Events Guide | What’s On in Southbourne

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.

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!

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.

Find out what’s on in Southbourne this week with our guide to live music, DJs, quiz nights and weekly entertainment. Highlights include live music at The Grove Tavern, beachside DJs and acoustic sets at SOBO Beach, a six-DJ birthday event at The Bell, Sunday acoustic music at Run Ashore, plus quiz nights at The Athelstan Arms, Ludo Lounge and Brewhouse & Kitchen.

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!!!

Run Bournemouth is a fun sporting festival involving a series of running races on the Bournemouth seafront on 8th / 9th October. This is a popular event for the whole family with running options of a half-marathon, 10km, 5km as well as Junior event categories.

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.

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.

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.

Join Bournemouth Parkrun at Kings Park every Saturday morning. Discover the 5k route, what to expect, parking and why this free, friendly event is loved by runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities.

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.

Bournevaria Oktoberfest is the biggest Oktoberfest celebration on the South Coast. Located in the Windsor Hall at the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, the event is held every September. The event is a chance to enjoy German tradition and is set in the Bavarian-themed beer hall at the BIC. Book tickets to this event to enjoy several fun evenings of live entertainment, great food, and fantastic German beers.