Events in Bournemouth From 27th April – 3rd May 2026

You can find music, arts, and social events across Bournemouth between 26 April and 3 May 2026. These include live performances at venues like The Square in town centre and Key West Restaurant on Bournemouth Pier, both known for hosting acts that blend acoustic folk with indie rock or jazz influences. On selected evenings, community-led gatherings take place, ceilidh dances are held weekly at a local hall near East Cliff, drawing people from Poole and Christchurch. Orchestral sets have also been scheduled in St Peter’s Church on Sunday nights as part of an ongoing civic arts initiative.

Family-friendly programming continues with storytelling sessions every Wednesday afternoon at Bournemouth Central Library. These feature live narration by performers using traditional Dorset dialects and are open to all ages without registration required. There is also a monthly full-album celebration night, recently featuring Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety, at The Square, where attendees gather with blankets on the floor.

Themed evenings include retro social nights at bars near Westover Road and drag showcases during weekend late-night slots at an independent venue just off Southbourne. These events are shaped around shared interest rather than commercial appeal, most have no entry fee, though some require a small donation to cover costs. Drinks may be served but aren’t essential; conversation often takes priority over consumption.

Check the listings below for times and venues.