Located by the sea in Margate, The Oval Bandstand is a year-round outdoor events venue offering live music, outdoor cinema, family theatre, wellbeing activities and community festivals.
For people living in Margate, Cliftonville and the wider Thanet area, as well as visitors looking for things to do by the coast, the Oval offers a regularly changing programme of free community events and ticketed performances throughout the year.
This page is a guide to what’s on in Margate at The Oval Bandstand, bringing together upcoming events, regular activities and past highlights in one place.
Live music in Margate
As a result, The Oval Bandstand is one of Margate’s most active open-air live music venues, presenting performances from local artists, regional acts and touring musicians across a wide range of genres.
Live music events take place throughout spring, summer and early autumn, with a mix of relaxed daytime concerts, early evening shows and larger ticketed performances. Many events are free and designed to be accessible to the local community.
View upcoming live music in Margate at The Oval Bandstand here:
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/whats-on-page
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/oval-whats-on/the-dukes-of-swing-oval-summer-sundays-2
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-licks-oval-summer-sundays-tickets-1982341550942?aff=oddtdtcreator
Explore past live music events and returning performers here:
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/oval-whats-on/lew-lewis-and-his-allstar-trio-oval-summer-sundays
Outdoor cinema in Margate by the sea
Outdoor cinema at The Oval Bandstand is a popular seasonal attraction for both local residents and visitors. Screenings include cult classics, feel-good favourites and accessible films for all ages, shown outdoors with the seafront as the backdrop.
Outdoor cinema events usually run during the warmer months and often include food traders and informal seating, creating a relaxed way to enjoy films in Margate.
See upcoming outdoor cinema events in Margate here:
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/oval-whats-on/the-notebook-cliftonville-outdoor-cinema
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/oval-whats-on/bridget-joness-diary-cliftonville-outdoor-cinema
See all Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema screenings on Eventbrite here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/cliftonville-outdoor-cinema-623969
Browse previous outdoor cinema seasons at the Oval here:
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/oval-whats-on/moulin-rouge-cliftonville-outdoor-cinema
Family events and children’s theatre in Margate
Family-friendly events are a core part of the Oval’s programme. These include children’s theatre, puppetry, interactive shows, storytelling sessions and school-holiday activities designed for younger audiences and their carers.
Most family events take place during the day and are priced accessibly, with many free or low-cost options available to local families.
Browse upcoming family events in Margate here:
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/oval-whats-on/the-big-quiz-may-2026
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/oval-whats-on/professor-slugs-house-of-bugs-family-show-summer
See Cliftonville Outdoor Theatre listings on Eventbrite here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/cliftonville-outdoor-theatre-1756919
View past family and children’s events at The Oval Bandstand here:
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/oval-whats-on/cliftonville-games-a-free-community-fun-day
Wellbeing, movement and community activities in Margate
The Oval Bandstand also hosts wellbeing-focused and community-led activities, including gentle movement sessions, fitness classes, wellbeing workshops and inclusive outdoor activities that support physical and mental health.
These sessions are often delivered in partnership with local practitioners and community organisations and are offered throughout the year when funding allows.
View current wellbeing and movement activities in Margate here:
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/gym_builder_trainer/nathan-dyas
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/gym_builder_trainer/aspire-health-fitness-and-wellbeing
Learn more about past community wellbeing projects at the Oval here:
Festivals, special events and seasonal highlights in Margate
Alongside regular programming, The Oval Bandstand hosts larger seasonal events, one-off festivals and special celebrations that form part of Margate’s wider cultural and community calendar.
These can include themed weekends, anniversary events, community celebrations and collaborative projects with local organisations.
See all upcoming events in Margate at The Oval Bandstand here:
https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/whats-on-page
Why The Oval Bandstand is an important place to visit in Margate
The Oval Bandstand is more than an events venue. It is a community-led outdoor space that brings together people living in Margate and the surrounding areas through culture, creativity and shared experiences.
With its seafront location, accessible programming and diverse events calendar, the Oval plays a central role in what’s on in Margate throughout the year and is a key place to visit for both locals and visitors.
For the most up-to-date listings, detailed event information and booking links, visit: https://www.theovalbandstand.co.uk/whats-on-page
View ticketed events and collections for The Oval Bandstand & Lawns on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-oval-bandstand-lawns-41649237033#collections