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Upcoming Events...

Every Friday Until The End Of August
Car Nights At Poole Quay
Poole Quay will be hosting a unique, themed car event every Friday evening in July and August from 6pm – 9pm, showcasing a great line-up of popular car manufacturers. Car owners will be able to meet up with fellow enthusiasts, and spectators will get to enjoy a close-up look at the impressive vehicles on display. Themed Nights for 2025 are: 8th August – TVRs & Jaguars, 15th August – Hot Rods & American Cars, 22nd August – Minis & Minors and 29th August – Japanese. There is free entry onto the quayside for car owners whose vehicles match the evening’s theme.

August / September
Music At Swanage Bandstand
You can see and hear various town and concert bands at Swanage Bandstand during the summer. To find out who's performing and when, simply search for 'Music At Swanage Bandstand'.

Every Friday in August (15/22/29) - 11am to 4pm
Free Bushcraft Session on Brownsea Island
Thanks to Sport England, the summer bushcraft sessions are now free of charge. It's your chance to embrace the spirit of adventure and learn to thrive in the great outdoors. You’ll gain hands-on experience with essential survival skills, including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. All participants must be at least 7 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that the boat fare and admission fees still apply, which are payable on the day.

Wednesdays during August - 13 / 20 and 27th, 6:30 to 11:30pm
Wareham Wednesdays
Wareham Wednesdays are back this August, bringing four weeks of lively summer celebrations to Wareham Quay. The quay will come alive with music, entertainment, and a fantastic community atmosphere. On the 13th, it's a Superheroes evening featuring the wheelbarrow race and fireworks. Then on the 20th it's the 'Pirate Invasion' featuring live music and fireworks. And on the 27th it's their 'Neon Night Raft Race' featuring a Queen tribute and fireworks.

Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th August
Swanage Lifeboat Week
Lots of events around Swanage during the week, including the charity duck race on Sunday 10th, which will start outside the Conservative Club at 4pm and finish at the Mowlem. Across the week there will also be outside theatre, a crabbing competition, a lifeboat launch, sailing races, a quiz and much more. On Saturday 16th there's the Lifeboat Fayre at the Prince Albert Gardens starting at 11am, which will feature live music and the build a boat competition. The week finishes with the Lifeboat Church Service at the pier on Sunday 17th from 5:30pm. Search for 'Swanage Lifeboat Week' to get all the details about what's happening across the week.

Wednesday 13th August - From 10am
Wimborne Family Hub Open Day - Leigh Park Community Centre, Gordon Road, Wimborne
Join them for a day of family fun, where they will be joined by some of the teams that support families in Wimborne from their family hub. You'll be able to chat with Best Start in Life advisors, health visitors, speech therapists, family support workers, Wimborne Library, their foodbank and a community police officer. There's no need to book, and there will also be an ice cream van, bouncy castle, a fire engine and much more. Lunch is also available after midday.

Thursday 14th to Monday 18th August
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2025 - Purbeck Valley Farm, Valley Road, Corfe Castle
The festival is packed with brilliant music across 5 stages, as well as music workshops, sessions, and open mic events. There's also dance workshops and ceilidhs, delicious food stalls, festival stalls selling artisan wares, a makers market, Carl’s Comedy Club and much more. There's also the Purbeck Rising competition where you can vote for your favourite, and so bringing some new talent to the stages. As it's the Isle of Purbeck, the camping is in an idyllic landscape with beautiful views, with parts of the campsite looking right across to Corfe Castle. Search for 'Purbeck Valley Folk Festival' for more details about who's performing and when.

Thursdays in August - Starts at 7pm, Fireworks at 10pm
Poole Quay Summer Fireworks
The quayside will burst into life with live music, roaming street performers, and non-stop family fun. And at 10pm, the finale is a dazzling fireworks display across the harbour.

Fridays in August - From 10pm
Bournemouth Friday Fireworks - Bournemouth Seafront
Pull up a chair at your favourite spot along the beach and watch the firework display. The Fireworks are free to attend, and are the perfect way to kick off your weekend.

Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August
V Dub At The Pub - Julians Field, Wimborne
Families will be able to enjoy live music, DJs, a vintage and retro cycle ride, dancing, a film show, street food, hot tubs, fun sports, river activities, a dog show, creative kids activities, a fun fair, stalls, yoga and of course V Dubs! Search for 'V Dub At The Pub' to find out more.

Friday 15th to Sunday 17th August
Christchurch Carnival - Christchurch Quay And High Street
Featuring the Saturday night fireworks, and the Sunday Street Parade (more details below). Loads of live music over the weekend which will include the Tina Turner Experience and Julia's House Choir. There will also be lots of family entertainment, including arts and crafts, a kids disco, urban display bike stunt shows, fun fair rides, street food, the river pageant (more details below) and even a tug of war!

Saturday 16th to Sunday 17th August - 10am to 5pm
Canford Summer Fair - Canford School, Wimborne
A fun day for the whole family, with over 100 stalls, food and drink, live music and kids entertainers. This is a ticketed event and search for 'Canford Summer Fair' to find out more.

Saturday 16th August to Saturday 6th September
Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Enjoy a magical season of summer screenings in some of Purbeck’s most iconic outdoor locations, such as Studland, Swanage, Corfe Castle and Wareham. Search for 'Purbeck Film' to see what's showing and where.

Saturday 16th August
Christchurch River Pageant 2025
The Christchurch, Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Clubs are bringing back the traditional river pageant as part of this year’s Christchurch Carnival. Christchurch Rotary Club is launching an exciting new fundraising event on the River Stour, from Tuckton Tea Rooms to Christchurch Quay. The pageant parade will take place from 12 noon and will feature decorative floats, boats and other watercraft, including novelty rafts, stand-up paddleboards and canoes. The pageant will finish with two dragon boat teams racing down the river. The aim is to raise money for Hengistbury Head Outdoors, the Bourne Water Dragons and the Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Charities. Local community groups, clubs, and schools are invited to participate. To sign up to take part, search for 'Christchurch River Pageant'.

Sunday 17th August - 1 to 4pm
Christchurch Carnival Sunday Street Parade
The chance to experience the highlight of the Christchurch Carnival weekend. This vibrant procession features colour, music, and excitement as community groups, clubs, and themed floats march through the town centre. Participants will be dressed in creative costumes, playing music, and interacting with the crowds along the parade route. The parade marks the grand finale of a weekend packed with entertainment, live music, food stalls, and family fun at Christchurch Quay. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic and come and join the crowds lining the streets, and cheer on the parade as it winds its way through Christchurch, creating unforgettable summer memories.

Thursday 21st August - 11am to 3pm
Poole Communities Trust Family Fun Day - Green Space by the Quay School, Turlin Road
It's their 10th Birthday celebration, and they'll be lots going on, including performances, crafts, delicious food, football, the King Ramps mobile skate ramp, stalls and much more. The event is free and everyone is welcome.

Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August - 6 to 9:30pm
Open Air Theatre: Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' on Brownsea Island
Step into a world of enchantment with The Three Inch Fools’ open-air performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Brownsea Island. One of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, this play is set in a magical forest where the lives of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and mischievous fairies intertwine. As the characters navigate love, jealousy, and transformation, they encounter humorous misunderstandings and enchanting adventures. Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening of theatre in one of the UK’s most beautiful settings. This is a ticketed event, and for more details search for 'Open Air Theatre Brownsea Island'.

Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th August - 10am to 5pm
Nick's Farm Summer Bonanza - Valley Road, Throop, Bournemouth
They'll be lots of kids activities and entertainment, including a magic show, face painting and a bouncy castle. There is an entrance fee.

Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August
The Street Food Factory August Bank Holiday Weekend - The Factory Space, Christchurch Road, Bournemouth
There'll be street food vendors, live music, performers, a magician, face painting, singers, dancing and much more. All the ticket money collected will be donated to a local charity. Search for 'Street Food Factory Bournemouth' to get more details.

Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August - 10am to 5pm
Makers Market - Westover Gardens, Bournemouth
Join them for a weekend of craft stalls, demonstrations, workshops, kids activities and more. Find them next to the Bird Aviary.

Sunday 24th August - From 11am
Swanage And Wareham RFC Family Fun Day - Bestwall Road, Wareham
They're hosting a brilliant day of family friendly fun, including food and entertainment, fancy dress rugby, stalls and more.

Monday 25th August
Plane Pull Charity Challenge - Bournemouth Airport
Stonewater is gearing up for 35-tonne runway charity challenge! A team of dedicated fundraisers will be pulling a 35-tonne Boeing 737 plane across the runway at Bournemouth airport. Organised by leading housing provider Stonewater, the group of 20 brave participants will attempt to pull the 35,000kg passenger jet a full 50 metres across the tarmac on 25 August. The mammoth effort is to raise awareness and money for Dorset Mind, a local mental health charity that has been providing support to adults and young people across the county for more than 75 years. The team will be made up of colleagues from Stonewater’s retrofit installer Ecosafe, and maintenance contractor Fortem, as well as members of staff from Dorset Mind. Stonewater’s Retrofit Project Manager Helen Dexter and Tabitha Feltham from Ecosafe will be volunteering on the day to support the team. Helen Dexter, who organised the event, said: “Taking part in the plane pull is a fun and unusual way to get the teams together to support a vital local cause. Mental health services are under immense strain across the UK, so any funds we raise will go towards helping Dorset Mind to provide vital services across the community. “At Stonewater, we work every day to improve people’s homes and lives, so this challenge reflects the values and goals we share as a team. Supporting people’s mental health is an essential part of developing strong communities, as well as developing safe and secure homes for local people”. Linda O’Sullivan, CEO of Dorset Mind said: “We are incredibly grateful to Stonewater UK for their fantastic fundraising efforts. This plane pull isn't just an impressive feat of strength; it's a powerful statement of support for mental health in Dorset. Every pound raised will directly help us continue providing crucial mental health services across Dorset." With demand for mental health services continuing to rise, every donation will help Dorset Mind reach more people and continue delivering life-changing support. The charity offers a wide range of services including counselling, one-to-one mentoring, mental health triage in GP surgeries, wellbeing groups and education programmes. Stonewater owns and manages over 1,400 homes across Dorset and has developments in Dorchester, Wareham, and Weymouth. To donate to Stonewater’s teams’ efforts, visit the team’s JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/plane-pull-ecosafe-stonewater

Sunday 31st August - 10am to 4pm
Muscliff Park End Of Summer Festival - Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth
They'll be delicious food, live music, family fun, arts and crafts, and more.

Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September
Swanage Folk Festival
Folk takes over Swanage again with a Dorset twist. The Swanage Folk Festival is back from September 5–7, and it’s packing more local flavour than ever. With free concerts, local bands, and quirky seaside traditions, it’s a weekend that shows off Dorset’s musical spirit. Swanage turns into a stage for over 60 dance sides, including Dorset legends like Hobos Morris and Dorset Buttons, alongside a vibrant Sea Dance tradition – yes, they literally dance in the sea. Catch two afternoons of free music with eight great bands, including The Savage Underdogs and AllSort’d, plus a craft fair and ceilidh. Workshops? Try your hand at ukulele, French and Bollywood dancing, and more. It’s not just a good time – it’s a good cause. The festival is entirely volunteer-run and raises money for Swanage Scouts, AllSort’d, and more. £8,000+ donated over two years and counting. For locals, by locals – with a warm Dorset welcome. Search for 'Swanage Folk Festival' to find out more.

Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September
Classic And Steam Vehicle Show - Norden Halt Station, Corfe Castle
The Classic & Steam Vehicle Show is moving to a new venue, and the show will now take place in Norden, Corfe Castle, opposite the railway's Park and Ride. There is something for everyone at the show, with a varied selection of vintage, modern and custom motorbikes, classic cars, tractors, vintage campervans, commercial vehicles, stationary engines as well as trade stalls and displays and an on-site bar. If you are travelling to see the show by car, they'll be providing a free car park in the show field, please follow the signs. If you are travelling by train, you'll find them just a 2-minute walk from the Norden railway station. Dogs are welcomed into the show but please keep them on a lead and tidy up after them. This event has raised over £60,000 for the Swanage Railway during its 30+ years. For more information visit www.bppclub.co.uk

Saturday 6th September - 10am to 4pm
Alderney Hospital Summer Fete
We have loads going on including small business stall holders, food, live music, a fun zone, raffles, games, the Dorset and Hampshire Fire and rescue will be there, as will The Mayor of Poole too. It's free entry and we also have free parking on site. All money raised on the day will go towards supporting Mental Health services throughout Dorset Healthcare. This is the first time we have held a fete for a number of years, and we want it to be a big success and also an event to get the local community together. We invite the public to attend and help us raise funds for our charity, while bringing the local community together for a fun day out.

Saturday 6th September - 2 - 4pm
Celebrating One Year of Marjorie House - Crichel Mount Road, Poole
We are proud to share that Marjorie House will be marking its one-year anniversary this September, and we would love our residents, families, colleagues, and community partners to join us in celebrating. The afternoon will feature:  A warm welcome with bubbles and canapés, time to share memories and connect with others, and a celebration of the achievements and friendships formed in our first year. Georgina Powell, Home Manager at Marjorie House, says: "Our first year has been filled with incredible moments, from welcoming our first residents to hosting community events and watching friendships blossom. This celebration is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey so far, and to raise a glass to the future." If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Friday 29 August 2025 by emailing marjoriehouse@care-south.co.uk. Here’s to one year of exceptional care, community spirit, and many more years to come.  Care South is a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of care homes and care at home services across the south of England.

Saturday 6th September - 10am to 4:30pm
Steam Punk Day - Swanage Railway
The Canford Heath and Poole steam punks (known as CHAPS) and Swanage Railway welcome you to the railway’s first Steam Punk event. What is steam punk? It’s Victorian science fiction bought to life, and your chance to meet the members of CHAPS – often identified by their top hats and goggles – at Swanage Station. You'll be able to have a go at tea duelling (competitive biscuit dunking), as well as trying Victorian crafts, and you can have a snap taken in the dress up photo booth, or browse a selection of trade stands. You could also take a trip up the line to visit the Classic Steam and Vehicle Show at Norden – run by The Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club (see above). Search for 'Swanage Steam Punk Day' to find out more.

Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th September - 10am to 4:30pm
Civil War Re-enactment Weekend at Corfe Castle
Join them in the grounds of Corfe Castle for a dramatic re-enactment, portraying the events of 1646 when Corfe Castle was taken. It's the chance to step back in time with The English Civil War Society as they garrison the Castle and go about their daily life. You'll be able to see Pike and Musket drills as the soldiers prepare for battle. They'll be the sounds and smells of living history displays from authentic cooking and leatherwork to herbalists and coin makers. Each day will culminate in a battle re-enactment. On the Saturday, it's the Siege of Corfe Castle, and on the Sunday, it's ‘The Betrayal’. Search for 'Corfe Castle Re-enactment' to find out more.

Tuesday 9th September - 10am to 1pm
Volunteer Fair - Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park
Come and visit the Community Action Network Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, 9th September, where you can meet and chat with over 30 friendly organisations, each showcasing fantastic volunteering opportunities. Be inspired by real stories of community impact and discover how you can get involved. The Kinson Community Centre is a fully accessible venue, with car parking available. It's free entry, with no booking required and is open to everyone.

Saturday 13th September
Ride And Stride
Saturday 13th September is the date to get your bike out of the shed, or get walking to explore Dorset's heritage and beautiful countryside, and help repair Dorset's historic church buildings. Ride & Stride is an annual event where participants are sponsored to travel between churches. The money raised is shared between Dorset Historic Churches Trust and a church of your choice. Whether you are a church goer, a history lover, you enjoy exploring new places or simply want to support the church at the centre of your community, everyone is welcome to take part. You can join in, in any way you like, cycling, walking, running, horse riding or using your bus pass. Whether you visit a couple of churches or aim to break the record for the number of churches visited in one day, make 2025 the year you sign up to keep Dorset's heritage alive. For information on how to take part and online registration please visit www.dhct.org.uk

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September
Seafood And Sounds 2025 - Poole Quay
Join them on Poole Quay for an inspiring community event led by five passionate business owners, dedicated to the local businesses and residents in Poole. This Community Event is back for its third year, and will kick off on the Saturday with a parade featuring a seafood theme at 11am, starting at The Slug and Lettuce and finishing on Poole Quay. There will be children’s entertainment during the day, and music from 11.30am and all afternoon, featuring twenty acts performing on five stages being supplied by Absolute music. Locations of the stages include The Fish Shambles, outside the Poole Arms, The Sea Sculpture, outside Poole Museum and outside the Customs House. If there's wet weather the music will continue inside various venues, and all details are in the programme, which will be available during August or look on their website https://seafoodandsounds.co.uk. There will be a daily local produce and craft market in Scaplens Court. And new for this year, there will be fresh fish sellers on Poole Quay. There's also family fun with the Seafood and Sounds Oyster Trail, where you'll need to follow the trail to find the Oyster shells, and write down the letter and complete the phase, with great prizes to be won. Search for 'Seafood And Sounds' to find out more, and also check out our 'Podcasts' page to hear our interview with one of the organisers Jeanette Walsh https://dorsetcoastradio.co.uk/podcasts

Saturday 21st September - 5pm
Amelia's Rainbow Firewalk at Café Riva In Southbourne
They're looking for brave souls to take on the firewalk to help local children. Firewalk UK will give you full training so that you can brave the 15 feet of hot coals! Entry is £30 and they're suggesting a target of at least £100 sponsorship, to help children with serious of life limiting conditions. The event is for over 14's only, and there's also a 'Legowalk' if you want another challenge on the same day. Anyone over 5 can try the Lego bricks. They're also hosting a whole afternoon of fun at Riva that day, with live music and more. Search 'Cafe Riva Firewalk' to find out how to take part.

Saturday 27th And Sunday 28th September - 10am To 4pm
Paddington Bear At Swanage Railway
The chance to meet everyone’s favourite bear Paddington at Swanage Railway. You'll need to purchase a timed event ticket to meet Paddington - so why not have a family fun filled day out on the Railway. It operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line, from Norden to Corfe Castle, and down to Swanage. The Paddington meet and greet will take place at Harmans Cross Village Hall which is next to Harmans Cross Station. Dogs are not permitted in the village hall. Don’t forget your marmalade sandwiches. For ticket details search for 'Paddington Swanage Railway'.