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Festivals and Carnivals

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All year round, Bournemouth, Poole, and the beautiful surrounding areas of Dorset come alive with a wide variety of family friendly festivals and carnivals! From lively seaside celebrations and cultural events to food and music festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—whatever your taste or age. Whether you’re local or visiting, you’ll find fun, entertainment, and unforgettable memories at every turn!

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A Dorset Christmas Festival: Pull a Pine at RSPB Arne

RSPB Arne
Wareham
28 November 2026 @ 10:00 am – 29 November 2026 @ 3:00 pm
Join RSPB Arne for one of the biggest conservation events in the country. While we Read more…
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The Healing Weekend at Lighthouse

Lighthouse: Poole’s Centre For The Arts
Poole
6 February 2027 – 7 February 2027
A first-class Mind, Body & Spirit Festival, held each February in Poole, Dorset Bringing together Read more…
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Bournemouth 7s Festival 2027 – 20th Anniversary | May Bank Holiday

Chapel Gate
Christchurch
28 May 2027 – 30 May 2027
Bournemouth 7s Festival 2027 – 20th Anniversary Bournemouth 7s Festival returns for its huge 20th Read more…
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Reggae on the Bay

Shell Bay
Studland
19 June 2027 – 20 June 2027
Reggae on the Bay 2027 – Free Windrush & Reggae Festival in Dorset Reggae on Read more…
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Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

Kings Park
Bournemouth
23 July 2027 @ 1:00 pm – 25 July 2027 @ 11:00 pm
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2027 – The South Coast’s Premier Reggae Festival! Bournemouth Reggae Weekender returns Read more…
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Swanage Carnival Week

Swanage Seafront
Swanage
31 July 2027 – 7 August 2027
Swanage hosts one of Dorset’s premier carnivals during the summer, returning from 31st July to Read more…

Please be advised that dates and other details are subject to change at any time. We recommend checking with the organiser via their website or social media links on this page before making any special travel arrangements. We cannot accept liability for any errors, changes, or cancellations.

Have an Event in Bournemouth, Poole or Dorset?

Get your event in front of people looking for things to do across Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding Dorset area.

From live music and festivals to markets, theatre, family days, comedy and food & drink events, submit your event to the Lets Go Out Bournemouth & Poole What’s On calendar and help more people discover it.

ADD YOUR EVENT TO OUR WHAT’S ON GUIDE