Events Guide | What’s On in Poole

Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.

Car Nights on Poole Quay returns for summer 2026, bringing a different collection of cars to Poole’s waterfront every Friday evening throughout July and August. From British classics and supercars to American hot rods, Minis, Japanese cars and air-cooled Volkswagens, each week has its own theme. Visitors can wander along the Quay, admire the vehicles and enjoy the atmosphere alongside Poole Harbour, with plenty of nearby pubs, restaurants and cafés for an evening out.

Every year, Poole hosts the two-day Magic of Thailand Festival, which introduces the lively customs and culture of Thailand to Dorset's Harbourside Park. Over the course of the weekend, guests can savour real Thai food, peruse a vibrant Thai market with produce, arts, and crafts, and take in cultural activities like Muay Thai boxing demonstrations and traditional performance. Traditional Thai massages are offered for relaxation, and family-friendly entertainment is guaranteed in the dedicated children's play area.

Bike Nights on Poole Quay 2026 takes place every Tuesday from 7 April to 29 September, bringing hundreds of motorcycles and thousands of visitors to Poole's historic waterfront. From classic and custom bikes to modern superbikes, this free weekly event is one of Dorset's best-loved motoring attractions, offering a fantastic atmosphere alongside the many pubs, restaurants and cafés that line Poole Quay.

Park Yoga Poole is expected to return from May to September 2027, offering free outdoor yoga sessions in the beautiful surroundings of Poole Park. Traditionally held every Sunday from 9.30am to 10.30am, the friendly one-hour classes welcome people of all ages and abilities, including complete beginners. No booking is normally required, so bring a mat or towel, some water and enjoy a relaxed morning of movement, mindfulness and community wellbeing.

Welcome to Poole Beer Festival, where autumn afternoons become an art form and the humble pint is elevated to something rather special indeed. The festival showcases 85+ carefully selected real ales and craft beers alongside a great range of real ciders, perries and international bottled beers, making it a proper treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

Fireworks at Poole Quay 2026 takes place on Thursday 5 November, bringing one of Dorset's favourite Bonfire Night celebrations back to the waterfront. Enjoy free live entertainment, family activities and a spectacular fireworks display over Poole Harbour, with the festivities starting at 5pm before the much-anticipated 8pm firework finale lights up the historic quayside.

Start 2027 with one of Poole’s quirkiest annual traditions as the New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race returns to Poole Quay. Teams take to the harbour in homemade bathtub-inspired vessels, racing along the waterfront while crowds cheer them on from the quayside. Expect creative crafts, splashes, plenty of competitive spirit and a lively atmosphere, all while raising money for charity. The event is free to watch and has become a memorable way to welcome the New Year in Poole.

Celebrate the beginning of 2027 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Day Viennese Gala at Lighthouse, Poole. Taking place on Friday 1 January, this uplifting afternoon concert features sweeping Strauss waltzes, lively polkas, orchestral favourites and vocal performances from soprano Claudia Boyle. Expect famous pieces including The Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz and Offenbach’s Can-Can during an elegant musical celebration inspired by Vienna’s traditional New Year concerts.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride returns worldwide, bringing together smartly dressed motorcyclists to raise funds and awareness for men's health. The Bournemouth–Poole ride is one of the UK's largest gatherings, attracting more than 1,000 participants previously. Featuring classic, vintage and custom motorcycles, the event supports prostate cancer research and men's mental health programmes through Movember.

SandPolo returns to Sandbanks Beach on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 July 2027 for its 20th-anniversary event, bringing world-class beach polo, hospitality and evening entertainment to one of Poole’s most famous coastal locations. The British Beach Polo Championships combine fast-paced matches on the sand with pitch-side bars, food, socialising and live entertainment. Full ticket details and the 2027 programme are still to be announced, with visitors currently able to pre-register for early access to releases.

Whether you're a local looking for something special on your doorstep or planning a summer pilgrimage to Dorset, SandFest offers an experience that's as unique as the stunning location it calls home. This Poole-based beach festival transforms the already glamorous Sandbanks into a playground for music lovers and sun-seekers alike.

Seafood & Sounds Festival returns to Poole on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September 2027, bringing a free weekend of fresh seafood, live music and community celebrations to Poole Quay, Old Town and surrounding streets. This popular festival celebrates Poole's maritime heritage with local musicians, artisan traders, family entertainment and delicious coastal food. Previous editions have featured colourful parades, seafood stalls and activities throughout the town centre. Discover what to expect, where to visit and the latest programme information for 2027.