Welcome to Our Events Guide: What's On
See details of our events guide: What’s on in Christchurch, Dorset UK.
Whether you are looking to visit local Food festivals, live music, Theatre, Cinema, below are just some of the great events that take place in the area of Christchurch, Dorset UK throughout the year.
View Fitness and Yoga events in Christchurch, Dorset] to find a variety of classes and workshops from different providers
Held weekly on Christchurch High Street, Christchurch Market offers an excellent selection of local produce and products. The market takes place every Monday 9am-4pm, and is a great way to indulge in some retail therapy.
Guide to events at Highcliffe Castle, near Christchurch in Dorset.
Guide to events at The Amberwood Inn, near Christchurch, Dorset
Discover the story behind Stompin’ on the Quomps, Christchurch’s much-loved independent jazz festival. Now celebrating its 30th event, this community-run festival transforms Christchurch Quay into a relaxed summer gathering filled with smooth jazz, swing, food, dancing and family entertainment. We explore who runs Stompin’, how its non-profit approach has shaped the event and what it feels like to spend the day listening to live music beside the river.
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.
Discover the best Dorset events in 2026 with our month-by-month calendar featuring music festivals, food festivals, country shows, carnivals, literary events, sporting events and family-friendly days out across the county. From Bournemouth and Poole to Weymouth, Swanage, Bridport and beyond, explore what's on throughout the year and find inspiration for your next Dorset adventure. Bookmark this page as we'll keep it updated with the latest 2026 event announcements and new events as they're confirmed.
Get your family’s Christmas off to an unforgettable start with a magical trip to Dorset’s top theme park, Adventure Wonderland, this festive season.
The locally renowned Original Shake and Stir Vintage Festival once again returns to the Christchurch area. Jump, jive and twist to the themed music and enjoy the local food and drink on offer, amongst vintage cars and bikes, as well as trade stalls. Enjoy the atmosphere of the 50s and 60s with fellow mods and rockers on Southbourne Beach!
Come to Christchurch Priory and listen to the Grange Choral Society, under it's Music Director Marcio Da Silva and organist Christopher Dowie, for a wonderful selection of Brazilian and French Choral Music
A guide to music and entertainment events at the Mudeford Club in Christchurch, Dorset.
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.
Find information about 2025 Festival Events in Christchurch, Dorset, including food, music and car festivals.
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.
Discover all Regent Centre Christchurch events in July 2026, including live music, theatre shows, tribute acts, dance performances and family entertainment.
Find out what’s on in Christchurch this week with our guide to live music, DJs, quiz nights and weekly entertainment. Discover performances and events at popular Christchurch and Highcliffe venues including The Thomas Tripp, The Boathouse, Soho, Cirqle Café & Bar, The Captain’s Club, The Cliffhanger and Ye Olde George. Check dates, times and admission details before planning your visit.
The largest music and sport festival in the world, Bournemouth 7s has come around once again! Buy tickets here: https://bournemouth7s.com/tickets/
Enjoy Stompin' on the Quomps 2026, Christchurch's much-loved free smooth jazz festival, taking place on Saturday 1 August at The Quomps. Celebrate 30 years of live music with talented jazz performers, delicious food and drink, a welcoming family atmosphere and stunning riverside views. Find event dates, admission details, opening times and everything you need to plan your visit to one of Dorset's most relaxing summer music events.
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.
Cliff Top Music Festival 2026 takes place in Highcliffe on 5-6 September, bringing two days of live music, family entertainment and food and drink to one of Dorset’s most scenic coastal settings. With Robert Arkins & The Commitments Live headlining Soul Saturday and the Fleetwood Mac Experience closing Pop & Glam Sunday, visitors can expect a lively seaside festival with headline performances, artisan stalls and panoramic Isle of Wight views.
Visit the Mudeford Arts Festival in July 2027 at Mudeford Quay, Christchurch. This free Dorset arts festival celebrates local creativity with artists, handmade crafts, live music, demonstrations, food and family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful harbourside setting. It's one of Christchurch's most popular summer events and a wonderful weekend for visitors of all ages.
Step back in time at the Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival 2027, taking place at Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne in June. This year’s special Armed Forces Weekender combines live vintage music, swing and jive dancing, military heritage displays, an Armed Forces parade, family entertainment and independent traders. With free admission and activities for all ages, Shake & Stir is one of Southbourne’s most distinctive community events.
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!!!
Dedicated to preserving vintage vehicles, Christchurch's Classic Cars on the Quay allows new generations to experience the past. The array of cars from yesteryear is a must-see for any vintage enthusiast, and a lovely experience for any casual visitors.
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 2026 festival are still due to be published.
Located at Christchurch Quay, XChurch Music Festival celebrates the vibrant local community while welcoming visitors from near and far. Join for an unforgettable weekend of live music, great food, and entertainment for all ages.
Discover daily two for one cocktails and a great value lunch deal at Ye Olde George in Christchurch. Enjoy delicious pub classics, friendly service and unbeatable drinks offers in the heart of town, perfect for daytime dining and relaxed nights out.
Enjoy award winning dining, daily Happy Hour with two cocktails for fifteen pounds from 5:30pm and monthly comedy nights at The Kings Arms in Christchurch. A warm and friendly hotel pub in a beautiful riverside location with great food and a lively atmosphere.
The Rising Sun in Christchurch serves a delicious mix of Thai and pan-Asian dishes, it offers food that feels fresh, vibrant and full of flavour, with every plate arriving looking as good as it tastes. It has a great atmosphere too, with a modern bar area perfect for drinks before your meal and a covered outdoor...
Enjoy live music five nights a week and a weekday lunch set menu at the Thomas Tripp in Christchurch. A lively pub with great food, friendly service and regular entertainment in the heart of town.
Cirqle Café & Bar in Christchurch offers Happy Hour every Friday and Saturday, monthly Bottomless Brunch and live music all weekend. A stylish, friendly spot for cocktails, food and relaxed nights out.
The Boathouse in Christchurch offers weekly live music with a DJ every Friday night and live performers every Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Enjoy great food, drinks and beautiful riverside views at this popular restaurant and bar.
Loch and Quay in Christchurch offers great weekly food deals in a stylish setting with friendly service and excellent dining.
Soho in Christchurch offers live DJs every Friday and Saturday along with soulful live music on Sundays, creating an energetic atmosphere for food, drinks and weekend socialising.
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.
Discover what’s on at the Regent Theatre in Christchurch this August. From feel-good tribute shows and live music to family entertainment and unmissable summer performances, plan the perfect night out during the school holidays and summer break.
See what’s on at the Regent Theatre in Christchurch this September, with a vibrant mix of live music, comedy, tribute acts and special performances. As the seasons change, enjoy memorable nights out and top-quality entertainment in the heart of Christchurch.
Discover what’s on at the Regent Theatre this October, with a packed programme of live comedy, music, tribute shows and unforgettable performances. Perfect for cosy autumn nights out in Christchurch.
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.
Celebrate summer at the Christchurch Music Festival, one of Dorset's biggest live music weekends. Taking place in July at the beautiful Christchurch Quay, the festival features live music, tribute acts, chart-topping performers, street food, bars and family-friendly entertainment. Find event dates, ticket information, opening times, venue details and everything you need to plan your visit to this popular Dorset music festival.
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