Festivals & Events in Dorset

Village fêtes, summer galas, and community celebrations. Bunting levels: maximum. Fun levels: off the charts.

Festivals & EventsNature & Outdoors

Around £10

The Bookery: A Summer Celebration of Nature Writing

7.15pm–9pm This July, The Bookery comes to Symondsbury Estate for a special evening celebrating landscape, wildlife and the written word. Hosted in The Old Pottery, this summer edition brings together three acclaimed writers whose work explores our relationship with the natural world, offering an evening of readings, conversation and audience discussion. Meet the Authors Brian Jackman: Wild About Dorset Veteran travel writer, passionate conservationist, leading safari specialist and retired Sunday Times journalist, 91-year-old Brian will present a retrospective on his book, Wild About Dorset. A compendium of the monthly columns he wrote for his local community magazine, the book is a “love letter” to the wildlife and wild places in West Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where he has lived for fifty years; the only place in the British Isles, he says, that reminds him of the lost countryside of his youth. Brian’s latest book, Lion Song: A Portrait of Wild Africa, was published in March this year. Sarah Hudston: The Lady of Exmoor Dorset-based journalist, editor, activist and regular contributor to The Guardian‘s Country Diary, Sarah Hudston, describes herself as an eco-feminist writer, telling “stories that need to be told”. At the Bookery in July she will introduce her forthcoming book (published in November 2026) on the life and work of Hope Bourne, who lived for many years in a dilapidated off-grid caravan in a remote part of Exmoor.

Wed 22 Jul07:10The Tithe Barn

via The Tithe BarnLocal gem

Likely freeFestivals & Events

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks

Bournemouth Friday fireworks every Friday at 10pm from Friday 24th July 2026 until Friday 28th August 2026.

Fri 24 JulThe Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

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Likely freeFestivals & Events

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks

Bournemouth Friday fireworks every Friday at 10pm from Friday 24th July until Friday 28th August 2026.

Fri 24 JulPoole Town Centre

via Poole Town CentreLocal gem

Likely freeFestivals & EventsLive Music

Friday Night Fireworks & Free Live Music at Key West

Be prepared to be dazzled by these much-loved Summer Bournemouth Friday Firework displays from the best views on the pier! Start the weekend early with free live music from 8 pm. Enjoy a delicious meal and refreshing cocktails on the Key West Terrace. End the evening with a bang as you watch the fireworks with the best views in Bournemouth. Walk-ins only.

Fri 24 Jul21:00Pine Walk Bandstand

via Pine Walk BandstandLocal gem

Likely freeFestivals & EventsLive Music

Friday Night Fireworks & Free Live Music at Key West

Be prepared to be dazzled by these much-loved Summer Bournemouth Friday Firework displays from the best views on the pier! Start the weekend early with free live music from 8 pm. Enjoy a delicious meal and refreshing cocktails on the Key West Terrace. End the evening with a bang as you watch the fireworks with the best views in Bournemouth. Walk-ins only.

Fri 24 Jul21:00The Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Likely freeFestivals & EventsLive Music

Friday Night Fireworks & Free Live Music at Key West

Be prepared to be dazzled by these much-loved Summer Bournemouth Friday Firework displays from the best views on the pier! Start the weekend early with free live music from 8 pm. Enjoy a delicious meal and refreshing cocktails on the Key West Terrace. End the evening with a bang as you watch the fireworks with the best views in Bournemouth. Walk-ins only.

Fri 24 Jul21:00Poole Town Centre

via Poole Town CentreLocal gem

Likely freeFestivals & Events

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks

Bournemouth Friday fireworks every Friday at 10pm from Friday 24th July 2026 until Friday 28th August 2026.

Fri 24 Jul23:00The Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Likely freeFestivals & Events

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks

Bournemouth Friday fireworks every Friday at 10pm from Friday 24th July until Friday 28th August 2026.

Fri 24 Jul23:00Poole Town Centre

via Poole Town CentreLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Kite Festival

Kite Festival Saturday 25 July 2026 11:00 16:30 The Great field Poundbury Peverell Avenue East Dorchester, England, DT1 3RH (map) Google Calendar ICS

Sat 25 Jul11:00JL Creations Personalised Gifts

via JL Creations Personalised Gifts

Children & FamilyFestivals & EventsLive Music

Around £2

Mill Farm Folk Festival 2026

A midsummer folk music festival in the Dorset countryside featuring a variety of bands alongside family activities like face painting and arts and crafts.

Sun 26 Jul11:30Mill Farm Music

via Mill Farm MusicLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Carnival Procession

This is the moment many people wait for all year. The Highlight of Our Carnival A Spectacle Like No Other!! , "A Wacky Western in Carnival Canyon" is this years theme This is the moment when the whole town bursts into life with vibrant colours, joyful music, and infectious energy. Marvel at the dazzling floats and walking entries as they dance and sing their way along the 2½‑mile procession route (see the Carnival map for details). Find your perfect spot among the cheering crowds and prepare to be captivated by an unforgettable parade of creativity and community spirit. From intricate float designs to lively performances, every turn promises a new surprise. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration—come along and let the Carnival spirit sweep you away! Leading the way with pride and tradition, the Town Criers from Swanage and Wareham will herald the start of the grand procession, joined by the town’s emergency services. Floats roll by in a burst of colour, walking groups dance and wave, and music drifts through the town as friends and families line the route. There’s pride in every detail, from handmade costumes to carefully built displays. It’s loud, joyful and wonderfully inclusive. Whether you’re part of the parade or cheering from the pavement, you’re part of the atmosphere.

Sun 26 Jul16:00Swanage Carnival

via Swanage Carnival

CommunityFestivals & Events

"Wild, Wild West" Sat 29th July

"Wild, Wild West" Evening Sat 29th July information for Bournemouth, Dorset, on the official site for Bournemouth Bowling Club

Wed 29 JulBournemouth Bowling Club

via Bournemouth Bowling ClubLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Around £3

Carnival Sea Stig Racing

Here’s your chance to be our Carnival Paddling Stig Racer. Using either one of our paddleboards or our sit-on kayaks, race round the courses at Swanage Sailing Club beach to get the quickest time and be our champion paddler. All equipment is provided; you just need to be prepared to get wet! Afterwards enjoy a recovery burger or hot dog at our beach BBQ and a drink at our bar. Categories: 6-8 years, 9-11 years, 12-14 years and 15-16 years. Entry Fee is £3 for two timed laps. Parents can accompany the 6-8 years. Event takes place at, and is supported by Swanage Sailing Club. ..

Wed 29 Jul12:00Swanage Sailing Club

via Swanage Sailing Club

Festivals & Events

Poole Harbour Festival

Poole and Bournemouth's biggest & best family & live music festival is back on the 31st July, 1st and 2nd August 2026!!!

Fri 31 JulPine Walk Bandstand

via Pine Walk BandstandLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Poole Harbour Festival

Poole and Bournemouth's biggest & best family & live music festival is back on the 31st July, 1st and 2nd August 2026!!!

Fri 31 JulThe Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Poole Harbour Festival

Poole and Bournemouth's biggest & best family & live music festival is back on the 31st July, 1st and 2nd August 2026!!!

Fri 31 JulPoole Town Centre

via Poole Town CentreLocal gem

Festivals & EventsLive Music

Poole Harbour Festival

Poole and Bournemouth's biggest & best family & live music festival is back on the 31st July, 1st and 2nd August 2026!!!

Fri 31 Jul18:00The Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Event details on Near Here are aggregated from third-party sources and may change. Always verify times, location, availability, and any price directly with the organiser before travelling. See Terms.