Bournemouth and Poole has a busy calendar of events throughout the year. From the award winning Air Festival to the weekly bike nights, the colourful pride festival to the magical Christmas Wonderland, our towns are certainly eventful! Here are some of our most popular events taking place throughout the year and don’t forget to check out our What’s On guide for our full calendar.
Bournemouth Air Festival
One of the biggest events of the year has to be the Bournemouth Air Festival! With a host of amazing aircraft displays, Armed Forces villages, on the ground attractions, food and drink, music and funfairs this is the UK’s biggest FREE aviation festival. It’s the perfect family event to end the summer.
Poole Dream Machines
Taking place between May and August Dream Machines sees bikers from all over the country come to show off their beautiful bikes at this popular FREE event. The Bike of the Night competition takes place every week with the winner receiving some great bike related goodies.
Quay for my Car
Quay for my Car is a FREE and unique, themed car event which takes place on Poole Quay during the summer. Each week is a different theme and car owners who fit the theme for that particular evening are invited to come along and showcase their vehicles.
FREE live music, entertainment and fireworks come to Poole Quay for six weeks over the summer! The Summer Spectacular event takes place every Thursday during the school summer holidays with family fun on the quayside before finishing with a summer firework finale!
Poole Quay Summer Fireworks Spectacular
Summer Fireworks
Summer in Bournemouth sees the return of the hugely popular, and FREE, fireworks displays which take place along Bournemouth seafront. The event takes place on selected Friday’s during the summer at 10pm, the perfect way to kick off your weekend with a bang!
Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival
An annual celebration of art, culture, people and places, the Arts by the Sea Festival features a variety of performances, street theatre, participatory experiences, installations, dance, music and more! With such a eclectic mix of events there’s something for the whole family to enjoy!
Oktoberfest Poole
Taking place in Poole Park Oktoberfest Poole promises a weekend filled with traditional Bavarian food, live music, and of course, the finest German beer! Live bands will be performing traditional oompah music, transporting attendees straight to the tents in Munich!
Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival
Be dazzled by thousands of twinkling lights as you take a nautical journey around the town. Follow the FREE light trail around the town which features a number of impressive light installations including walk-through structures, light projections and glistening overhangs.
Christmas Tree Wonderland
It’s the most magical time of the year and Bournemouth gets into the festive mood with the arrival of the Christmas Tree Wonderland. This FREE event features a festive trail featuring replica Christmas trees from around the world, plus a 60ft centrepiece walk-through tree!
SKATE Bournemouth
Enjoy the warmth of winter and skate on real ice under the trees in the centre of Bournemouth’s lower gardens, complete with lights and music! School parties, Christmas parties and all groups are welcome. Afterwards cosy up and enjoy a festive drink in the Moguls Alpine Bar.
Sandfest
The ultimate beach festival! Sandfest takes place on the world famous beach at Sandbanks in Poole and is headlined by some of the best global artists in house music, drum and bass, rap and grime. Playing to around 5000 party goers, this is a boutique beach festival like no other!
Sandpolo
An adrenaline-fuelled sport, fashion, food and entertainment all come together at Sandpolo, a firm fixture in Dorset’s social calendar since 2008. This world class polo event takes place at Sandbanks with thrilling action during the day followed by high energy after parties at night!
Harry Paye Day
Avast me harties! Poole comes together to celebrate its famous pirate son ‘Harry Paye’ with a FREE day of celebration. Don your favourite pirate costume and come along to the quayside for some live music, a pirate parade, pirate games and children’s rides. Plus remember to cover your ears as the canons fire!
Bourne Free
A celebration of diversity, equality and inclusion, Bourne Free is Bournemouth and Poole’s annual pride celebration. The event has grown in strength and popularity over the years and features a family fun evening, a colourful parade and entertainment from a host of artists.
Mini Steam on the Quay
Featuring a display of beautiful miniature steam traction engines, Mini Steam on the Quay is a FREE event taking place on Poole Quay. The diverse mix of unique engines are all lovingly built and maintained by their owners, with many providing free rides along the Quay!
Other Upcoming Events
