What's On in Bournemouth
Things to do in and around Bournemouth: events, days out and family activities, with the practical details.
Top story
Boscombe Christmas Day Dip: 10.30am, Sign-Up Opens 6 Nov
The White Christmas Dip is at 10.30am on Christmas morning beside Boscombe Pier. Registration opens on 6 November; the ticket is listed at £15.
Dates for the diary
- On now to 17 Oct 9 to 5 The Musical
- Sat 17 Oct Boscombe Market
- Sun 18 Oct Old Christchurch Road Market
- Sun 18 Oct Austentatious
- Wed 21 Oct Tea Dance at the Pavilion Ballroom
- Wed 21 Oct BSO: Glorious Heights
- Wed 21 Oct Nigel Havers: Talking B*ll*cks
- 24 Oct to 11 Apr Edo Women: Japanese Prints 1820 to 1900
- 24 Oct to 1 Nov Half term at the Russell-Cotes
- Sat 24 Oct Bournemouth parkrun
- 24 Oct to 1 Nov Halloween at Bournemouth Oceanarium: kids go free in costume
- Mon 26 Oct Miriam Margolyes: Full English Live
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Events
Kingston Lacy Christmas: Starlit Ball From 21 Nov
Kingston Lacy's Starlit Christmas Ball opens 21 November, 10.30am to 3pm daily. Storytelling with Santa is £15.50 a child plus entry; book ahead.
Christmas
Bournemouth Christmas Lights: On From 12 Nov, No Switch-On
Bournemouth town centre has no switch-on ceremony: its lights come on when Christmas in Bournemouth opens on 12 November. Westbourne's 2026 date is still due.
Events
What's On in Bournemouth: Fireworks 7 Nov, Bob Dylan 25 Nov
Pumpkin Fest is 31 October, Littledown fires on 7 November, the Christmas market opens on the 12th and Bob Dylan plays the BIC on 25 November.
Christmas
Russell-Cotes at Christmas: Candlelit House From 17 Nov
Bournemouth's Russell-Cotes dresses for a Victorian Christmas from 17 November to 3 January. Father Christmas is £17.50 on 12 and 13 December; tours are £6.
Events
Bournemouth Remembrance Sunday: 8 Nov, 10.55am, Cenotaph
The service is at the Cenotaph in the Central Gardens at 10.55am on Sunday 8 November, after a 10.35am parade. Three roads by the Town Hall shut from 9am.
Events
Bournemouth Santa's Grotto: Story Sessions From 12 Nov
Santa's Workshop runs booked 30-minute story sessions from 12 November, plus a free 5.30pm story in the Square. Swanage Santa trains start 28 November.
Events
Bournemouth Halloween: Pumpkin Fest Sat 31 Oct, 10am-4pm
Southbourne Pumpkin Fest is Saturday 31 October, 10am to 4pm, free. Oceanarium kids go free in costume 24 Oct to 1 Nov; BCP half term is 26 to 30 October.
Events
Bournemouth Fireworks: 7 November, at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm
Littledown fires three displays on Sat 7 November, adult early bird now £13.20 with fees. Also the Bear Cross bonfire, free Poole Quay on the 5th, laser shows.
Christmas
Bournemouth Christmas Market: 12 Nov to 3 Jan, Free Entry
Christmas in Bournemouth opens on Thursday 12 November and runs to 3 January, market stalls to 31 December. Skating is £16.50 an adult, £14 a child.
Events
Arts by the Sea 2026: Held 25-26 Sept, Fringe to 11 Oct
The festival runs Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September, free, from 5pm Friday and 10.30am Saturday. Lightning, a fire-breathing dragon and the BSO are all confirmed.
Events
Run Bournemouth 2026: Held 10-11 Oct, Next Is 9-10 Oct 2027
Run Bournemouth 2026 was held on 10 and 11 October, with the half starting at Hengistbury Head. The 2027 races are on 9 and 10 October; closures are below.
Christmas
Bournemouth Panto: Aladdin, 5 Dec to 3 Jan, from £18
Aladdin runs at the Pavilion from Saturday 5 December to Sunday 3 January, 47 performances, tickets from £18. The 2-for-1 offer closes on 20 September.