Find free events for the whole family in and around Swanage.
From art exhibitions & craft workshops to live music in the pubs, there’s plenty to do in Swanage without spending a penny, including many of the town’s biggest events such as Carnival Week and various festivals.
🗓️ Tuesday 14th July 2026 If you live in Harman’s Cross, join the community this evening for a special summer celebration. There’ll be children’s games and the bar will be open – and if you’re a new resident to the village within the last two years, claim your free welcome drink at the bar! Bring […]
🗓️ Thursday 16th July 2026 Enjoy a traditional summer school fete at St Mark’s Primary School this afternoon. There’ll be fun for all the family, including:
🗓️ Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026 Along with Swanage Carnival, nearby Wareham has its own summer carnival each July, the week before. There’s a street procession – this year the theme is Your Natural World – along with live music, food and entertainment across the weekend at Wareham Recreation Ground. Carnival Procession Entries […]
🗓️ Saturday 18th July 2026 Corfe Castle Club’s annual mini beer festival is back this afternoon with a range of guest beers and ciders to sample. There’ll also be Pimm’s and a BBQ in the garden, plus live music from Feverstreet.
🗓️ Tuesday 21st July 2026 Swanage residents are encouraged to come along to the launch event of Future Coast North Swanage at The Mowlem this evening. It’s a collaboration between Future Coast Dorset and Coasts in Mind – a project charting coastal change over the years and a celebration of our shared coastal heritage. Get […]
🗓️ Wednesdays between 22nd July – 26th August 2026 Come to Studland Bay on Wednesdays throughout the summer for outdoor games and sports in Knoll Beach’s sand bowl. There’ll be fun for all the family, including: Children must be supervised.
🗓️ Saturday 25th July – Saturday 1st August 2026 Swanage Carnival is one of the main highlights of the year in Swanage and Purbeck, with eight days of entertainment taking over the town in one of Dorset’s most popular family-friendly festivals. There’s a different carnival theme each year – the theme for 2024 was Jurassic […]
🗓️ Saturday 25th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026 Swanage Painting Club’s annual Summer Art Exhibition will be on every day this week at St Edward’s Catholic Church hall. There’ll be work for sale by local artists, along with prints and cards. And if you come on Saturday 25th July they’ll be holding a coffee […]
🗓️ Thursday 6th August 2026 Have you ever wondered about the history behind Durlston Country Park’s castle? Join this one-hour guided tour to discover its fascinating history. There’s no need to book – just turn up at the castle Reception. For more events at Durlston Castle visit their website: www.durlston.co.uk/whats-on
🗓️ Thursday 6th August 2026 Swanage & Purbeck Rotary’s annual summer fête is held on Sandpit Field, overlooking Swanage Bay. Enjoy a range of traditional stalls, entertainment, live music and food & drink. After perusing the stalls for a locally-produced gift and trying your hand at some traditional lawn games, you can take some shade […]
🗓️ Saturday 8th – Sunday 16th August 2026 The annual Swanage Lifeboat Week returns this summer for eight days of RNLI festival fun, both on the water and on land at Prince Albert Gardens and around town. Swanage Lifeboat Week has a packed programme of activities and entertainment, from the much-loved build-a-boat competition and family-friendly […]
🗓️ Saturday 8th August 2026 Come along to St George’s annual summer fete for a traditional afternoon of entertainment, stalls and refreshments – which is this year also celebrating the church’s 150th anniversary. There’ll be music, children’s games, cakes, book stalls, raffle, tombola and lots more. Jamie Jigsaw will be there to entertain the kids, […]
🗓️ Saturday 15th August 2026 Head to the annual summer fete in Corfe Castle village for an afternoon of traditional family fun on the church lawns. Enjoy locally-made cakes & produce, a range of stalls inside and out of the church, and a raffle with great prizes donated from the community. There’ll also be children’s […]
🗓️ Friday 21st – Monday 31st August 2026 Come and browse the latest works of art by Purbeck Arts Club at its Pearls of Purbeck summer exhibition. There’ll be a selection of paintings, poetry and cards influenced by the local landscape, history and culture. The exhibition’s title, ‘Pearls of Purbeck’, is a nod to the […]
🗓️ Saturday 12th September 2026 It’s harvest time at Dorset Cider Farm – head down to enjoy a BBQ, live music, family games and apple & cider tasting throughout the day. See the apple trees in full fruit and the cider press up and running, plus learn all about the farm’s apples from a local […]
🗓️ Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th September 2026 Take a rare glimpse inside Kimmeridge’s Clavell Tower at its free, annual open day. The Tuscan-style circular folly was built in 1830 and is situated on the South West Coast Path, and is a short drive from Swanage. Information leaflets on the building’s history and children’s activity […]
🗓️ Sunday 13th September 2026 Come and discover the history of Studland Bay today as part of the annual National Heritage Open Days Festival. Learn how Britain prepared to defend its coastline here at Studland with a guided walk through the village from Middle Beach, including childhood memories of watching the D-Day rehearsals. Explore exhibits […]
🗓️ Tuesday 15th – Wednesday 16th September 2026 Explore Lulworth Castle and Park this week as part of Heritage Open Days. Discover the history of the 17th Century castle and its grounds, which include the captivating 18th Century St Mary’s Chapel. Take in the views from Lulworth Castle’s tower, visit the tea room and stroll […]
🗓️ Saturday 19th September 2026 Planet Purbeck is back for another fun-filled and informative day on Swanage beachfront today. Come and meet some of Swanage and Purbeck’s community, nature and wellbeing organisations to find out what makes the area so special – and find out how you can get involved. There’ll be live music, food and […]
🗓️ Saturday 28th November 2026 Get the date in your diary for this year’s Christmas lights switch-on in Swanage. Grab a mulled wine, join in with some festive songs and get ready for the countdown before the town sparkles with the magic of Christmas once more. There’ll be live entertainment, a formal countdown, and as always […]
🗓️ Saturday 28th November 2026 Harman’s Cross Village Hall’s regular Stalls at the Hall is a great way to spend a couple of hours browsing local craft stalls and enjoy a delicious homemade cake from the kitchen. You’ll find a range of local makers selling arts & crafts, bakes & preserves, seasonal produce and more. […]
🗓️ Saturday 5th December 2026 Swanage Christmas Market returns for another year, with over 80 festive stalls along Station Road and Institute Road. Come and meet local makers and producers and get a head-start on your Christmas shopping. Younger children can enjoy merry-go-round rides and visit Father Christmas in his grotto, and grown-ups can warm their […]
🗓️ Wednesday 9th December 2026 Join Swanage Town Band in a musical celebration of Christmas at its annual Carols on the Bandstand concert. Wrap up warm, bring a torch and join in the singing at Swanage’s historic bandstand for a traditional festive evening. Song sheets will be provided.
🗓️ Saturday 26th December 2026 The Boxing Day Swim on Swanage Beach is an annual community tradition, which sees hundreds of swimmers head into the chilly December water for a fun, festive dip. Meet just before 11am at Swanage Information Centre and, on the town crier’s bell at 11am sharp, it’s time to brave the […]