Arts by the Sea brings together a variety of music, intriguing installations, dance, street theatre, participatory experiences and much more for one exciting weekend this September from Friday the 25th to Saturday the 26th September. A unique and celebratory festival which was founded in 2011 with a mission to provide inspirational and inclusive experiences, rooted in its location. The festival wants to reflect local communities through a celebration of art.

Arts by the Sea was founded by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) Council. The festival receives regular funding from Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation. They support local artists and creatives throughout their development which allows this festival to flourish, as they showcase their work over the weekend.

Our Arts by the Sea Guide details everything you need to know for a fun-filled day out.

Where is Arts by the Sea?

Most events at Arts by the Sea festival take place around the Bandstand Field, Lower Gardens and Pier Approach which can be found here: Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA, United Kingdom. The festival is free to attend and suitable for everyone, starting in the late afternoon on Friday 25th of September, continuing on the Saturday 26th, with Saturday’s activities beginning at around 10:30am and continuing into the evening. Full performance times and locations will be available in the festival programme.

How do I get to Bournemouth’s Arts by the Sea Festival?

Travelling by train to Bournemouth

Bournemouth Town is easily accessible with SWR. The nearest station to Arts by the Sea is Bournemouth, which is served with regular trains from stations such as Southampton Central, Poole, Weymouth and Woking. Bournemouth Pier is around a 20-minute walk from Bournemouth station, or you can take various bus routes such as the number 12, 22 and 5a, all which take approximately 10 minutes.

Explore our full range of ticket types to find the right one for your journey to Bournemouth. You can find cheap train tickets by booking early or going off-peak, and if you have a Railcard or if you’re travelling in a group, you could save even more. 

Travelling from London to Bournemouth

It’s easy to get to Bournemouth from both London Waterloo and Clapham Junction, and you can travel direct from Waterloo to Bournemouth in just under two hours. SWR services will make your journey from London as simple as possible with direct trains in and out of Bournemouth throughout the day.

Things to see and do at Arts by the Sea

If Arts by the Sea 2025 is anything to go by, the 2026 festival will be one you don’t want to miss. This year’s theme is ‘Elemental’. This is a celebration of community, a reflection on the coastal beauty of our surroundings.  
 
2026 will also see a selection of food options, market stalls, activities, children's entertainment and more, which will entice your tastes in a more literal sense. Arts by the Sea 2026 ‘celebrates the powerful energies that connect us to each other and to the world around us’, so make sure you get down to this event in Bournemouth this September to explore as much as you can.  

2026 Artists

This year’s Artist in Residence is Bournemouth artist Lost Lines, known for bold, colourful work across digital art, illustration and large public installations. Inspired by the festival’s Elemental theme, Lost Lines will help shape the look of Arts by the Sea 2026 and bring playful artwork to spaces around Bournemouth. 
Bombay Dance Club is the festival’s 2026 Associate Artist. The local group will bring the energy of Bollywood dance to a new Elemental inspired performance, with opportunities for visitors to join in.  

The weekend will also feature AfroSounds System, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, CJP Band, Earth, Wind and Choir, and Elsie the Dragon, with music, live performances, installations and interactive activities taking place across the festival. 

Things to do near Arts by the Sea

Make the most of your trip to Bournemouth and discover everything this coastal town has to offer.

With its idyllic location in Dorset, discover Bournemouth’s beautiful sandy beaches which stretch on for miles. Or why not get active with a round of mini-golf on the restored Boscombe Pier or stroll through Bournemouth’s gorgeous gardens. There is also the Russell-Cotes house, gallery and garden on the cliff top for you to discover. Our comprehensive Bournemouth guide will help you plan the perfect trip, and if you’ve only got 2 days to explore, check out our 48 hours in Bournemouth guide for a fun-filled itinerary.

Don’t forget to browse SWR Rewards to make savings on food and drink, things to do, and more. Our Bournemouth offers range from discounts on hotel stays, to afternoon tea for two. Theres something for everyone!

Where to stay in Bournemouth

Bournemouth seafront boasts many chic hotels for you to choose from during your stay. For a luxury option, try eco-friendly hotel The Green House.

A family-friendly option closer to the sea is Bournemouth Council’s innovative and modern beach-hut lodges which sleep up to 4 adults and 2 children.

If you’re after a budget option try Premier Inn Bournemouth Seafront.

Arts by the Sea Festival Accessibility

The Arts by the Sea Festival strives to make the event accessible to all and are ‘committed to removing barriers to access’. The festival locations of Bournemouth Town Square, Lower and Central Gardens and Seafront are all on the level. All of the closest car parks have accessible parking spaces too and the closest car park with the most level access is the Pavilion Car Park, Westover Road. Find further accessibility information in Arts by the Sea’saccessibility page.