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.

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.

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.

Christmas in Poole

New for Christmas 2022, the Maritime Christmas Light Festival will light up Poole like never before.

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!

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.

Dec 09

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on your Doorstep

Artsreach and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) invite you to herald in the festive season with Principal Brass players from the BSO. This uplifting programme of much-loved music of celebration and...

Dec 09

Christmas and New Year in Poole

Make the most of Christmas and New Year in Poole with winter walks, magical meetings with Santa, cosy stays, festive parties and even bath tub races! Whether meeting family and friends for a special...

Dec 09

Christmas at Farmer Palmer's

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Children can enjoy a farm-tastic day out at the Farm Park and experience the wonder and excitement of meeting 'the man in red' and all his festive friends in the Magical Christmas Barn, PLUS...

Dec 09

Christmas Lights Cruise

Join us as we celebrate the Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival on the water. Throughout this magical Christmas festival we will be running daily 30 minute long boat trip's every evening upon...

Dec 09

Christmas Parties

Join us for an evening cruise around Europe's largest natural harbour, passing Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland bay and more. As you board the vessel you will be greeted with a...

Dec 09

Cinderella

You shall go to the ball as the classic rags to riches fairy-tale comes to life. Packed with traditional pantomime fun, Cinderella has plenty of songs, laughter and more magic and...

Dec 09

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Festival

Enter a world of Christmas in Poole this year, with this brand-new FREE Christmas attraction! Be prepared to be dazzled as thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical journey that starts at...

Dec 09

Sail With Santa Experience

Santa is taking a short break from all of his hard work in the North Pole to hop on board our harbour cruise around Poole. With a free glass of mulled wine and mince pie for the adults and a...

Dec 09

Twilight Experience at Farmer Palmers

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

The farm park is open 'after-hours' from 4.45pm – 6.30pm/7.30pm (date dependant), with a very special festive event. The atmosphere is pure magic! A selection of play areas around the park...