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

Bike Nights on Poole Quay May 29

Bike Nights on Poole Quay

Bike Nights on Poole Quay for 2026 will start on Tuesday 7 April. The event creates a unique, exciting atmosphere as bikers and spectators enjoy a relaxed evening on Poole Quay. The...

Bouncy Castle at The Park May 29

Bouncy Castle at The Park

Bouncy Castle Fun in the Park at the Walled Garden *No tickets, just pay on the day Bouncy Fun Play in the Walled Garden. Suitable for all ages up to 10 years old. No booking available, just turn up...

Holistic Water Retreat May 29

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...

Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration May 29

Lucian 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...

Park Yoga Poole May 29

Park Yoga Poole

Free outdoor Park Yoga sessions every Sunday throughout the summer, 9.30-10.30am. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including children. Roll up your mat and join us for a weekly fix of...

Poo-tastic activity trail May 29

Poo-tastic activity trail

Discover a wonderfully quirky trail that celebrates an often overlooked part of the natural world. Along the way, enjoy fun activities and uncover some fascinating and surprising facts about animal...

Spring Safari Cruises May 29

Spring Safari Cruises

Spring migration always brings along the excitement and anticipation that anything could rock up. Set alongside the scenic views of Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island, join the team as we encounter the...

Sunset Safari Cruises May 29

Sunset Safari Cruises

Join the team on our run of evening charters around the harbour, taking in the full beauty of the harbour during golden hour as we go in search of the BIG SIX and plenty of our other great summer...

The Great Out Dorset May 31

The Great Out Dorset

The Great OutDorset is a free, not‑for‑profit outdoor celebration of Dorset's incredible wildlife, greenspaces and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Designed as a fun, family‑friendly day out,...

Summer Safari Cruises Jun 02

Summer Safari Cruises

Join us for our run of Summer Safari Cruises as the busy breeding season concludes and welcomes the beginnings of autumn migration. Breeding birds are joined by the first returning migrants and fresh...

Gloriette Gin Cruise Jun 05

Gloriette Gin Cruise

Set sail into the evening and experience the perfect pairing of coastal views and handcrafted Dorset gin. We're thrilled to be working with Gloriette Gin, proudly distilled in the shadow of Corfe...

Elvis Tribute Cruise Jun 06

Elvis Tribute Cruise

✨ Elvis is Back… on the Water! ✨ Get ready to be all shook up! The one and only Garry Foley as Elvis is bringing the King of Rock 'n' Roll to life aboard MV Fortuna. Set against the stunning...

Sound of the 60's Jun 19

Sound of the 60's

Step back into one of music's most iconic decades with our Sounds of the 60's show — a vibrant celebration of the era that changed music forever. From the harmonies of The Everly Brothers to...