What’s On by Month in Christchurch, Dorset

Christchurch Market brings a varied selection of stalls to the town centre every Monday. Held along the traffic-free High Street and in Saxon Square, this traditional weekly market is a convenient place to browse fresh produce, plants, clothing, accessories, gifts and household products. Its central location also makes it easy to combine a visit with Christchurch’s independent shops, cafés and historic attractions.

Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival is expected to return in 2027 for another weekend filled with artisan cheese, fiery chilli products, street food and family entertainment. Official dates, tickets and programme details have not yet been announced, but the previous festival featured live music, cooking demonstrations, chilli-eating competitions, children’s activities and specialist traders at Parley Lane in Hurn. We will update this preview when the organiser releases confirmed information for 2027.

Christchurch Carnival returns to Christchurch Quay in 2027 for a free, family-friendly celebration featuring live entertainment, fairground rides, food and drink, community activities, a colourful street parade and spectacular fireworks over the water. The official dates and programme have not yet been announced, so we will update this guide with confirmed event times, parade information and visitor details as soon as they are released.

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.

Christmas in Christchurch returns on Saturday 28 November 2026 with a festive town-centre celebration and the official Christmas lights switch-on. The full programme is still to be announced, but local artisan traders are being recruited for the event and visitors can expect seasonal shopping, food, entertainment and activities for families. We will update this guide with confirmed times, performers and attractions as soon as the organisers release further information.

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.

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.

Classic Cars on the Quay returns to Christchurch Quay on Sunday 20 September 2026, bringing an impressive collection of historic cars, motorcycles and other vehicles to The Quomps. Visitors can wander among the displays, meet fellow motoring enthusiasts and enjoy the riverside setting free of charge. Eligible exhibitors can arrive without registering in advance, although weather and ground conditions may affect whether the event can proceed.

Discover what’s on at The Regent in Christchurch during October 2026, with a packed programme of live music, tribute concerts, musical theatre, classic cinema and family entertainment. Highlights include Paul Potts with The Opera Boys, the Ocean Film Festival, Defying Gravity, Hadestown, The Blow Monkeys, 911’s anniversary tour and a Halloween Spooktacular. Here are the performances worth adding to your autumn calendar.

Stewarts Santa’s Winter Wonderland returns to Christchurch and Broomhill from 21 November to 24 December 2026. Tickets cost £19.95 for children aged seven months to 12 years, including a present, while babies and adults cost £3.95 each. Find booking information, locations, SEN session dates and what families can expect from this popular Dorset Christmas experience.

Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival returns on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June 2027 for two days of food, drink, creativity and family entertainment. Taking over Highcliffe High Street and Recreation Ground, this free community festival traditionally brings together artisan producers, street-food traders, artists, makers, live musicians, cookery demonstrations and children’s activities. The full 2027 programme is still to be announced.

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.