Events Guide | What’s On in Christchurch

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.

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.

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

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

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

Come and enjoy a day of smooth Jazz at the 24th annual Stompin on the Quomps, in Christchurch, Dorset. There will be both a main stage and a stage for emerging talent so there will be plenty of music on offer! The event is free, but a donation of £5.

A guide to music and entertainment events at the Mudeford Club in Christchurch, Dorset.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!!!

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.

The Shake & Stir Festival is ideal for any vintage life-styler looking for somewhere to celebrate retro music, vehicles, dancing, or fashion. From the 1920s to the '70s, the bonanza of all things vintage features a variety of performances, displays, traders and more.

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.

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.

Discover unbeatable deals at Arcado Lounge in Christchurch - from the two-for-one Cocktail Club every evening to a lunch offer of soup and half a toastie. Perfect for relaxed lunches, casual catch-ups or post-work drinks in a cosy, modern lounge.

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...

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.

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.

Loch and Quay in Christchurch offers great weekly food deals in a stylish setting with friendly service and excellent dining.

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.

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.

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.