Summer brings an abundance of exciting events across Dorset. Whether families, couples, or groups of friends, there is something to enjoy every day this week. From discounted attractions and colourful fireworks to traditional shows and lively festivals, Dorset puts its best foot forward.
Those visiting Bournemouth can benefit from 20% off at RockReef UK and a reduced entry price at the Bournemouth Oceanarium. This exclusive offer runs throughout August, giving adventure-seekers and marine enthusiasts the perfect reason to visit two standout attractions.
Swanage Lifeboat Week continues, offering a variety of engaging activities to support the RNLI’s lifesaving work. Visitors to Swanage will find everything from fun family events to opportunities to learn more about the essential role of the lifeboat volunteers.
Low-noise fireworks grace Weymouth’s seafront on Monday, providing a gentle yet vibrant display suitable for all ages. Meanwhile, the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show takes centre stage midweek, celebrating agricultural heritage with livestock, rural crafts, and local treats.
Wednesday brings even more options: Wild Wednesdays at The Blue Pool engage children with nature-based activities, while Wareham Wednesdays promises superhero-themed fun, including the popular Wheelbarrow Race. Poole Quay kicks off its Thursday fireworks with music and entertainment for all. The Purbeck Valley Folk Festival starts Thursday evening, offering four days of music, activities, and relaxed festival atmosphere.
Car Nights return to Poole Quay on Friday, featuring Hot Rods & American Cars—a treat for vehicle enthusiasts. Nearby, Bournemouth’s spectacular Friday fireworks illuminate the bay for all to enjoy.
Saturday is packed with events: Riverside Fest in Sturminster Newton offers music and family entertainment, while Langham Wine Estate hosts an outdoor cinema screening of Shakespeare in Love. Christchurch Carnival closes the evening with its annual firework extravaganza.
Sunday invites bargain hunters to the car boot sale at Poole Stadium, and families can support charity at the Summer Sunshine Fest, raising funds for Gully’s Place and Young Minds.
Enjoy your week 😃
inDorset
Discounted entry at Rock Reef and Bournemouth Oceanarium
Fri, 1st August 2025 – Sun, 31st August 2025
We have teamed up with our neighbours at RockReef UK to provide our visitors with 20% off a Rock Reef Clip ‘n Climb session this August. Read more…
Swanage Lifeboat Week 2025
Sat, 9th August 2025 – Sun, 17th August 2025
Swanage RNLI’s main fundraising event of year with a week full of activities to help raise awareness of the RNLI and raise vital funds for the lifesaving work of the organisation. Read more…
Weymouth Fireworks (Lower Noise) August 11th
Mon, 11th August 2025 @ 9:30pm
Lower noise fireworks return to Weymouth Seafront on 11th August at 9:30pm—ideal for a gentle, colourful summer night out. Read more…
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show 2025
Wed, 13th August 2025 – Thu, 14th August
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show raises funds for the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Agricultural Society to help support farming and the countryside. Read more…
Wild Wednesdays – For Kids! at The Blue Pool
Wed, 13th August 2025
Kids aged 5-15 can enjoy hands-on bushcraft activities like bird box making, fire lighting and safety, paracord bracelet crafting and bug hunts. Read more…
Wareham Wednesdays – 13th August 2025
Wed, 13th August 2025
Wareham Wednesdays are back this August, bringing the Superheroes Evening and Wheelbarrow Race. Read more…
Poole Quay Summer Fireworks 2025
Thur, 14th August 2025
Experience the excitement at Poole Quay Summer Fireworks 2025—live music, family entertainment, and dazzling fireworks every Thursday. Read more…
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2025
Thu, 14th August 2025 – Mon, 18th August 2025
We’re a festival that’s loved by everyone because there’s loads for kids to do, loads for parents, and loads for the old folkies too! Read more…
Car Nights on Poole Quay 2025
Fri, 15th August 2025
Poole Quay hosts a unique, themed car event every Friday evening from 6pm – 9pm, showcasing a fantastic line-up of popular car marques, on 15th August it’s Hot Rods & American Cars! Read more…
Bournemouth Friday Fireworks 2025
Fri, 15th August 2025
Enjoy Bournemouth Friday Fireworks! Spectacular displays every Friday, 10pm, 25th July–29th August 2025, east of Bournemouth Pier. Don’t miss out! Read more…
Riverside Fest 2025
Sat, 16th August 2025
Enjoy Riverside Fest in Sturminster Newton on 16th Aug 2025-live music, family fun, food, and more, all in support of local and national charities! Read more…
Outdoor Cinema – Shakespeare in Love at Langham Wine Estate
Sat, 16th August 2025
We are delighted to team up with Langham Wine Estate for the first time with an outdoor cinema in the grounds of this award winning vineyard! Read more…
Christchurch Carnival FIREWORKS 2025
Sat, 16th August 2025
SAVE THE DATE for this year’s FREE Summer Firework Spectacular in the heart of Christchurch, Dorset! Read more…
Car Boot Sale at Poole Stadium
Sun, 17th August 2025
Poole Stadium Car Boot Sale is open every Sunday (including Bank Holiday Monday’s) throughout the year! Read more…
Summer Sunshine Fest
Sun, 17th August 2025
Poole Stadium Car Boot Sale is open every Sunday (including Bank Holiday Monday’s) throughout the year! Read more…
