The area hosts an array of events and activities for those visiting the area to enjoy.
The Poole Tourism, Bournemouth Tourism and Visit Dorset websites have a wealth of information, but some high-lights are detailed here:
Dorset Arts Week - 14th - 29th May 2022
Tankfest - 24th - 26th June at the Bovington Tank Museum. The World's best display of moving armour returns to The Tank Museum is just one of a number of events at this renowned local exhibit!
Swanage Folk Festival - 9th-11th September
Cars on the Quay - Takes place every Friday night, on Poole Quay, in July and August from 6pm – 9pm, the event features a different marque every week. Organised by Poole Tourism, as part of Poole's Wave 105 Summertime in the South, the event is completely free. No advanced bookings so it’s first come, first parked! Poole Quay is a great place to spend a summer evening, with a selection of cafes, bars and restaurants right on the waters edge. It’s a chance for owners to show off their vehicle and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Fireworks on the Quay and Pier - For six weeks from the end of July, Poole and Bournemouth celebrate summer with weekly firework displays. Poole let their's off from just off the Quay on a Thursday night. Stalls and performing acts can entertain you whilst waiting for the foreworks to begin. Fridays are the turn of Bournemouth who light there's from near the Pier.
Bestival - 28th - 31st July. Bestival is an award winning four-day boutique music festival set on the Lulworth Estate – an enchanting, wooded country estate on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The Great Dorset Chilli Festival - Date and location to be confirmed for 2022. Branded the "Hottest Day Out", this fun and friendly festival is set to be again a great line-up of stalls selling all things chilli, from pepper plants to cayenne condiments; seeds to ceramics; plus cooking demonstrations; talks on growing chillies; artisan food producers; music; spicy street food; local ice creams to cool the mouth; local beers to slake the thirst.
The Great Dorset Steam Fair - 25th - 29th August. If you're looking for an excellent fun and action packed day out for all the family, you'll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Traditionally this English fair is held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside. The variety of exhibitions and the sheer scale of the show means that there is always something new to see.
Bournemouth Air Festival - 1st - 4th September on Bournemouth Seafront. You can get tickets for enclosures in the hub of the action or find space on the sand anywhere along the beack or promenade and watch the spectacle unfold above you.