiest Days Of Our Lives
Listed for Thursday 26 November 2026: The Australian Pink Floyd: The Happiest Days Of Our Lives, at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Music
The Orb + the Ozric Tentacles
The Orb + the Ozric Tentacles, at O2 Academy Bournemouth, takes place on Thursday 26 November 2026.
- Comedy
Laughing Bellys Comedy At The Foresters Arms
Comedy night alert: Laughing Bellys Comedy At The Foresters Arms runs on Friday 27 November 2026 at The Foresters Arms, Fordingbridge.
- Music
Little Angels - Big Bad And Back Tour
Listed for Friday 27 November 2026: Little Angels - Big Bad And Back Tour, at O2 Academy Bournemouth.
- Nightlife
FOXY SCROOGE: A Modern Take on A Christmas Carol
FOXY SCROOGE: A Modern Take on A Christmas Carol, at Rubyz Cabaret, Bournemouth, takes place on 4 dates, beginning 28 November 2026.
- Music
The Amy Winehouse Band: Back to Black 20th Anniversary Tour
Saturday 28 November 2026 is when The Amy Winehouse Band: Back to Black 20th Anniversary Tour is on, at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Nightlife
Tidy presents B2B (Back 2 Bournemouth)
Listed for Saturday 28 November 2026: Tidy presents B2B (Back 2 Bournemouth), at O2 Academy Bournemouth.
- Music
Bournemouth Goes Country: The Luke Combs Collection
Listed for Sunday 29 November 2026: Bournemouth Goes Country: The Luke Combs Collection, at O2 Academy Bournemouth.
- Seasonal
Disney's Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert - Live to Film
Listed for Sunday 29 November 2026: Disney's Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert - Live to Film, at Lighthouse, Poole.
December 2026 7
- Markets · annual
Bournemouth Christmas Market (Alpine Market)
Bournemouth Christmas Market (Alpine Market) is a market at The Square, Bournemouth, from 1 December 2026 to 31 December 2026.
- Seasonal
Skate Bournemouth (Open-Air Ice Rink)
Seasonal event alert: Skate Bournemouth (Open-Air Ice Rink) runs from 1 December 2026 to 31 December 2026 at Bournemouth Lower Gardens.
- Music
Celebrating Celine
Celebrating Celine, at O2 Academy Bournemouth, takes place on Thursday 3 December 2026.
- Seasonal
BSO: Orchestral Favourites from Seasonal Classics
Seasonal event alert: BSO: Orchestral Favourites from Seasonal Classics runs on Friday 4 December 2026 at Lighthouse, Poole.
- Comedy
Even the Devil Has Demons by Caitlin Barnett
Listed for Friday 4 December 2026: Even the Devil Has Demons by Caitlin Barnett, at Bournemouth (venue TBC).
- Music
Squeeze plus Very Special Guest Billy Bragg
Friday 4 December 2026 is when Squeeze plus Very Special Guest Billy Bragg is on, at Bournemouth International Centre.
- Seasonal · annual
New Year's Eve Fireworks 2026
The annual midnight fireworks display from Bournemouth Pier, visible across the entire seven-mile bay. Free at the point of attendance, with the strongest viewing along the central seafront and the West Cliff promenade.
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Monthly round-ups and event guides
All event articles- What's on
What's onCoastal Comedy launches at Verwood Hub with Angela Barnes
Coastal Comedy Club brings live stand-up to Verwood Hub for the first time on 17 October 2026, with Mock the Week's Angela Barnes headlining the launch night.
What's onDusk Til Dark: 500 glowing orbs light up Weymouth
Dusk Til Dark runs in Weymouth from 24 to 26 September 2026, free, with Wave, 500 glowing orbs over Westham Bridge, plus lasers and a sound bath on the beach.
EventsWhat's on in Bournemouth this October 2026
What's on in Bournemouth in October 2026: Run Bournemouth, the Arts by the Sea fringe, five Cherries home games, half term, Halloween and the big concerts.
What's onArts by the Sea 2026: Elemental takes over the Lower Gardens
Arts by the Sea returns to Bournemouth on 25 and 26 September 2026 with the theme Elemental, a fringe to 11 October and Lords of Lightning's Frequency Rider.
What's onBournevaria Oktoberfest returns to the BIC this weekend
Bournevaria Oktoberfest is back at the BIC on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September 2026, with three sessions, steins, oompah bands and lederhosen.