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.

View Swanage Events by Date:

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The next 16 events in Swanage appear below.

24 August 2019

Music on Swanage Pier

Swanage, Dorset

Come along and enjoy music from local bands and choirs on the beautiful setting of Swanage Pier. Chantoozy - 11.00am Chantoozy are a Dorset-based Piano & Voice duo playing Smooth Jazz. Kelp! Shantymen – 12.00pm & 3.00pm Swanage’s Premier sea shanty group, singing shanties to anyone who gets too close. Kelp! have been entertaining the people of Purbeck for several years, raising money for the RNLI and other charities. The Red Herrings – 1.00pm The Red Herrings Ukulele Band is ...

21 Aug 2019 to 24 Aug 2019

Swanage Rep: Wait Until Dark

Swanage, Dorset

On a recent trip to Montreal, Susy’s husband Sam is handed a doll by a stranger for safe-keeping. It seems this doll has admirers… Now that they have made sure Susy is alone in the house, can they con her out of the item they need and will the fact that she is blind make their job as straightforward as they expect? The play behind the 1967 thriller film starring Audrey Hepburn, for which she was nominated as Best Actress in the 1968 Academy Awards. Venue: Mowlem Theatre

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.

07 September 2019

Stargazing at Durlston

Swanage, Dorset

Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, galaxies, star clusters, Autumn Constellations. 8pm to 9.30pm. Weather dependent - phone 01929 424443 on the day to confirm. £3 charge. Venue: Learning Centre, Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL

06 Sep 2019 to 08 Sep 2019

Classic Transport Rally

Swanage, Dorset

Classic Transport Rally at Harmans Cross (Haycrafts Lane Harmans Cross BH19 3EB) Open 10:00 - 16:00 (Fri, Sat and 3pm Sun). Swanage Railway Day Rover Tickets Include Free Entry to the Classic Transport Rally (otherwise £5 Adults). With over 300 displays of vintage vehicles, motorcycles, tractors, classic cars and commercial vehicles. Stationary engines, stalls, and refreshments (bar and catering). Getting to the Event: Park easily at the 350 space Norden Park and Ride (BH20 ...

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 ...

22 September 2019

Swanage Beach Clean

Swanage, Dorset

Help clean Swanage Bay and make the beach better for people and the environment! Everyone welcome, bring suitable clothing for the weather. Meet outside the 'Bull and Boat', Swanage. Free Location: Swanage Beachfront

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.

01 November 2019

Halloween Bistro on Swanage Railway

Swanage, Dorset

Get all steamed up on our spooky Halloween Special Bistro dining train! Our special Halloween-inspired menu includes gory delights such as Twisted Intestines and Hellfire Chicken, and if that is not enough our tasty desserts are bound to tempt the devil in anyone! Many of the diners on our ghostly Bistro train enter into the spirit by dressing up in ghoulish fashion. Come and join in the frightening fun. Due to popularity Advanced Booking Is Essential. Don't miss what is sure to be ...

30 Nov 2019 to 01 Dec 2019

Santa Express

Swanage, Dorset

Meet Santa on his special Swanage Railway train. During your one-hour return journey each child will receive a wrapped present from Santa, complimentary soft drink and biscuit. Mince Pie and seasonal drink for adults. There will be balloon modelling during your visit. Santa Express trains start and finish in Swanage. You cannot board or alight at any other station.

07 Dec 2019 to 08 Dec 2019

Santa Express

Swanage Railway, Swanage, Dorset

14 Dec 2019 to 15 Dec 2019

Santa Express

Swanage Railway, Swanage, Dorset

20 Dec 2019 to 24 Dec 2019

Santa Express

Swanage Railway, Swanage, Dorset

Latest Swanage Features

The latest Swanage articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.

20 Aug 2019

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11 Jun 2019

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...