Events and what's on in Swanage

A stunning seaside town with golden beaches and an iconic steam train railway station, the town is home to a range of exciting events.

Creative writing on Swanage pier takes place on multiple occasions throughout the summer, whilst many other attractive events are available below.

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The next 13 events in Swanage appear below.

06 July 2019

Mad About the Musicals

Swanage, Dorset

Taking you on a whistle-stop tour from the heart of London’s theatre land to the glitz of Broadway, the critically acclaimed Mad About The Musicals is back – celebrating the very best songs from the shows we all know and love! With a host of your favourite numbers from the pen of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Boublil & Schonberg, the talented cast of Mad About The Musicals evoke the true spirit of the stage, with brilliant vocals, stunning costumes and a spectacular light ...

13 Jul 2019 to 14 Jul 2019

Swanage Jazz Festival

Swanage, Dorset

Established and popular mixture of old friends and new faces, over 30 bands and artists from across most of the spectrum of jazz. Various venues throughout the town.

30 July 2019

Creative Writing on the Pier

Swanage, Dorset

The Sea Join us to celebrate National Marine Week with Jurassic Coast (UNESCO World Heritage Site) poet-in-residence, Sarah Acton for a gentle morning of creative writing and poetry on the pier. We will take the sea as our theme, using the very special vantage position of Swanage Pier to connect our writing to the coastal landscape, using memory and imagination to travel in time and over miles. We’ll see Swanage and the local seascape from the pier’s-eye-view, working with the outdoor ...

03 August 2019

Fish & Chip Cruise

Swanage, Dorset

Swanage Pier Trust is offering an evening cruise to Poole to include a fish & chip supper. You'll arrive back in Swanage at 9pm, in time to watch the carnival fireworks display. £18.00 per person, includes fish and chips at Poole. Spaces are limited book early to avoid disappointment Contact Swanage Pier for tickets 01929 425 806 or visit Pier Gatehouse.

27 Jul 2019 to 03 Aug 2019

Swanage Regatta & Carnival Week

Swanage, Dorset

For one week at the end of July and the beginning of August, Swanage will be radiating to the sound, fun and excitement of the annual Regatta & Carnival, the South Coast’s Premier event. This ‘must do’ attraction has so much to offer everyone, from the magnificent two-mile carnival procession, vibrant with dance, sound and colour, to the beat of live bands playing on the Main Stage and in the carnival marquee.

15 Aug 2019 to 18 Aug 2019

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

Swanage, Dorset

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is a small festival set on a farm on the beautiful Jurassic Coastline. We’re a festival that’s loved by everyone because there’s loads for kids to do, loads for parents and loads for the old folkies! It features outstanding, original young folk, roots and world music. We always encourage the young up and coming musicians too as well as booking national and international folk acts and a good variety of local music. There’s something for everyone.

09 Aug 2019 to 18 Aug 2019

Swanage Lifeboat Week

Swanage, Dorset

Click for more details ...

29 Aug 2019 to 01 Sep 2019

Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival

Swanage, Dorset

Every year we invite acclaimed musicians and actors around the world to join us for the Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival, which takes place during the first weekend in September. Tickets can be booked online through the Purbeck International Chamber Music website, by phone on 0333 666 3366 (£1.50 booking fee applies) or from Discover Purbeck Information Centre in Wareham, tel: 01929 552740. Various venues.

06 Sep 2019 to 08 Sep 2019

Swanage Folk Festival

Swanage, Dorset

Folk music followers flock to the concerts, join-in sessions, and try something new at workshops. The festival features a number of concerts in the Mowlem Theatre and music in the main marquee on Sandpit Field.

12 Sep 2019 to 15 Sep 2019

Isle of Purbeck Walking Festival

Swanage, Dorset

Purbeck offers something for everyone and our walks have been designed to show as much of the area as possible. Some may include a pub lunch or cream tea in a typical Dorset village. The area is steeped in Dorset history: the Civil War ruin of Corfe Castle; the evacuated village at Tyneham; and, of course, the unique geology of the area. This year we have several walks with a historic theme, walks exploring quarrying, shipwrecks, wildlife, fossils, art, and photography. Really a walk ...

03 Oct 2019 to 06 Oct 2019

Swanage Blues Festival

Swanage, Dorset

The Swanage Blues Festival brings together an amazing collection of blues musicians, fans and friends for a weekend of jams, open mics and headline performances that will have you coming back time after time.

11 Oct 2019 to 13 Oct 2019

Autumn Steam Gala

Swanage, Dorset

A weekend filled with guest locomotives, all available home-fleet engines, an exciting timetable and evening dining awaits.

13 October 2019

Studland Stampede

Swanage, Dorset

Join the Studland Stampede for our 15th year! A tough off-road running event that races over heath land and sandy beaches, in the beautiful location of Studland Bay in Dorset. The 12k route offers stunning views of Old Harry Rocks, Brownsea Island and the Isle of Wight. Runners of all abilities enjoy the race but it does require an amount of determination and grit to get you through the final tough sandy miles.

Latest Swanage Features

The latest Swanage articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.

11 Jun 2019

12 Unusual Things to do in Dorset

In Dorset, things can get a bit quirky, but quirky often means a fun, unforgettable experience. With a wealth of history, attractions and even animals, the county offers an eclectic mix you’d struggle to find anywhere else. The rural culture that blesses the South West, along with a striking coastline, creates many unique opportunities, meaning you’ve got plenty of choices when looking for unusual things to do in Dorset. From visiting a ‘ghost village’ to ... Read more...

8 Apr 2019

Easter Events in Dorset

Dorset’s Egg-stravaganza of Easter Activities! The Easter holidays are upon us! Whether you’re visiting Dorset for a holiday or live here and want to explore more of your county, there’s never a shortage of places to go and activities for the kids – and big kids! – to get involved in. But what’s on? Dorset is chock full of family-friendly attractions, and many will be hosting Easter Egg Hunts or other fun activities for kids to enjoy over ... Read more...

9 Aug 2018

Music Videos Filmed in Dorset

Dorset's stunning locations have featured in several high profile music videos over the years. And why not? The county is blessed with some striking landscapes and coastal scenery. Below you'll find a selection of music videos featuring Dorset, some showcase the county's sights more prominently than others, but do you know of any more? Let us know in the comments and we'll keep this page updated! Shout Tears for Fears See how Durdle Door looked in the ... Read more...