Swanage offers a wide variety of family-friendly actives and events throughout the year, with something for everyone.

March

Swanage Blues Festival – 3rd – 6th March

Every March and October there is a wonderful collection of Musicians for a weekend of jamming, Open Mics and Headline Performances. There’s a superb selection of music, drinking, eating, dancing, fun and laughter across the town! Find out more.

May

Diesel Gala & Beer Festival – 6th – 8th May

See a variety of visiting diesel locomotives. More announcements soon.

Dorset Arts Week – 14th – 29th May

From individual studios to galleries, workshops to collectives, pop-ups to projects, the event caters for all tastes and interests in the visual arts, covering a wide variety of art forms- ceramics, jewellery, film, installation, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, woodwork and more. It’s a great opportunity to see ideas at their source and to appreciate the breadth and depth of talent that resides in the county. See more.

June

The Queens Platinum Jubilee Tea Party – 3rd June

To celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign, Swanage is hosting a huge street party – where everyone is invited! There will be so much happening on the day including bingo at 1pm, children’s entertainment and a 7pm disco followed by live music at 9pm.

Purbeck Pirate Festival - 3rd – 5th June

Come along to this fantastic free festival for all the family. The festival encompasses all things piratical – sword fighting, cannon fire, stalls and attractions, kid’s Pirate Disco, treasure hunts, stone carving, the Pirate Pub Crawl and much more!

Swanage Fish Festival – 18th – 19th June

Free, Fishy fun for all the family! Visit the Prince Albert Gardens to enjoy a taste-bud tantalising journey through all things fishy in Swanage! Spotlighting Purbeck businesses and skills, there will be entertainment for the whole family with sumptuous food, drinks and fishy crafts.

Swanage Railway: Roads to Rail – 24th – 26th June

Step back in time for a weekend of steam-powered demonstrations and vintage fairground fun. Located near Corfe Castle, experience road steam and rail steam together for the first time in the Isle of Purbeck, with rides and stalls suitable for all ages. Find out more.

July

Swanage Triathlon – 3rd July

Taking place in the wonderful seaside town of Swanage in Dorset, there is a variety of events and distances available and stunning views on offer, this really is an event anyone can enjoy. See more information.

Swanage Jazz Festival – 8th – 10th July

With over 40 bands playing in various locations around Swanage, don’t miss out and book your tickets here. Find out more.

Swanage Carnival and Regatta – 30th July – 6th August

Aiming to be bigger and better than ever, it is going to be a FANTASTIC week of fun and entertainment! With the theme ‘Once upon a time’ we are set for a fairy-tale family week that is fun for all! Visit the website.

August

Swanage Lifeboat Week – 12th – 21st August

Join in for a week of fun and help to raise vital funds for the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea. Activities include a raft race, live music, lifeboat bar and a BBQ at Prince Albert Gardens.

September

Swanage Folk Festival – 9th – 11th September

A weekend of concerts, dance displays, dance & music workshops, craft fair and children’s activities. There are a selection of free and ticketed concerts. Visit the website.

Classic and Steam Vehicle Show – 9th – 11th September

There is something for everyone at this show with a varied selection of vintage, modern and custom motorbikes, classic cars, tractors, vintage campervans, commercial vehicles, stationary engines as well as trade stalls and displays. Located in Harmans Cross entry to the show field is £5 per person children go free, 10am – 5pm. Read all about it.

The Purbeck Outdoor Weekend (The Purbeck Festival of Running) – 18th – 19th September

Activities include; Purbeck Ultra (45 miles), Marathon, 16 mile, 6 miles, 3 miles, 60+ Nordic Walking routes, guided walks. All routes will be fully marked and marshalled with plenty of water and food stations!

October

Swanage Blues Festival – 6th – 9th October

Every March and October there is a brilliant collection of Musicians for a weekend of jamming, Open Mics and Headline Performances. There’s superb music, drinking, eating, dancing, fun and laughter across the town! Find out more.

Check back here for updates with details of new events to be added throughout the year