Dorset Summer Highlights: What’s On 26th July–2nd August 2025

Dorset is bursting with excitement this week (26th July–2nd August) as the summer holidays reach full swing! Swanage Carnival is in full flow, transforming the seaside town into a dazzling spectacle of colour, music, and family fun. With over 100 events packed into eight days—including vibrant parades, live music, family entertainment, and jaw-dropping fireworks—Swanage truly becomes the South Coast’s ultimate festival hotspot. Over at Brownsea Island, the National Trust’s Summer of Play invites adventurous youngsters to unplug and dive into hands-on activities surrounded by nature.

Across Dorset, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy family bushcraft at Wild Wednesdays at The Blue Pool, marvel at the sensational Circus Raj in Bridport, or unleash your inner thrill-seeker at the Bike and Van Fest. Foodies can spice up their weekend at the 14th Great Dorset Chilli Festival at Stock Gaylard Estate or sample local flavours at the Dorset Food & Arts Festival. And don’t miss traditional summer fun at the Church Knowle Three Parishes Fete or the magical Lyme Regis Torchlight Procession as the week comes to a sparkling close.

Firework lovers are spoiled for choice: lower-noise displays in Weymouth, classic seafront spectacles in Swanage, Bournemouth and Poole, and a dazzling show in Lyme Regis.

Swanage Carnival 2025

Sat, 26th July 2025 – Sat, 2nd August 2025

Swanage Carnival is one of the South Coast’s premier carnival events for the whole family to enjoy. Read more…

Summer of play on Brownsea Island

Thu, 24th July 2025 – Sun, 31st August 2025

The National Trust’s Summer of Play events offers a packed calendar of hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and connect children with nature. Read more…

Weymouth Fireworks (Lower noise)

Mon, 28th July 2025

Kick off the holiday season with a special lower noise firework display on Weymouth Seafront, 28th July at 9:30pm—perfect for families, children, and pets. Read more…

Wild Wednesdays – For Kids! at The Blue Pool

Wed, 30th July 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…

Circus Raj at Bridport Millennium Green

Wed, 30th July 2025

Experience Circus Raj’s thrilling new show on the Bridport Millennium Green—acrobats, music, giant puppets, and dazzling acts for all ages. Read more…

Poole Quay Summer Fireworks 2025

Thu, 31st July 2025

Experience the excitement at Poole Quay Summer Fireworks 2025—live music, family entertainment, and dazzling fireworks every Thursday 7–10pm, 31 July–28 Aug. Read more…

Bike and Van Fest 2025

Thu, 31st July 2025 – Sun, 3rd August 2025

Join us for a weekend filled with the best of dub & van fests, plus a bike fest dream come true. Read more…

Lyme Regis Carnival 2025

Fri, 1st August 2025 – Sat, 9th August 2025

Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week is packed full of fun events and activities for all the family to enjoy, culminating in the Grand Carnival Procession. Read more…

Car Nights on Poole Quay 2025

Fri, 1st 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. Read more…

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks 2025

Fri, 1st 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…

Lyme Regis Spectacular Fireworks 2025

Fri, 1st August 2025

Lyme Regis harbour offers the perfect setting for an explosion of light and colour with the skies above Lyme Regis seafront illuminated by a stunning pyrotechnic display. Read more…

Dorset Food & Arts Festival 2025

Sat, 2nd August 2025

The Dorset Food and Arts Festival is back on the menu, and ready to champion the best of Dorset and showcase a great line up of local food, drink, art, craft and community talent. Read more…

Great Dorset Chilli Festival

Sat, 2nd – Sun, 3rd August 2025

Back at the Stock Gaylard Estate on 2nd & 3rd August 2025 for another great weekend for chilli enthusiasts, food lovers and families. Read more…

Church Knowle Three Parishes Fete 2025

Sat, 2nd August 2025

Fun for all the family, a traditional village fete in the lovely grounds of The Old Rectory, Church Knowle, Near Corfe Castle. Read more…

Lyme Regis Torchlight Procession 2025

Sat, 2nd August 2025

Join in this iconic event as participants walk with flaming torches through Langmoor Gardens down to the seafront and on to the sandy beach. Read more…

Discover even more fantastic Dorset events and hidden gems by exploring the full range of listings on our Events Page — your go-to guide for the best things to see and do across Dorset all year round. Whether you’re planning a fun family day out or searching for unique festivals and celebrations, there’s always something new to find!