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.
🗓️ Saturday 7th December 2024 One of Purbeck’s top winter attractions is the Swanage Christmas Market, where Dorset traders line the streets around Station Road. There’s always plenty of bargains to be had, as well the chance of finding a one-off handmade gift from one of the stalls. Younger children can enjoy merry-go-round rides and visit […]
🗓️ Saturday 30th November 2024 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. Full details for 2024 are yet to be released, but […]
🗓️ Sunday 27th October 2024 Meet local wedding suppliers and view the facilities at Harman’s Cross village hall at its October wedding fair. The hall is an increasingly popular choice as a wedding venue, with its large hall, spacious outdoor space and plenty of parking, with the addition of the Swanage Railway having a heritage […]
🗓️ Saturday 12th October 2024 Following the hugely successful Skatepark Community Day in June, another day of skate sports is planned for October. Hosted by the Swanage Skatepark Community Project and held in memory of Will Paddy, the community is invited to come together to enjoy an afternoon of skateboard, scooter and BMX pro demonstrations […]
🗓️ Thursday 10th October 2024 If you’re new to Swanage and would like to get to know more people in the area, come along to NewBees this evening. It’s a friendly, informal get-together of locals – whether you’re brand new to the area or more recently arrived, pop along for a relaxed drink and a […]
🗓️ Saturday 28th September 2024 Come along to Sandy Hill Arts today for its autumn Arty Bazaar at the Boilerhouse Gallery. There’ll be live music from local musicians, tasty food and lots of arty and crafty stalls from local makers and producers to browse. Find more events at Sandy Hill Arts on their website: sandyhillarts.co.uk
🗓️ Friday 27th September 2024 Come along to Swanage Carnival’s annual presentation evening and after-party tonight to show your support for the team and their fundraising initiatives. It’s a chance for the community to come together as thousands of pounds raised through the Carnival are given out to over 20 local charities and good causes. […]
🗓️ Saturday 21st September 2024 Come an enjoy a traditional church fete at Holy Spirit & St Edward’s church today. There’ll be lots of stalls and games for the kids, along with a tombola and refreshments.
🗓️ Tuesday 17th September 2024 Join the team from Planet Purbeck and Sustainable Swanage at The Mowlem for a fun repair café and recycling inspiration event. Repair & Reuse is a way for the community to come together and hear from local sustainability advocates and learn some new skills. The aim is to connect with […]
🗓️ Sunday 15th September 2024 The National Trust is holding a free event at Studland Bay today as part of National Heritage Open Days 2024. Learn all about Studland’s role in the D-Day landings at Fort Henry and examine a WW2 ordnance display. There’ll also be a children’s trail and activities (collect your quiz sheet […]
🗓️ Saturday 14th – Saturday 21st September 2024 (Selected Dates) This year’s Planet Purbeck Festival is condensed into three key days of free events. The family-friendly festival celebrates Purbeck’s coastal and countryside environment through live music, art, film, talks, local food and produce stalls, wellbeing workshops and fun kids’ activities. It aims to enhance the natural […]
🗓️ Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th September 2024 ** Unfortunately this event has been cancelled** Visitors can enjoy free entry to Corfe Castle this weekend as part of National Heritage Open Days 2024. Discover the rich heritage of the area with Corfe’s Festival of Cultural Heritage. There’ll be stalls, talks, artisan crafts and demonstrations across […]
🗓️ Friday 13th September 2024 Come and visit Greengage Community Garden at its next open day. See what the volunteers have been up to and pick some up homegrown plants and produce. There’ll also be stalls to browse and a raffle.
🗓️ Friday 13th September –Saturday 14th September 2024 Come and see what the Purbeck Flower Club have been up to and enjoy an exhibition of their latest floral designs. There’ll also be mini floral demonstrations across the weekend, along with a sales table and raffle. Timings There’ll also be an opportunity to find out how […]
🗓️ Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th September 2024 Discover Dunshay Manor’s Arts & Crafts history as it opens as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days. Tucked away in the countryside just outside Corfe Castle, the historic home was restored and refurbished in the Arts & Crafts style in the 1900s by local architect Philip […]
🗓️ Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th September 2024 Take a rare glimpse inside Kimmeridge’s Clavell Tower. The Tuscan-style folly was built in 1830 and is situated on the South West Coast Path. Currently a holiday let with The Landmark Trust, the tower is a steep climb from Kimmeridge Bay, with panoramic sea and countryside views.
🗓️ Friday 6th September 2024 Join the ‘voyage’ of sea-related music at The Fonc Lounge this evening. Local shanty group Kelp! will be joined by The Savage Underdogs, playing a mix of modern and trad folk music. The evening will be raising money for Swanage RNLI.
🗓️ Thursday 5th September 2024 The Purbeck Arts Choir is looking for new singers to join its friendly, Swanage-based choir. Come along this evening for a free try-out – no audition required, and no musical experience necessary; just a love of singing. You’ll learn a range of pieces for Purbeck Art Choir’s next performance in […]
🗓️ Tuesday 3rd September 2024 All are welcome to come along to this meeting being held by the Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership. It’s a chance to find out more about the community service, along with plans for its future development. You can also learn more about the service online, where you’ll also find a list […]
🗓️ Tuesday 27th August – Thursday 5th September 2024 Explore a collection of drawings, watercolour and mezzotints of British owls by artist Katy Harrald. Dorset-based Katy studied at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and works predominantly in pencil. Find out more about Katy and view examples of her work on her website: https://katyharrald.com
🗓️ Monday 26th August 2024 Head to Cumulus Outdoors for a fun-filled morning of activities for the whole family. You’ll get a chance to try out the outdoor activity centre’s high and low ropes courses, tunnelling, air rifles, aeroball and lots more. Proceeds from the day will go to Weldmar Hospicecare. Tickets Tickets are required […]
🗓️ Monday 26th August – Tuesday 10th September 2024 Come and explore this group show by Corfe’s Boilerhouse Gallery, which explores Purbeck’s pathways and walking tracks. Inspired by the waymarks and the landscape that guide us as we walk, the exhibition includes paintings, maps, textile art, ceramics, jewellery and more. Artists and makers include Jane […]
🗓️ Saturday 24th – Sunday 25th August 2024 Swanage Fish Festival will be held in August this year at the new venue of Sandpit Field. The fish & food festival is a firm favourite in the town’s summer calendar – usually held at Prince Albert Gardens in June, it was postponed earlier this year due to […]
🗓️ Friday 16th August 2024 Come along to Swanage seafront this morning to learn more about Swanage Disabled Club and support them at their fundraiser. The charity provides a range of practical help and friendly support to local people with mobility, sight and hearing issues – from transportation to appointments to regular social meet-ups. Money […]
🗓️ Saturday 10th – Sunday 18th August 2024 The annual Swanage Lifeboat Week is back this summer for nine days of RNLI festival fun both on the water and on land at Prince Albert Gardens and around town. It’s a packed programme of activities and entertainment, from the much-loved build-a-boat competition and family-friendly charity duck […]
🗓️ Saturday 10th August 2024 Come along to a family-friendly open day at Swanage Fire Station today. Enjoy fire and rescue demonstrations, where you’ll get the chance to see Swanage firefighters in action, and take a look around the fire station and vehicles. There’ll be lots of activities for kids too, including games and a […]
🗓️ Thursday 8th August 2024 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 27th July – Saturday 3rd August 2024 **Save the date for 2025: Saturday 26th July – Saturday 2nd August. More info coming soon** Swanage Carnival is one of the main highlights of the year in Swanage and across the Isle of Purbeck, with eight days of entertainment taking over the town in one […]
🗓️ Saturday 27th July – Sunday 4th August 2024 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 paintings for sale by local artists, along with prints and cards. And on both Saturday mornings, coffees, teas and cake will be available. Join […]
🗓️ Wednesday 24th July – Tuesday 6th August 2024 Durlston’s Fine Foundation Gallery is hosting an installation by artist Sally Baldwin. Fragile Earth is a visual exploration of the habitats and ecosystems threatened by climate change – from sea life and insects to plant life and flowers. The collection began life as a response to […]