October in Poole brings colourful exhibitions, autumn wildlife, live musical theatre and Halloween adventures. Visitors can browse Poole Market, explore Brownsea Island with local nature experts or enjoy the changing season in Poole Park. The month finishes with family-friendly half-term activities and the return of Poole Beer Festival. Here are seven brilliant things to see, do and enjoy around Poole during October 2026.
22nd September 2026
October brings a slower, more autumnal atmosphere to Poole.
The harbour remains an important part of local life, but this is also a good month to explore the town’s parks, museums, markets and indoor attractions. As half-term approaches, family trails and Halloween activities add even more variety.
Here are seven of our favourite ways to enjoy Poole this October.
Throughout October | Poole Museum
Poole Museum’s major Life in Full Colour exhibition provides a bright contrast to October’s darker days.
Created by acclaimed artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, the exhibition combines sculpture, digital artwork, animation, tapestries, wallpaper and newly commissioned pieces. Visitors will encounter mermaids, oversized characters and unexpected creatures, including fish with feet.
The exhibition is playful and visually exciting, but it also explores the artist’s experiences of disability, popular culture and the seaside. Several works have been inspired by Poole and its maritime heritage, making this more than a touring exhibition placed inside a local venue.
Life in Full Colour runs until 3 January 2027 and admission is free, although advance booking is available.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9am–3pm | Poole High Street
Poole Market continues throughout October in the pedestrianised section of the High Street.
The selection can vary between market days, but stalls regularly sell fruit and vegetables, flowers, plants, clothing, books, toys and takeaway food. Its central location makes the market easy to combine with the shops at The Dolphin, Poole Museum, the Old Town and Poole Quay.
October is a good time to browse without the busiest summer crowds, stop for coffee and spend a slower morning exploring the town centre. The market is free to visit and does not require advance booking.
Saturday 3, 10 and 17 October 2026, 10am-1pm | Brownsea Island
October provides an opportunity to explore an easily overlooked part of Brownsea Island’s natural environment.
Experts from the Dorset Fungus Group will lead three guided walks looking for the different fungi growing across the island’s woodland, grassland, trees and deadwood. Possible discoveries include common earthballs, shaggy ink caps and the distinctive fly agaric.
The walks are suitable for beginners as well as experienced nature enthusiasts, with the focus placed on identification and the importance of fungi within the wider ecosystem. They are not foraging events.
Booking is essential. The £37 adult ticket includes the boat journey from Poole Quay, island admission and the guided walk. There is no wheelchair access on the boat used for this event.
Throughout October | Poole Park
Poole Park is worth revisiting as the seasons begin to change.
The paths around the boating lake provide an accessible and largely level route, while the open spaces, play areas and waterside views make it suitable for families as well as anyone looking for a gentler autumn walk.
We would combine a circuit of the lake with coffee or lunch nearby, or continue towards Baiter and the harbour if the weather is dry. Early mornings can feel particularly peaceful once the busiest summer period has passed.
Poole parkrun also takes place in the park every Saturday morning, providing a more active way to begin an October weekend.
Tuesday 20-Saturday 24 October 2026 | Lighthouse Poole
One of October’s main theatrical productions brings comedy, music and a carnivorous plant to Lighthouse Poole.
Little Shop of Horrors follows florist Seymour, whose fortunes begin to change when he discovers a mysterious plant. Unfortunately, its appetite becomes increasingly difficult to satisfy.
The production runs across five days rather than appearing as a single touring performance, making it one of Poole’s strongest theatre choices for the month. Its dark humour and horror elements also give it a suitably seasonal feel as Halloween approaches.
Tickets start from £22.50, and the production has a recommended minimum age of 10.
Click HERE to discover more about Lighthouse Poole
Saturday 24 October-Sunday 1 November 2026 | Various locations
Halloween brings trails, farm activities and family entertainment to Poole and its surrounding areas.
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park is holding its Halloween half-term event from 24 October until 1 November, while families visiting Brownsea Island can complete the Enid Blyton Forest of Secrets Trail. The island trail includes eight challenges and a final puzzle, with normal admission and ferry charges applying.
Lighthouse Poole will also present Betty and the Yeti across several half-term dates. The production uses puppetry, songs and slapstick comedy to tell a gentler story about friendship and accepting those who appear different.
Our dedicated guide brings together the confirmed dates, prices, age recommendations and booking details for Halloween events around Poole.
Images: Unsplash
Friday 30-Saturday 31 October 2026 | St Aldhelm’s Centre, Branksome
Poole Beer Festival brings October to a close with two days dedicated to real ale, cider and local beer culture.
Organised by the East Dorset branch of CAMRA, the festival provides an opportunity to sample a changing selection of drinks in a dedicated festival setting. It is a more sociable and exploratory experience than simply ordering a familiar pint at the pub.
The event takes place at St Aldhelm’s Centre in Branksome, with separate sessions operating across the festival. Advance booking is sensible because admission is organised by session and capacity is limited.
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