Arts by the Sea is Bournemouth’s annual arts festival, launched in 2011 and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation since 2015. The 2027 dates have not been announced yet.
The programme mixes music, dance and visual art with site-specific installations and large-scale outdoor spectaculars, much of it in public spaces around the town. Work that responds to the coast and to environmental issues is a strand of the programme, and the festival supports both emerging and established artists.
The 2026 festival was the 16th edition, with the theme Elemental. The main weekend ran on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September 2026, starting in Bournemouth Gardens and reaching into the town centre, nearby neighbourhoods, local schools and communities. A Fringe programme runs from 27 September to 11 October 2026, with venues, organisations and independent producers across Bournemouth hosting events.
Visitor information
Dates: Not yet announced for 2027.
Venue: The 2026 main weekend started in Bournemouth Gardens and spread through the town centre.
Cost: Prices for 2027 have not been published.
Where to stay
Bournemouth Gardens sit in the middle of the town, so a base in Bournemouth keeps the festival close. Browse places to stay near Bournemouth or read about Bournemouth before you book.
