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
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...
Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills
Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills runs from 10 July 2026 to 3 January 2027. It invites visitors into a vivid, fantastical world filled with mermaids, larger-than-life characters, and...
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...
Car Boot Sales at Farmer Palmers Farm Park
The Farmer Palmer’s Car Boot sale is back for another year! Starting on Tuesday 28 th April 2026 and running right through until Tuesday 27 th October 2026 (inclusive)! £7 per...
Adventurous Journeys Music Concert
The BSO are kicking off the 2026/27 Season with a bang, at Lighthouse, Poole on Wednesday 30 September. BSO Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth is at the helm for this exciting concert, marking the...
Fabulous fungi on Brownsea Island
Join experts from the Dorset Fungus Group for a fungi walk on Brownsea Island. Discover and identify fascinating fungi and learning more about the different species that grow on Brownsea. See how many...
Murder Mystery Dinner - The Homecoming
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...
Historical guided walk with cream tea in Brownsea Castle
Embark on a fascinating journey through Brownsea Island's rich history as you explore the island and the castle's picturesque grounds. Hear intriguing stories of the island's past,...
Flook - After 30 Years Still going As Strong As Ever
What began in 1995 as a ground-breaking union of musicians and instruments, has continued as a unique musical offering through one live album, five studio albums and countless outstanding...
Youthful Rachmaninov
Have you got your tickets for Youthful Rachmaninov, performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra? On Wednesday 7 October, at The Lighthouse, Poole, the orchestra will perform the works of...
This Flight Tonight - The Songs of Joni Mitchell
'This Flight Tonight- The Songs of Joni Mitchell' an intimate acoustic tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell... featuring songs such as 'California', 'Blue',...
The Coastal Comedy Show with Laura Lexx
Don't miss this fantastic triple bill of live stand-up comedy! Settle in for a great night packed with laughs, featuring three brilliant comedians and a lively host. Experience it all up close in...
Romantic Transitions
Enjoy Romantic Transitions with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at The Lighthouse, Poole on Wednesday 14 October. Join Conductor Peter Whelan and the BSO's Principal Bassoon Tammy Thorne, who...
The Coastal Comedy Show with Angela Barnes
Launch Night Special! Coastal Comedy has been showcasing exceptional live comedy across the South West for over a decade, and now brings its award-winning stand-up shows to Verwood Hub for the very...
Glorious Heights
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are reaching Glorious Heights on Wednesday 21 October, at The Lighthouse, Poole. BSO Chief Conductor Mark Wigglesworth is at the helm, alongside soloist Anthony...
Wild wetland bird walk
Brownsea Island is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Our guided walks, led by an expert Dorset Wildlife Trust ranger, take you through the island's beautiful wetlands. Brownsea...
Halloween Half Term
Halloween Half Term is back at Farmer Palmer's — packed with spooky silliness, dancing, challenges and family fun! 26th - 30th October 2026 Join us for one of our favourite weeks of the year, with...
Boo and Bounce with Bubble Show
Boo & Bounce with Bouncy Fun Play + Bubble Show Halloween Special with Spooky Music & Large Inflatable Decorations plus Inflatables, Bouncy Castles, Slides, Soft Play, Ride Ons Plus Comedy...
Boo and Bounce with Spooky Disco Party
Boo & Bounce - Halloween October Half Term Bouncy Fun Play **PLUS DJ Phil from Get Up and Groove Disco Party** with a Spooky Disco Party Inflatables, Bouncy Castles, Slides, Soft Play, Ride Ons...
Eastern Odyssey
Take a musical journey to the East with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday 28 October. Join them at the Lighthouse, Poole for this thrilling concert conducted by Charlotte Corderoy, with...
