Upcoming Events

What’s on this month: MAY 2026

Step into spring in Swanage with a range of indoor and outdoor activities and events happening in and around town this May.

There’s the family-friendly Pirate Festival (23 – 24 May) during half-term and the annual community art festival Purbeck Art Weeks on 23 May – 7 June.

Plus, enjoy a range of live music, local choir concerts and various community events, including The Mowlem’s first ever Big Weekend (30 – 31 May).

Pirate Festival in Swanage

Browse our Calendar for a day-by-day breakdown of everything that’s on this year. Alternatively, scroll down for an event-by-event breakdown of current & upcoming events.

Current Events

View from Durlston's Seventh Wave Café

Super Seabirds Activity Trail (Durlston)

  Friday 15th May – Monday 1st June 2026

  10.00 – 16.00

Started 6 days ago

Ends in 11 days

Unfinished Symphony - Heather Gibbons

Look! And Look Again! Exhibition (Durlson)

  Wednesday 20th May – Sunday 7th June 2026

  10.30 – 16.30

Started Yesterday

Ends in 17 days

Musical evening NMH - Karen Grant

Karen Grant (Newton Manor Hall)

  Thursday 21st May 2026

  19.00

  Newton Manor Hall, 170 High Street, Swanage BH19 2PF

Starts Today

Ends Today

Upcoming Events

Entrance to the Greengage Community Garden in Swanage

Greengage Community Garden Open Day

  Friday 22nd May 2026

  11.00 – 15.00

Starts Tomorrow

Ends Tomorrow

Another Night at The Mowlem - Swanage Drama Company & Friends

Starts Tomorrow

Ends Tomorrow

PAW 2026 dates

Purbeck Art Weeks Festival

  Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 7th June 2026

2 days away

Swanage Pirate Festival, Sandpit Field

Swanage Pirate Festival

Invading the beach and taking up post at Sandpit Field, the pirates are back in Swanage for another weekend of swashbuckling shenanigans and skirmishes

  Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th May 2026

  10.00 – 17.00

  Sandpit Field, Swanage, BH19 1NR

2 days away

Red Lion Swanage pirate festival weekend

The Red Lion Pirate Festival: Live Music

  Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th May 2026

  The Red Lion, 63 High Street, Swanage BH19 2LY

2 days away

Pumpkins on the fireplace at The Square and Compass

Purbeck Pagan Pub Moot (The Square & Compass)

  Sunday 24th May 2026

  12.00 – 14.00

3 days away

May fair tent at Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle Village May Fair

  Monday 25th May 2026

  10.00 – 16.00

  Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5EZ

4 days away

May Bank Holiday bingo - Swanage Carnival

Carnival Bingo Night (Swanage Con Club)

  Monday 25th May 2026

  19.30

  Swanage Conservative Club, 27 Kings Road West, Swanage, BH19 1HE

4 days away

John Hegley (The Square & Compass)

  Friday 29th May 2026

  20.00

8 days away

Anyone for Tennis? - Pauline Eyre

Pauline Eyre (The Mowlem Studio)

  Friday 29th May 2026

  19.30

8 days away

Purbeck Folk Club logo

Folk Night (Langton Matravers)

  Saturday 30th May 2026

  20.00

9 days away

The Black Sheep logo

Barn Dance (Harman's Cross Village Hall)

  Saturday 30th May 2026

  18.00 – 22.00

9 days away

Big Weekend - The Mowlem

The Mowlem's Big Weekend

  Saturday 30th – Sunday 31st May 2026

9 days away

Paul Cude talk - Swanage Library

Author Talk: Paul Cude (Swanage Library)

  Wednesday 3rd June 2026

  16.00 – 16.45

13 days away

Fiery Jack

Circus Skills with Fiery Jack (Corfe Castle)

  Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th June 2026

  10.00 – 16.00

  Corfe Castle, The Square, BH20 5EZ

16 days away

Durlston cliffs and sea

16 days away

Big Sea - Classic Element Trail Series

Big Sea Trail Run

  Sunday 7th June 2026

  09.00

  Knoll Beach, Ferry Road, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AQ

17 days away

Studland beach clean - National Trust

Studland Bay Beach Clean

  Tuesday 9th – Saturday 13th June 2026

  Selected Dates
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  10.00 – 12.00

19 days away

Songs & Scones concert 2026 - Harmony Rocks Choir

Harmony Rocks Choir: Songs & Scones Summer Concert (Emmanuel Baptist Church)

  Wednesday 10th June 2026

  14.00

  Emmanuel Baptist Church, 160 Victoria Avenue, Swanage, BH19 1AZ

20 days away

Fresh lobster display

Swanage Fish & Food Festival

  Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th June 2026

  Sandpit Field, Swanage, BH19 1NR

23 days away

Open gardens 2026 - Steeple Manor

Steeple Manor Open Gardens

  Saturday 13th June 2026

  14.00 – 17.00

  Steeple Manor Steeple, Steeple, Wareham, BH20 5PA

23 days away

The Red Lion Cider & Ale Festival 2026

Cider & Ale Festival (The Red Lion)

  Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th June 2026

  The Red Lion, 63 High Street, Swanage BH19 2LY

23 days away

The Zoo That Comes to You - Scarlet Oak Theatre

The Zoo That Comes To You (The Mowlem)

  Saturday 13th June 2026

  14.00

23 days away

Car Boot Sale 2026 - Swanage Primary

Car Boot Sale (Swanage Primary School)

  Saturday 13th June 2026

  10.00 – 13.00

  Swanage Primary School, Mount Scar, Swanage BH19 2EY

23 days away

The Swanage Big Sing - Castle Voices

The Swanage Big Sing (The Mowlem)

  Saturday 20th June 2026

  19.30

30 days away

Knights & Castles - Classroom Adventures

Knights & Castles Weekend (Corfe Castle)

  Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st June 2026

  10.00 – 16.30

  Corfe Castle, The Square, BH20 5EZ

30 days away

Dorset coastal walk

The Purbeck Plod

  Sunday 21st June 2026

31 days away

Midsummer concert Kingston - Karen Grant

Midsummer Concert (St James' Church, Kingston)

  Sunday 21st June 2026

  14.00

  St James' Church, West Street, Kingston BH20 5LL

31 days away

Swanage-Roads-to-Rail-Corfe-Castle

Swanage Railway Roads to Rail Steam Rally

  Friday 26th – Sunday 28th June 2026

  10.00

  Norden Park, Norden Station, BH20 5DW

36 days away

Swanage Pier, the old pier and the Ballard Down headland

Park to Pier Walk

  Saturday 27th June 2026

  10.30 – 12.30

37 days away

Archive image of the Durlston Globe

Victorian Durlston Guided Walk

  Thursday 2nd July 2026

  11.00 – 12.30

42 days away

Murder Mystery - The Irregular Special Players

Murder Mystery (Swanage Railway)

  Monday 6th July 2026

  12.30 – 17.00

  Swanage Railway, Station Road, Swanage, BH19 1HB

46 days away

Saxophone and clarinet

Swanage Jazz Festival

See Swanage come alive with the sound of jazz as dozens of bands perform live at a range of venues across three days

  Friday 10th – Sunday 12th July 2026

50 days away

Corfe Castle Food & Drink Festival 2026 - Love It Local

Food & Drink Festival (Corfe Castle)

  Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th July 2026

  Corfe Castle, The Square, BH20 5DR

51 days away

Wareham Carnival float 2025

Wareham Carnival

  Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026

  Wareham Recreation Ground, Worgret Road, Wareham, BH20 4PH

57 days away

The 2026 Wild Swimming Festival Swanage

The Wild Swimming Festival

  Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th July 2026

  Prince Albert Gardens Amphitheatre, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AP

58 days away

Tony Christie 2026 tour - The Mowlem

Tony Christie: The Farewell Tour (The Mowlem)

  Saturday 18th July 2026

  19.30

58 days away

Harder Sounds for WillDoes charity

Harder Sounds Fundraising Party (The Globe)

  Saturday 18th July 2026

  15.00 – 23.59

  The Globe Inn, 3 Bell St, Swanage BH19 2RY

58 days away

Enchanted Fairy Workshop - Harman's Cross Village Hall

Fairy Workshop & Gathering (Harman's Cross Village Hall)

  Saturday 18th July 2026

  10.00 – 12.00

58 days away

Rachael McShane & the Cartographers

Rachael McShane & The Cartographers (Studland Village Hall)

  Saturday 18th July 2026

  19.30

  Studland Village Hall, Heath Green Road, Studland, Swanage BH19 3BT

58 days away

The Mowlem Summer of Music 2026

Summer of Music (The Mowlem)

  Friday 24th July – Saturday 29th August 2026

  Selected Dates
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20260808
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20260812
20260815
20260817
20260819
20260822
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20260829

64 days away

BSO Summer Nights in Corfe Castle - Love It Local

Summer Nights in the Castle (Corfe Castle)

  Friday 24th – Sunday 26th July 2026

  19.30 – 21.30

  Corfe Castle, The Square BH20 5EZ

64 days away

Swanage Carnival 2026 dates

Swanage Carnival

One of Dorset's most popular family-friendly festivals - Swanage Carnival sees the town's streets, beaches and parks come alive with live music, a colourful procession, food & drinks tents and a host of family entertainment and activities

  Saturday 25th July – Saturday 1st August 2026

65 days away

Fairy Day 2026 - The Blue Pool

Fairy Day (The Blue Pool)

  Sunday 26th July 2026

  09.30 – 17.00

  The Blue Pool, Furzebrook Road, Wareham BH20 5AR

66 days away

Camp Bestival Dorset 2026 dates

Camp Bestival (Lulworth Castle)

One of the UK’s most family-friendly festivals returns to nearby Lulworth Castle this summer

  Thursday 30th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026

  Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham BH20 5QS

70 days away

'Swing-Out' hand-turned children's ride

Three Parishes Fete (Church Knowle)

  Saturday 1st August 2026

  14.00

  The Old Rectory, Church Knowle, BH20 5NG

72 days away

Colour Trail Fun - Dorset Adventure Park

Colour Trail (Dorset Adventure Park)

  Sunday 2nd – Sunday 23rd August 2026

  Selected Dates
20260802
20260823

  Dorset Adventure Park, Arfleet Mill Lakes, Studland Road, Corfe Castle BH20 5JG

73 days away

Swanage & Purbeck Rotary summer fete stalls

Rotary Summer Fete

  Thursday 6th August 2026

  Sandpit Field, Swanage, BH19 1NR

77 days away

Swanage Lifeboat Week raft race in Swanage Bay

Swanage Lifeboat Week

Swanage Lifeboat Week returns this summer for eight days of RNLI festival fun, both on the water and on land

  Thursday 6th – Saturday 15th August 2026

  Prince Albert Gardens, Swanage, BH19 2AR

77 days away

Illyria's Pinocchio - Frazer Marr

Pinocchio Outdoor Theatre (Corfe Castle)

  Thursday 6th August 2026

  19.00

  Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

77 days away

Isle of Purbeck Model Railway Exhibition

The Isle of Purbeck Model Railway Exhibition (Harman's Cross Village Hall)

  Saturday 8th – Sunday 9th August 2026

  10.00

79 days away

Summer fete 2026 - St George's Church

St George's Church Fete (Langton Matravers)

  Saturday 8th August 2026

  14.00 – 17.00

  St George's Church, 4 St George's Close, Langton Matravers, Swanage, BH19 3HZ

79 days away

Charles Dicken's Pickwick Papers - Rain or Shine Theatre Co

The Pickwick Papers Open Air Theatre (Prince Albert Gardens Amphitheatre)

  Monday 10th August 2026

  19.00

  Prince Albert Gardens Amphitheatre, Swanage BH19 2AR

81 days away

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny - Beatrix Potter/Quantum Theatre

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny Outdoor Theatre (Corfe Castle)

  Thursday 13th August 2026

  19.00

  Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

84 days away

Barn dance

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

  Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd August 2026

  Purbeck Valley Farm, Valley Road, Corfe Castle, BH20 5HU

91 days away

As You Like It - Illyria

As You Like It Outdoor Theatre (Corfe Castle)

  Thursday 20th August 2026

  19.00

  Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

91 days away

King Arthur and the Holy Fail play - Three Inch Fools

Outdoor Theatre: King Arthur and the Holy Fail (Kimmeridge Bay)

  Thursday 20th August 2026

  18.30

  Kimmeridge Bay, Nr Wareham BH20 5PF

91 days away

Local Swanage landscape art

Purbeck Arts Club Exhibition (St Edward's Church Hall)

  Friday 21st – Monday 31st August 2026

  10.00 – 17.00

  Holy Spirit & St Edward Church Hall, 1 Victoria Avenue, Swanage, BH19 1AH

92 days away

Summer fun and fete - Ulwell Holiday Park

Ulwell Summer Fun Week & Fete

  Tuesday 25th – Thursday 27th August 2026

  Ulwell Holiday Park, Ulwell Road, Swanage BH19 3DG

96 days away

Harman's Cross fete

Harman's Cross Village Fete

  Monday 31st August 2026

  12.00

  Harman's Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane, BH19 3EB

102 days away

Paddle steamer Waverley preparing to leave Swanage Pier

PS Waverley Cruises

  Friday 4th – Sunday 20th September 2026

  Selected Dates
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20260906
20260907
20260909
20260911
20260913
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20260917
20260920

  Swanage Pier, BH19 2AP

106 days away

Isabelle Baafi, Poetry Weekend - Sandy Hill Arts

Poetry Weekend (Sandy Hill Arts, Corfe)

  Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th September 2026

  Sandy Hill Arts, Sandy Hill Lane, Corfe Castle, Wareham, BH20 5JF

107 days away

Folk musicians outside Swanage Tourist Information Centre

Swanage Folk Festival

A weekend of folk concerts, street performances and music & dance workshops, all topped off with a Saturday night ceilidh

  Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026

113 days away

Vintage car display at Harman's Cross

Classic & Steam Vehicle Show

  Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026

  10.00 – 16.00

  Norden Showground, BH20 5DW

113 days away

Swanage Railway steam train passing Corfe Castle

Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala

  Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026

113 days away

Corfe Castle grounds

Medieval Living History Weekend (Corfe Castle)

  Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th September 2026

  10.00 – 16.30

  Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5EZ

114 days away

Dorset Walx Festival

Dorset Walx Festival

  Thursday 17th – Sunday 20th September 2026

119 days away

Swanage Beach Buddies beach litter display board

Planet Purbeck: Discovery Fest

  Saturday 19th September 2026

  10.00 – 15.00

  Swanage Seafront, Shore Road, BH19 1LB

121 days away

Rhys James - The Mowlem/Off the Kerb

Rhys James (The Mowlem)

  Thursday 24th September 2026

  20.00

126 days away

The Last Night of the Proms poster - Bournemouth Concert Brass

Last Night of The Proms: Bournemouth Concert Brass (The Mowlem)

  Saturday 26th September 2026

  14.30

  The Mowlem Theatre, Swanage, BH19 1DD

128 days away

The Paul Cook Blues Band at Swanage Bay View

Swanage Blues Festival

The Swanage Blues Festival brings the distinctive sounds of blues, roots and soul to Swanage’s pubs, bars and music venues each year

  Thursday 1st – Sunday 4th October 2026

133 days away

Curious Incident - Revive Theatre

The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time (The Mowlem)

  Friday 9th – Saturday 10th October 2026

  19.30

141 days away

Flying Scotsman nameplate

The Flying Scotsman (Swanage Railway)

  Friday 23rd October – Sunday 1st November 2026

155 days away

Churchfitters

169 days away

Swanage Literary Festival 2025

Swanage Literary Festival (The Mowlem)

  Friday 6th – Saturday 7th November 2026

169 days away

Robin Mackenzie Christmas wood engraving workshop

177 days away

2026 tour - Cally Beaton

Cally Beaton (The Mowlem)

  Thursday 19th November 2026

  19.30

182 days away

Tourists and locals browsing Swanage beach huts

Artisans on the Beach

  Saturday 21st November – Sunday 20th December 2026

  Shore Road Beach Huts, Swanage, BH19 1LB

184 days away

Swanage Shanty Festival teaser

Swanage Shanty Festival (The Mowlem)

  Saturday 21st November 2026

184 days away

Stalls at the Hall poster - HXVH

Stalls at the Hall (Harman's Cross)

  Saturday 28th November 2026

  09.30 – 12.00

191 days away

Christmas lights on Station Road in Swanage

Swanage Christmas Lights Switch-On

  Saturday 28th November 2026

  Outside The Mowlem/Station Road

191 days away

Christmas Carol Trains (Swanage Railway)

  Thursday 3rd – Thursday 17th December 2026

  Selected Dates
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20261210
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  19.00 – 21.00

196 days away

Wreaths from My Scented Home at Swanage Christmas Market

Swanage Christmas Market

Come and browse local artisans’ stalls and get that festive feeling at Swanage Christmas Market

  Saturday 5th December 2026

Rescheduled!

198 days away

Carols on the Bandstand - Swanage Town Band

Carols on the Bandstand

  Wednesday 9th December 2026

  18.30

  Swanage Bandstand, Recreation Ground

202 days away

Boxing day dip on Swanage Beach

Boxing Day Swim

  Saturday 26th December 2026

  Swanage Beach, Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1LB

219 days away

Robinson Crusoe panto - Swanage Drama Company

Swanage Drama Company Presents: Robinson Crusoe (The Mowlem)

  Friday 15th – Saturday 23rd January 2027

  Selected Dates
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239 days away


Daily, Weekly & Monthly Recurring Activities

Aside from the annual and one-time special events listed above, there’s also a wide range of regular daily, weekly and monthly activities for you to participate in, so you’re never short of things to do in Swanage.

Weekly Events

Mondays

  • All Saints Toddlers – Mondays from 9.15am – 11am during term time, for ages 0 – 4, £2 per adult. Creative play, bible stories & songs, plus coffee, cake & fruit
  • Reach Drug & Alcohol Service – Drop in session & referrals; between 9am – 5pm each Monday at The Focus Centre
  • Chair Exercise Exercise Class – Particularly suitable for the over 50s. At The Mowlem on Mondays between 10am – 11am (starts Monday 28th April)
  • Herston Hall Community Café – Mondays between 10am – 12pm
  • Community Pantry – Open to all from 10am – 12pm (Herston village hall) Simply bring a bag and collect surplus fruit & veg. There’s no charge although a donation is welcome
  • Citizen’s Advice drop-in session – At Herston village hall between 10am – 12pm
  • Knit & Natter – At Swanage Library, Mondays 10am – 12.30pm
  • Dancercise – At Langton Matravers village hall, Mondays at 10am. First class free to try. Contact: ashurstjaney@gmail.com
  • Access Wellbeing – Free mental health & wellbeing support for anyone aged 18+. No appointment needed, just pop in to the Focus Centre between 10am – 4pm on a Monday where you’ll receive a friendly welcome from wellbeing coordinators Andy & Nicci
  • Growing Together Baby Group (0 – 1 years) – 10.30am – 11.30am at The Focus Centre. Call to book an appointment: 01929 557000
  • Nature Tots – Toddler group (aged 5 & under) with nature-inspired activities at Knoll Beach Discovery Centre, Studland. Every other Monday from 10am – 11.30am during term time
  • Community Pop-In – Social session at Emmanuel Church especially for people who live on their own. Come along for a hot drink & chat and games, jigsaws & crafts, followed by a light lunch. Each week from 10.30am – 1pm, donations only
  • Cuppa & Company – Pop in to Swanage Library for a warm welcome and a free cup of tea or coffee. Mondays between 10.30am – 12.30pm
  • Fundamental Pilates – At Studland village hall from 9.15am, with Swanage Fitness, £50 for six-week block
  • Pilates & Stretch – Improve your core strength & general fitness at Emmanuel Church, Mondays 1.45pm – 2.45pm (also Tues eve), £9 per class
  • Cuppa & a Chat at Durlston – A free weekly meet up at the Durlston Shed, 2pm – 4pm
  • Digital Champion Sessions – Learn the basics of your own or a library’s digital device to boost your confidence online with a friendly digital champion at Swanage Library between 2pm – 5pm. It’s free to attend, but book in by phoning to secure your spot
  • Colour Me Happy – Mindful colouring session for adults at Swanage Library every Monday between 4pm – 6pm (free event)
  • Junior Rowing: 6pm – 7pm between April & September (light & weather-permitting)
  • Junior Boxing – At Purbeck Power Gym, Corfe. Ages 7 – 10 from 5.15pm & ages 11 – 16 from 6.15pm (also Thurs)
  • Beginners Modern Line Dance – St Edward’s Church Hall, 6.30pm – 7.30pm, with some added Latin Line dances too. With Purbeck Dance Studio
  • Yoga with Sarah & Sandra Starters Course – All levels of experience welcome, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Mondays at The Mowlem from 6.30pm
  • Adult Boxing – Classes for age 17+ at Purbeck Power Gym, Mondays 7.30pm (also Thurs)
  • Cantos do Mundo – Community choir singing songs from around the world, at The Loft on Mondays, 7pm – 8.30pm
  • Remix Youth Open Mic Night – For anyone aged 11-18 in Purbeck, all musical abilities welcome, just 50p per session. At Emmanuel Baptist Church on Mondays from 7pm – 9pm. For more info contact: youthteam@waveministry.org.uk
  • Pie & Pint + Quiz Night – Mondays at The Anchor Inn, from 5pm, £15pp includes any pint or glass of wine. Quiz from 8pm

Tuesdays

  • Early Risers’ Bootcamp – Outdoor fitness class in Day’s Park, every Tuesday, 7am
  • Yoga on the Pier – Tuesdays from 8am – 9am, June – August. See Swanage Pier’s Facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/swanagepier
  • Fit Yoga – With JoYoga at Swanage United Reformed Church, 9.30am – 10.30am, £8 drop-in classes during term-time only
  • Out of the Blue craft & social meet-up – At ‘The Shed’ at Durlston, between 10am – 1pm. Drop in and meet some new faces and try your hand at a range of arts, wool crafts and stone carving
  • Aerobics – For adults with additional learning needs in Purbeck. At Swanage Bay View between 9.30am – 10.15am, £3 a session (carers can join in for free)
  • Stitch & Bitch – Fun & friendly craft & coffee morning at The White Swan pub from 10am. Includes free hot drink
  • Art Dabblers – Tuesday mornings between 10am – 12.30pm at Emmanuel Baptist Church
  • Walking for Health – Short walks on a Tuesday morning from 10.30am (15 – 30 mins) meeting outside The Mowlem; longer walks at 2pm (60 – 90 mins)
  • Dancercise – At Harman’s Cross village hall, Tuesdays at 10.30am. First class free to try . Contact: ashurstjaney@gmail.com
  • Swanage Linking Lives Place of Welcome – At 103 High Street, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 10am – 12pm. All welcome for cuppa, & chat or to play board games
  • Naughty Knitters of Swanage – Meet at the Con Club every Tuesday between 10.30am – 12.30pm. Free to attend, hot drinks available to purchase. All welcome
  • Beach Clean – Volunteer with Swanage Beach Buddies every Tuesday and Sunday throughout the year
  • Swanage Town Walks – Seasonal historical walks on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Meet at 2pm at Swanage Museum
  • Join a Ranger at Durlston – Head to The Shed and help out with some crafts, practical tasks or light maintenance through some of Durlston’s DIY projects. Tuesday afternoons between 2pm – 4pm; with support from All Sort’d
  • Herston Junior Singing Club – Free fun music club at St Mark’s Church every Tuesday after school during term time, from 3.30pm – 4.25pm. For Years 3 – 6.
  • Clinical Yoga – Seven-week, 45-minute classes at St Mark’s School at 5pm or 6pm, starting Tuesday 5 September. £10 per class or £8 per class for block-booking (£56)
  • Youth Gym – Gym sessions for children aged 13 – 15 at Swanage Bay View, Tuesdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm & 4.30pm – 5.30pm, £3pp
  • Rowing with Swanage Sea Rowing Club: Recreational rowing between 4pm – 7pm, with new member session from 5pm – 7pm (between April & September, light & weather-permitting)
  • Studio South Art Club – Tuesday evenings from 5pm – 7pm, £12 a month. Bring your own projects/materials and enjoy an art demo every 3 months, plus discounted materials & drinks for members
  • Zumba – With Lucy C Dance Fitness at The Swanage School, Tuesdays at 6.30pm
  • Bereavement Cafe – Find out what support is available and share your feelings and remember loved ones – at Swanage skatepark on the WillDoes bus, 4.30pm – 6.30pm
  • Martial Arts Training by the Sea – Tuesday evenings between 6pm – 7pm, from June to August
  • Pilates & Stretch – Improve your core strength & general fitness at Emmanuel Church, Tuesdays 6.40pm – 7.30pm (also Monday lunchtimes), £9 per class
  • Women’s Walking Football – 6.50pm – 8pm at Swanage Football Club, £4 a week (first session free)
  • Castle Voices – Tuesday evening choir at The Mowlem
  • Boxercise – Classes at Swanage Bay View gym, 7pm – 7.45pm
  • Chakra Dancing – At Holy Spirit & St Edward’s church hall, 7pm – 9pm
  • Fitness Flow Pilates – With Swanage Fitness, St Mary’s School at 7pm. Dynamic class including body sculpting and mobility exercises to music, £50 for six-week block
  • Quiz Night – At Kingston Country Courtyard’s Sawmill restaurant, Tuesdays at 7pm. Teams of up to 6; winning team receives a round of drinks. Free entry (charity donations welcomed)
  • English Country Dancing – Swanage & Langton Matravers Folk Dance group meets every Tuesday at Langton village hall, 7.30pm – 9.45pm during term time. New members & beginners welcome. No partner needed
  • The Belvedere Singers – Try two sessions for free before joining (no need to audition). Rehearsals are on Tuesdays during term time at Emmanuel Baptist Church from 7.30pm – 9.30pm
  • Karaoke Night – At The Anchor Inn from 8pm

Wednesdays

  • Babigloo Music Therapy – From 1.30pm – 2.15pm on Wednesdays at the Focus Centre during term time. Please call to book: 01929 557000 or email: babigloomusic@gmail.com
  • Child Speech & Language Therapy – Wednesdays at the Focus Centre – please book an appointment by calling 01202 443200 or email: dhc.slt.queries@nhs.net
  • Seahorses Playgroup – At Herston village hall, 9.30am – 11am (term time only), £1 per session. Hot drinks for adults & healthy snacks for children available
  • Community Fareshare Food Distribution – Drop in between 9am – 10.30am (Please register online: https://fareshare.org.uk)
  • Corfe Crafters – Corfe Castle village hall, Wednesdays between 9am – 12pm. Contact Cheryl: 07745 242511
  • Morning Yoga – Wake up with JoYoga at The Loft on Wednesdays at 9.30am – 10.30am. £8 drop-in sessions of £40 for six
  • Health Visitor Clinic & Baby-Weighing – Drop insertion at the Focus Centre between 10am – 11.30am
  • Citizen’s Advice drop-in session – At Swanage Library from 10am – 12pm (except first Weds of the month)
  • Gentle Stretch Exercise Class – Particularly suitable for the over 50s. At The Mowlem, Wednesdays 10am – 11am (starts Wednesday 30th April)
  • Improvers Latin American & Ballroom Dance – St Edward’s Church Hall, 9.50am – 10.50am
  • Wild Wednesdays – Every Wednesday during the school holidays between 11am – 3pm, you can pop in to Durlston’s Learning Centre for some fun & free crafts & activities
  • Improvers Modern Line Dancewith Purbeck Dance Studio, at St Edward’s Church Hall, 11am – 12pm
  • Community Lunch – Pop in to The Loft Community Centre on Commercial Road (opposite Chococo) for some free food, a warm space or hot drink each Wednesday between 12.30pm – 2pm (stay & chat till 3pm). Veg/vegan options available. Small donation welcome but not necessary
  • Board Game Cafe: At Swanage Library every Wednesday between 3.30pm – 5.30pm. Children & families welcome
  • Women’s Rowing: At Swanage Sea Rowing Club, from 5pm onwards
  • Hatha Yoga – Suitable for both beginners and experienced yogis. Booking not required, mats provided. At St Edwards’s Catholic Church hall at 6pm, £9 With JoYoga (term-time only)
  • Swanage Town Band Practice – Rehearsals every Wednesday during term time at Swanage Methodist Church from 7pm – 8.30pm
  • Boxertone – Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Purbeck Power Gym in Corfe

Thursdays

  • EBC Tots – Toddler group at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 10am – 11.30am, £1 donation per family
  • Yoga with Semra – Beginner-friendly yoga at the Focus Centre, Thursdays, 10am – 11am, £8 per session. Call or email to book: 07932 180327/yogawithsemra@gmail.com
  • Swanage Linking Lives Place of Welcome – At 103 High Street, Thursdays & Tuesdays, 10am – 12pm. All welcome for cuppa, & chat or to play board games
  • Singing for Pleasure – Dementia-friendly singing session followed by light refreshments at Emmanuel Baptist Church, from 2pm – 3.15pm, £2pp
  • Swanage Town Walks – Seasonal historical walks on Tuesdays & Thursdays. Meet at 2pm at Swanage Museum
  • The Loft Social Walks – Every second and fourth Thursday of the month, with the Coast Path Connectors Project
  • Jerkshak at The Anchor Inn: Weekly Jamaican cuisine during spring & summer between 4pm – 9pm
  • Youth Gym – Gym sessions for children aged 13 – 15 at Swanage Bay View, Thursdays 4.30pm – 5.30pm, £3pp
  • Men’s Rowing: At Swanage Sea Rowing Club, from 5pm onwards
  • Spin Class – At Swanage Bay View gym, Thursdays 6.15pm & 7pm
  • Junior Boxing – Thursday class for ages 11 – 16 from 6.15pm – 7.15pm. At Purbeck Power Gym, Corfe Castle
  • Adult Boxing – Classes for age 17+ at Purbeck Power Gym, Thursdays 7.30pm – 8.30pm (also Mon)
  • Sequence Dancing – At Studland village hall, 7.30pm – 9.30pm, £5. Social evening, refreshments included, beginners & holidaymakers welcome
  • Pilates – At Emmanuel Baptist Church – Pilates First class for new & returning at 6pm and Fundamental Pilates focusing on posture, strength, balance & mobility at 7pm
  • Purestretch – 45-minute class combining yoga & pilates techniques with Ucan Fitness, Thursday 7pm in St Mark’s School hall, £6 pay as you go
  • Mao Shin Kai Aikido – Non-competitive martial arts class, Thursdays 7pm, 12 Hill Road, £7 per session (cash only)
  • Purbeck Arts Choir – Weekly practice at St Mary’s School, 7pm – 8.30pm
  • Free Antenatal Classes – This six-week online PeaPods course covers getting to know your baby, bonding, mental health & communication with a specialist midwife. Starts Thursday 28 September, 7pm – 8.30pm
  • Folk Dancing – Langton Matravers village hall, Tuesdays 7.30pm – 9.45pm
  • Karaoke & Quiz – Family pub quiz (8pm) followed by karaoke (9pm) at The White Swan pub every Thursday

Fridays

  • Swanage Market – Every Friday from 8am – 1pm in Main Beach car park
  • BFN Breastfeeding Group – A free, supportive and friendly group that meets on Friday mornings at the Focus Centre between 9.45am – 11.45am
  • Connected Minds Programme – Fridays 9am – 12pm at the Focus Centre (Referral only – ask school or family worker for more information)
  • Greengage Community Garden – Fridays from 10am – 3pm
  • Art Workshop – Creative art and craft sessions at all Saints church hall every Friday during term time from 10am – 12pm
  • Toddler Group – At Salt Pig The Farm, Putlake, 10.30am – 12.30pm during term time. Adults: £3, children aged 1 – 4: £6
  • Hatha Yoga – Meditation, breathing exercises, body movement & relation techniques. Free taster session, £10 thereafter. In The Mowlem Studio, Friday mornings from 10am – 11.15am. Email for info: sandracharlton1@gmail.com
  • Durlston Gardening Group – Weekly meet at The Shed, 2pm – 4pm, tending to the Country Park’s veggies, flowers and plants, which are sold for donations to fundraise for the Park
  • Inflatable Friday at Ulwell – An hour of inflatable fun (5pm – 6pm) in the holiday park swimming pool for kids aged 6 – 10. Booking advised: 01929 422823
  • Qigong – Fridays at The Loft Community Centre, 9.30am, payment by donation
  • Swanage Youth Club – Youth club at Herston village hall for Year 6 & up, between 6.30pm – 8pm (term time only). £3 annual membership; £1.50 per session
  • Short Mat Bowls – Langton Matravers village hall, Fridays between 7pm – 9pm, £3 per person
  • Seabird Boat Trips – Fridays between May & early July
  • The Anchor Club – DJ night at The Anchor Inn every Friday from 10pm, playing funky house, disco, R&B & latest hits

Saturdays

  • Rowing with Swanage Sea Rowing Club: Year-round recreational rowing and men & women’s training (8am – 12pm); juniors’ training 9.30am – 10.30am
  • Durlston Parkrun – Free 5k parkrun every Saturday
  • Pre-School Explore and Play – Saturday sessions at Herston village hall 8.45am – 9.30am
  • Ukulele Group – Saturday mornings at Swanage United Reformed Church hall at 9.30am
  • Children’s Art Classes – Saturday mornings at The Loft
  • Lego Club – Fun for children at Swanage Library every Saturday between 10am – 12pm
  • Cuban Salsa – Saturday classes at Swanage Methodist Church. Beginners at 1pm, Improvers at 2.30pm. Call Enrique for more information and t0 book: 07969 633701
  • Crochet Creations – Free craft session for adults at Swanage Library – please contact the library for timings
  • Self-Defence & Martial Arts – Two-hour session every Saturday with Swanage Martial Arts at the Methodist Church from 10am – 12pm, £9 per class

Sundays

  • Park Yoga – Free outdoor yoga class every Sunday in the summer at Durlston Country Park
  • Beach Clean – Swanage Beach Buddies are looking for volunteers to help with the local beach clean every Sunday and Tuesday throughout the year
  • Clubbercise – Sunday mornings at The Swanage School, 9.30am – 10.30am (from 7th January onwards). Followed by Legs, Bums & Tums at 10.45am
  • Sunday Bingo – At Swanage Conservative Club, from 1pm
  • Showcase Sundays – Live music on Sunday afternoons at the Old Harry Bar in Studland, 3pm – 8pm. Open to local musicians, bands, groups & soloists who wish to gain live music experience or test out new music

Weekends

  • Swanage Arts & Craft Market – Stalls outside The Mowlem every Saturday & Sunday, weather permitting (between April & October)

Varying Days

  • Music at Swanage Bandstand – Live music in the bandstand throughout the spring & summer period
  • Slimming World – Mondays at Swanage Primary School at 5.30pm & 7pm and Tuesdays at 9am at The Mowlem. Call or text Trudy for more info: 07486 454046
  • The Welcome Lounge – Pop in to the Welcome Lounge at the Focus Centre on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday between 10am – 4pm for a listening ear from friendly, trained staff. They’re on hand to help you and/or your family find local wellbeing services for whatever you might need
  • Wellbeing Swanage/Focus Centre Events – For further information on any of these events, please visit the Wellbeing Swanage website: https://wellbeingswanage.org

Every Day

Monthly Events

Mondays

  • Bereavement Support Group – First Monday of the month at St Mary’s Church at 11am. Led by an accredited counsellor, the free group is open to anyone who might benefit from connecting with others to share similar experiences

Tuesdays

  • Health Visitor Newborn Hearing – At the Focus Centre, 9am – 1pm (Referrals & drop-in on the first & third of the month only)
  • Making Memories – Dementia Friendly Café in The Mowlem’s Showbar on the first & third Tuesday of the month, from 10am – 12pm
  • Live Jazz – At The Grand Hotel, with Swing Easy Too
  • Live jazz – At The Mowlem Showbar with The Pent Up House Trio, first Tuesday of the month
  • Swanage W.I. – Meets at The Centre on Chapel Lane on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm
  • Purbeck WI – Every third Tuesday of the month at Harman’s Cross village hall at 7.30pm (Doors open 7pm)
  • Folk Night – At The Square & Compass on the first Tuesday of the month, 8pm
  • Harman’s Cross Movie Night – Second Tuesday of the month in the village hall. Doors & bar open from 7pm, with the film starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5pp

Wednesdays

  • Books and More – Free book discussion group for adults on the third Wednesday of the month from 10.30am – 11.30am at Swanage Library – join in by booking online
  • Purbeck Parkys – Parkinson’s support group at Swanage Cricket Club on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.30pm (2pm – 4pm during summer). Contact: david.gynes@parkinsons-uk.goassemble.com
  • 5-a-side Football – Wednesdays at The Swanage School, 7.15pm – 8pm. Adults only, £3 per player
  • Soul Sisters Circle – With The Zen Room Dorset at Studland village hall, 7pm – 9pm on the first Wednesday of the month, £25
  • Stitches – Monthly sewing evening at Sandy Hill Arts’ cottage classroom. Last Wednesday of the month, 7pm – 9pm, £3 per session
  • Oscar’s Ultimate Quiz – Monthly quiz held in The Mowlem’s Showbar. Please see The Mowlem for the latest dates: themowlem.com
  • Open Mic Night – At the Square & Compass pub in Worth Matravers. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 8pm (unless otherwise stated on their website). PA provided

Thursdays

  • Purbeck Flower Club – Floral demonstrations & workshops in The Mowlem Studio on the third Thursday of the month at 2.15pm (doors open 1.45pm). Refreshments, raffle & sales table, visitors welcome
  • Swanage Photographic Society – Friendly film & digital photography group with visiting speakers and member competitions. Meets at the Rectory classroom on Church Hill on the first & third Thursday of the month at 7.30pm between September and May. New members welcome
  • Swanage CommUnity Drum Circle – Creative, facilitated drum and percussion workshop for fun & wellbeing. Thursdays once monthly at Emmanuel Church between 7.30pm – 9pm. Refreshments provided, suggested donation £3. Beginners & experienced musicians welcome. Info: www.swanagedrum.org
  • Folk Night – Monthly live music in Langton on the first Thursday of the month with Purbeck Folk Club

Fridays

  • Mindfulness Walks at Studland Bay – Monthly walks on a Friday morning, from Knoll Beach
  • Swanage Volunteer Bureau – Pop in to see how you can share your skills or experience to help local organisations on a one-off or regular basis. First Friday of the month at Swanage Library between 10.30am – 12.30pm
  • Kimmeridge Keilidh – Monthly barn dance in Kimmeridge village hall

Saturdays

  • Mental Health Swims – Monthly Saturday swim & chat meet-up on the beach
  • Herston Craft Circle – First Saturday of the month 10am – 12pm, £3 (includes hot drinks & biscuits), Herston village hall
  • Unmasked Saturdays – Supporting Swanage families with SEND & disabilities, The Focus Centre, first Saturday of the month, 2pm – 5pm. For more, visit: www.facebook.com/groups/639273765744077
  • Soup n Pud – With Corfe Community Kitchen. Free, sociable lunch at Corfe Castle village hall on the first Saturday of the month from 12.30pm – 1.45pm. Choice of two soups & a roll followed by puds with custard
  • Tawny’s Juke Joint – Retro vinyl night at Tawny’s Wine Bar, on the first Saturday of every month, 10.30pm – 2am

Sundays

Varying days

Film & Cinema Screenings

The Mowlem Cinema: May

  • The Drama (15): 1 May
  • Glenrothan (12A): 8 – 14 May
  • Midwinter Break (12A): 15 – 20 May
  • The Princess Bride (PG): 23 – 27 May
  • NT Live: The Playboy of the Western World 28 May
  • The Devil Wears Prada 2 (12A): 29 May – June

The Mowlem Cinema: June

  • Michael (12A): 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 June
  • Power Ballad (15): 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 & 18 June
  • NT Live – Les Liaisons Dangereuses: 25 June

Please see The Mowlem’s website for dates, timings and booking information: https://themowlem.com

Harman’s Cross Movie Nights

On the second Tuesday of every month (doors & bar open from 7pm for 7.30pm start; all tickets £6 on the door):

  • Hamnet (12A): 9 June

Welcome to Swanage

Welcome to the new Swanage Events website – home to the most comprehensive calendar of public events in Swanage and surrounding areas of Purbeck.

There’s always a wide range of events & activities going on around Swanage throughout the year, so whether you live here or are planning a quick visit, let’s see if we can’t find something for you. Please use this website as a tool to help you make the most of your time in Swanage.

If you know of any events we’ve missed please add them here, and if you have any other questions or suggestions feel free to get in touch.