Events and Festivals in Poole

Poole has a vibrant and exciting events calendar ranging from concerts and shows at the Lighthouse Arts Centre to popular quayside events. You may even spot a ghost walk or a pirate event on the events calendar too!

Whether your interest is music, dance, food, classic cars or culture, there is something to entertain all ages throughout the whole year.

Dream Machines

Taking place every Tuesday night from April to September, see hundreds of motorbikes on Poole Quay. From classics to sports, Harley Davidsons to Kawasaki and everything in-between. The event creates a unique, exciting atmosphere as bikers and spectators enjoy a relaxed evening. Bring your own bike or just admire them, the choice is yours.

Magic of Thailand Festival

This two day Thai Festival takes place in May at Harbourside Park on the edge of Poole Harbour.

Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and friends to feel a touch of Thai culture.Cchallenge your taste buds and feast your eyes on world class food and performances including traditional music and dancing, Muay Thai boxing, Ladyboy show and lots more.

Harry Paye Pirate Day

Avast me harties! Tis time for land lubbers to dig out yer eye patch, earing and cutlass for Poole’s annual celebration in June, of its favourite pirate son Harry Paye.

The popular Harry Paye Day shindig gets underway from 12 under the noonday sun with the Parade of Pirates along Poole Quay.

Sandpolo

This annual Sandpolo event takes place on Sandbanks Beach in July. The event attracts a host of top polo players, VIP guests and fashionistas.

In the evenings, as the sun sets over ‘Old Harry Rocks’ the beach parties begin. 

Poole Harbour Festival

The Poole Harbour Festival is a music filled 3 day event taking place every July.

Featuring well-loved bands as well as tribute acts and DJs, this family-friendly festival offers both day and night time performances.

Summer Fireworks

Get your groove on for fabulous free live music, entertainment and fireworks during the summer on Poole Quay!

It takes place every Thursday (from 8th to 29th August 2024) bringing a party atmosphere to Poole’s continental quayside with live music, entertainment and family fun before finishing with a firework finale over the largest natural harbour in Europe at 10pm! 

Christmas in Poole

Stretching from the Dolphin Shopping Centre and along the High Street down onto Poole Quay you will find dazzling Christmas Trees, Tallships, Anchors and lit up canopies to walk under, as though you are walking under the sea! There's lots to see and do in Poole during Christmas, and not forgetting Dorset's biggest indoor shopping centre for all those Christmas presents.

Events coming soon

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society Feb 15

Bournemouth Chamber Music Society

The award-winning Kyan String Quartet will give a recital as part of the Bournemouth Chamber Music Society's 81st season. They will be playing string quartets by Debussy, Berg and Beethoven....

Holistic Water Retreat Feb 15

Holistic Water Retreat

Step aboard for a deeply restorative three-hour holistic retreat cruise through the tranquil waters of Poole Harbour. This is more than a boat journey – it's an invitation to reconnect with...

Lucina Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration Feb 15

Lucina Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration

Poole Museum invites you to step into the creative world of Lucian Freud with a FREE exhibition that's all about discovery and detail. Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration shines...

Bouncy Fun Play and Games Area Feb 17

Bouncy Fun Play and Games Area

Dorset's biggest, best and original Bouncy Castle Play Centres MASSIVE bouncy castles, inflatable slides, assault course, baby bouncers, ride ons, soft play, toddler area and much more Drinks,...

Bouncy Fun Play and Magic Show Feb 18

Bouncy Fun Play and Magic Show

Dorset's biggest, best and original Bouncy Castle Play Centres MASSIVE bouncy castles, inflatable slides, assault course, baby bouncers, ride ons, soft play, toddler area and much more Drinks,...

Unplugged: Sting & The Police - Poole Mar 01

Unplugged: Sting & The Police - Poole

Experience the timeless hits of Sting and The Police as you've never heard them before. This stunning acoustic tribute strips back the layers to reveal the raw emotion and songwriting genius...

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Mar 15

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea

Mothers Day Afternoon Tea Cruise – A Unique Coastal Dining Experience Step aboard for a delightful Afternoon Tea Cruise from Poole Harbour, where stunning coastal scenery meets exquisite dining. This...

Murder Mystery Dinner - The Pullman Blackmailer Mar 21

Murder Mystery Dinner - The Pullman Blackmailer

Murder Mystery Cruise – Poole Harbour Step aboard for an evening of intrigue, suspense, and murder on the high seas… or at least in the stunning waters of Poole Harbour! Join us for a thrilling Murder...