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 Weeks -   A vibrant fortnight (typically May/June) is a celebration of the arts, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work and for the community to engage with the arts.

Tankfest - takes place each year in 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 - a friendly weekend festival for all in 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 and other towns celebrate summer with weekly firework displays. Poole let their fireworks off from just off the Quay on a Thursday night. Stalls and performing acts can entertain you whilst waiting for the fireworks to begin. Fridays are the turn of Bournemouth taking place near the Pier.

Bestival - July each year. 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 - 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.