Events in Christchurch
Want your holiday or break to be full of colour, with fascinating events to give it that special feel?
With a packed calendar of events, there is always something exciting happening in Christchurch, so whatever time of year you decide to visit, you will find discover wonderful festivals, fetes, fairs and more!
Daytime fun and evening entertainment, Christchurch offers a great mix of traditional events and more quirky and unusual festivals.
From music and dance to food, from land-based activities to all things afloat, there’s the perfect event for you, just join in and enjoy!
Christchurch Carnival
Held every August on Christchurch Quay, the Christchurch Carnival is a weekend of fun not to be missed.
With music, dance shows, food, drink and not forgetting the Parade and spectacular firework display, there is something for all ages.
Events to savour
Every May the town’s streets are filled with the most delicious and tempting aromas as the renowned Christchurch Food Festival takes place.
Discover wonderful locally produced food and drink at the market stalls, try treats from abroad, or watch professional chefs in action at the cooking demonstration tent.
Book ahead and take advantage of a superb range of offers and special events in local restaurants, hotels, pubs and cafes.
Like things a little hot and spicy? Check out the annual Cheese and Chilli Festival held every May and challenge your taste buds with all things spicy, you’ll be amazed at the range of chilli based products on offer!
A musical mixture
Enjoy chilling out and listening to music? Christchurch offers a fantastic selection of musical events covering many genres, from classical pieces at the Priory church or opera at the Regent Centre, to showcasing local bands and music at the Christchurch Music Festival.
Make the most of a warm summer evening with a fabulous open-air concert at Highcliffe Castle, or enjoy smooth jazz at the wonderfully named ‘Stompin on the Quomps’ a family friendly music festival on picturesque Christchurch Quay every August, with fun and activities for all the ages.
An artful affair
Like to soak up local arts and cultural activities on your holiday?
With both visual and performing arts events throughout the year you will find plenty in Christchurch to appreciate.
The area’s galleries host regular art and craft exhibitions and the arts are celebrated at both the Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival in June and Mudeford Arts Festival in July.
Some of the town’s picturesque venues host quality open-air theatre production, so pack a delicious picnic and enjoy some Shakespeare on a summer’s eve.
All afloat
The harbour and coastline are always a riot of colour and activity as local sailing clubs regularly host regattas and windsurfers travel from miles to enjoy the wave sailing at Avon Beach.
Relax on the seafront or harbourside and watch the ever-changing patterns on the water as the sailors compete.
With sailing and watersports such an integral part of the area, the Mudeford Lifeboat Fun Day every July is a popular and fun event - enjoy the lifeboat and helicopter displays, cheer on the entrants in the raft race and try your hand at a range of watersports.
Events coming soon
Four Seasons Art Exhibition
Four Seasons Art are a group of professional artists, set up by Marianna Kneller, Fellow and founder member of the Society of Botanical Artists. The pieces exhibited interpret nature through different...
Pieces Of Our Past
Come and experience the history of the Castle, from Harry Gordon Selfridge's visitor book to Lady Louisa's diary, this exhibition highlights never before seen photographs and artefacts
Seasonal Spotlight Tour - Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Enjoy a seasonal spotlight tour focussing on our world-famous rhododendrons and azaleas with one of our knowledgeable garden team. Tours are being held on 2 and 11 May. The tours are limited to 30...
Bingo That's Bonkers
We're taking bingo out of the hall, adding comedy, music and even bigger balls! With a smashing atmosphere, crazy games, and not to mention great prizes, the Bingo revolution starts here. Your...
Bingo Thats Bonkers
We're taking bingo out of the hall, adding comedy, music and even bigger balls! With a smashing atmosphere, crazy games, and not to mention great prizes, the Bingo revolution starts here. Your...
Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival
Experience the ultimate family-friendly extravaganza at the Cheese & Chilli Festival, where fun knows no bounds! Delight in a fusion of cheese and chilli-themed delights, featuring a tantalising...
Bournemouth 7s Festival
The Multi-Award-Winning festival hosts 30,000 People, 3,000 Campers, 100+ Live Acts and DJs, 400+ Teams, 12 Festival Arenas, 7 Sports, over 3 INCREDIBLE Days! With a host of Headline Artists, Bingo...
Christchurch Food Festival
The Christchurch Food Festival 2024 will take place over May Bank Holiday weekend from 25th to 27th May. The festival is a fast-growing business-led event, and it has developed into a...
Friends of New Forest Airfields D-Day Exhibition
In 2024 the country is commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-day and as part of the commemorations, Friends of New Forest Airfields (FONFA) is taking the opportunity to promote understanding of the...
Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival
The Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival returns for 2024 and takes place on Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9. The event, which started in 2014, will once again be held throughout the village...