Events in Christchurch From 17th August – 23rd August 2026

Home · Events in Christchurch This Week

As you look at events in Christchurch this week, from August 16th to 23rd, you’ll find a variety of things to do, whether you enjoy being active outdoors, connecting with the community, or finding entertainment for the family. This period offers lots of options for getting involved and exploring what’s on locally.

You can expect chances for fitness and outdoor activities, including walking groups for parents with young children, which are great for staying active and meeting people. Consider using the ferry service across Christchurch Harbour to reach walking routes, or maybe head towards Mudeford Sandbank, keeping in mind the ferry can get busy in peak season. If you cycle, there are organised bike rides in nearby areas, maybe using the quieter routes created by the bypass construction around Bargates. You might also find some unique finds at local markets.

For culture, you can attend outdoor theatre performances, offering a unique way to enjoy shows in the open air. Younger family members can join hands-on craft workshops. The Splashpark is open for kids, though it can be crowded on sunny days. If you’re after something lively, you can find entertainment with music and water-based activities, or check listings for the jazz festival, if it’s happening during your visit.

The week also includes chances to experience live music, from larger festivals in the surrounding region to more intimate performances. Remember that roadworks may affect travel times to venues outside the town. It’s a week designed to let you experience different aspects of the local scene, building on Christchurch’s history as a royal burh since around 870 AD.

Check the listings below for times and locations. The Christchurch Bus Interchange offers convenient transport, although public transport use remains below pre-earthquake levels.

Tuesday 18th August

Bike Nights on Poole Quay

· Swanage Railway · Fitness & Outdoors

Weekly evening bike rides along Poole Quay for cyclists of all levels.

Car Boot Sales at Farmer Palmers

· Swanage Railway · Shopping & Markets

Weekly car boot sale held at Farmer Palmers' premises.

Wednesday 19th August

Free Bump & Baby Walk Christchurch

· Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival · Fitness & Outdoors

Free walking group for pregnant women and new mothers in Christchurch.

Free Bump & Baby Walk Poole

· Swanage Railway · Fitness & Outdoors

A free community walking group for expecting and new parents in Poole.

Foam Parties at Farmer Palmer

· Swanage Railway · Nightlife & Music

Foam parties at Farmer Palmer feature water-based fun for attendees.

Free Family Films at Allendale Community Centre (Summer Season)

· Swanage Railway · Family & Kids

Free family film screenings held at Allendale Community Centre during summer season.

Thursday 20th August

We Out Here Festival - Wimborne st. Giles

· Swanage Railway · Nightlife & Music

We Out Here Festival takes place in Wimborne St. Giles, offering a variety of entertainment.

Vdub at The Pub Festival - Wimborne

· Swanage Railway · Nightlife & Music

Vdub At The Pub Festival features live dub music performances in a pub setting in Wimborne.

Live Music at Farmer Palmers- Aphrodite Singers

· Swanage Railway · Nightlife & Music

The Aphrodite Singers perform live music at Farmer Palmers.

Outdoor Theatre Thursday Peter Rabbit - Highcliffe Castle

· Swanage Railway · Culture & Arts

Outdoor theatre performance of Peter Rabbit at Highcliffe Castle.

Friday 21st August

Summer Bbq's at Redhill Park Cafe

· Swanage Railway · Food & Drink

Redhill Park Cafe hosts summer BBQs featuring local food and drinks.

Rapunzel Tea Party at Itsy Bitsyccino

· Swanage Railway · Family & Kids

A children's tea party themed around Rapunzel held at Itsy Bitsyccino.

Doodle & do Summer Workshops

· Swanage Railway · Family & Kids

Children's art workshops for summer holiday fun at local venue.

Nocturnal Discover Walk -Upton Country Park

· Swanage Railway · Fitness & Outdoors

A guided night-time walk exploring Upton Country Park's wildlife and natural features.

Saturday 22nd August

Roller City South Roller Disco - Christchurch

· No 1 South African Shop · Nightlife & Music

Roller City South hosts a roller disco event at the Roller venue in Christchurch.

Lake Gates Car Boot Sale

· Swanage Railway · Shopping & Markets

Lake Gates hosts a car boot sale featuring second-hand goods and local vendors.

Make Your Own Gold Lunula

· Swanage Railway · Family & Kids

Participants create their own gold lunula in a hands-on craft workshop at the Dorset Museum.

Paul Sinha

· Nightlife & Music

Comedian Paul Sinha performs stand-up at The Regent in Christchurch.

Endorphin Machine! (Community Choir / Mass Singalong)

· Nightlife & Music

Community choir and mass singalong event at Christchurch Druitt Hall.

Sunday 23rd August

Oli's Roller Disco - Ferndown Leisure Center

· Swanage Railway · Nightlife & Music

Oli's Roller Disco event at Ferndown Leisure Center offers a fun night of roller skating and music.

Fawcett's Field Car Boot Sale

· Swanage Railway · Shopping & Markets

Fawcett's Field Car Boot Sale offers a variety of second-hand goods for sale.

Little Pickles Market - Nearly New Sale - Wimborne

· Swanage Railway · Shopping & Markets

A nearly new sale market featuring second-hand goods at Wimborne.

Poole Stadium Car Boot Sale

· Swanage Railway · Shopping & Markets

Car boot sale at Poole Stadium featuring second-hand goods and local vendors.