Light up your summer evenings with Dorset’s FREE fireworks displays this July and August! The night sky is set to dazzle as colourful rockets whizz, bang and pop overhead. Kids and grown ups will love seeing the explosion of pyrotechnics, and as the events take place later in the evening, why not enjoy something to eat or drink in a nearby restaurant or bar beforehand. The fireworks are always hugely popular events and perfect for adding a little sparkle to the end of a summers day in Dorset.

All displays are subject to weather conditions, so please check in advance for any last minute changes to avoid disappointment.

Summer Fireworks at Bournemouth Beach

Take a seat on Bournemouth Beach or anywhere along the seafront and watch the firework display light up the sky over Bournemouth Pier.

Each year thousands of holidaymakers and locals flock to Bournemouth seafront to watch the fireworks, which will take place at 10pm on Fridays 24 and 31 July, and 7, 14, 21 and 28 August 2026.

On Bournemouth Pier, enjoy FREE live music at Key West Bar and Grill to start the evening off. Treat yourself to a delicious meal, refreshing cocktails and relax on Bournemouth's most iconic landmark!

Swanage Carnival Firework Displays

Fireworks over Swanage Bay in Dorset © Andy Lyons

The hugely popular Carnival Week is 8 days of family fun, including games, races and the famous carnival procession.

On Saturday 25 July, Wednesday 29 July and Saturday 1 August 2026, there will be fireworks displays at 9:45pm from Banjo Pier on the beach.

If you want to be close to the action, the best places to sit are on Sandpit Field, anywhere along Shore Road and on the Recreation Ground by the bandstand.

The grassy areas on The Downs or at Prince Albert Gardens are also great viewing locations, and are a little further away for anyone who doesn’t like the loud bangs!

Swanage Railway will be running special Sunset Shuttle evening train services for the firework displays, so you can travel in style (and save the hassle of finding somewhere to park) by jumping onboard one of their heritage diesel trains.

Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Firework Display

Fireworks over The Cobb harbour in Lyme Regis in Dorset

Be prepared to be delighted and dazzled by Lyme Regis' explosive summer firework display over the Harbour and famous Cobb!

The event takes place at the beginning of Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week on Friday 31 July 2026 at 9:30pm.

There are plenty of places where you can watch from - Langmoor and Lister Gardens offer a fantastic viewing point or anywhere along the seafront near the sandy beach is also good.

Weymouth Beach Summer Fireworks

During 5 weeks of the summer holidays, you can watch colourful fireworks displays over Weymouth Beach at 9:30pm on Mondays from 3 to 31 August 2026. You can see the fireworks from anywhere along Weymouth seafront. On the 10 and 24 August, there will be lower noise displays.

Snapper Charters also run firework boat trips with space for up to 12 passengers. The boat trip lasts 90 minutes and departs at 8:30pm. You're welcome to bring your own food and drink on board while you enjoy a leisurely cruise along Weymouth Bay before the fireworks start.

Wareham Quay Summer Fireworks

At Wareham Quay, the Wareham Wednesday events will be held on 5, 12, 19 and 26 August 2026.

Each week there’s live music, as well as themed events such as raft races and pirate invasions, plus a firework display at 10pm.

Follow the Wareham Wednesdays Facebook page for information and updates.

Poole Quay Summer Fireworks

Fireworks at Poole Quay in Dorset during the summer. Photo credit Owen Vachell.

© Owen Vachell

For 4 weeks during the summer holidays, head for Poole Quay to watch the dazzling fireworks above Poole Harbour.

On Thursday nights at 10pm, the quay will be filled with people eating, drinking and of course watching the fireworks. The displays take place on Thursdays 6, 13, 20 and 27 August 2026.

Standing on the quayside opposite the Jolly Sailor or Lord Nelson pubs will give great views. We recommend that you arrive early as there are lots of places to eat dinner all along the Quay, with live music starting at 7:30pm.

Want to watch the fireworks from the water? Jump onboard with Coastal Cruises for a fireworks boat trip around the harbour.

Christchurch Carnival Firework Display

There’ll be three days of fun and entertainment at Christchurch Carnival, including live music, food and drink, a funfair and Carnival Parade.

The fireworks display will be on Saturday 15 August 2026 at 9:20pm on Christchurch Quay. Get there early to enjoy the food and drink on offer, as well as watch the live music acts.

Summer Fireworks at West Bay

Bridport’s Carnival and Torchlight Procession takes place over one week every August.

On Sunday 23 August 2026 the torchlight procession will begin at 9pm from Bucky Doo Square in Bridport, leading all the way down to the beach at West Bay.

Once at the beach, the torches will be thrown onto the bonfire and then the fireworks display happens after 10pm.