Events and Festivals in Poole

Poole has a vibrant and exciting events calendar ranging from concerts and shows at the Lighthouse Arts Centre to the popular annual quayside events programme Summertime in the South. Make sure you're in town for classic car shows, music events and spectacular fireworks and you may even spot a ghost walk or a pirate event on the events calendar too.

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

Light Up Poole

Every February, indoor and outdoor locations around Poole are lit-up using digital light shows and art installations. Year on year it keeps getting better and better and it makes you look at Poole in a whole new light!

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.

Poole Harbour Boat Show

The Poole Harbour Boat Show takes place in June with free live music, entertainment and fireworks, you may even return home with a new boat! 

The show continues to be the biggest-ever free to attend boat show on the South Coast. The three-day extravaganza will bring together a spectacular showcase of yachts and motor cruisers, tall ships, marine equipment, water sports gear and clothing, with taster sessions, live music and fireworks to keep the whole family entertained!

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 shindig gets underway from 12 under the noonday sun with the Parade of Pirates along Poole Quay.

Folk on the Quay

A free folk music festival in June with three outdoor music stages, dancers in the streets, traditional folk dancing, ceilidhs on the Quay and lots more.

Quay for my Car

Throughout July and August, Poole Quay will be lined by classic cars for all to admire. Each week has a different theme including Mini, Lotus, Best of British, VW, Italian Stallions, American Dreams and more.

Poole Goes Vintage

Celebrate all things retro on the Quay as Poole goes Vintage returns to town each summer! This celebration of 1940s-60s music, fashion, memorabilia, entertainment and transport is a feel-good festival the whole family will enjoy.

Summer Spectacular

Get your groove on for Rockley's Summer Spectacular as fabulous free live music, entertainment and fireworks come to Poole Quay!

It takes place every Thursday (from end July until the end of August) 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! 

British Beach Polo Championships

The Championships returns to Sandbanks Beach in July. With up to 10,000 people in attendance, it is the biggest beach polo event in the world. It’s a feast of fast action, gladiatorial horse polo, beach rugby, fashion and fun is to be had.

The event will see four competitive polo teams play thrilling polo whilst demonstrating spectacular horsemanship on the sand. Spectators are able to watch the professionals up close and personal as they manoeuvre their athletic polo ponies with agility and power. 

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. 

Plan your holiday to Poole

For all the information you need to plan a holiday to Poole, please visit the Poole Tourism website or sign up for the latest destination and event news and special offers.