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Dorset's Biggest and Best 2024 Events

2024 is here and Dorset is ready for a year of adventure, action, and awesome events. With so much going on across Dorset in 2024 we've rounded up our pick of the biggest and best events taking place in across the county including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch to across the Purbecks and Dorchester. Take a look below and find out more about the must-not-miss events happening in Dorset this year.

Poole

City Cruise Tour

City Cruises - POOLE JURASSIC CIRCULAR CRUISE

Date: Daily from 30th March to the 31st October

Location: Leaving from Poole Quay.

Event Information: City Cruises are running their Poole Jurassic Circular Cruise around Swanage and Poole Quay across the 30th March to the 31st October! 

This cruise will be running across the Jurassic Coastline, spanning Swanage, Poole Harbour and more! Enjoy over two hours of sailing time and soak up Dorset's Coastal views!

You can view all of City Cruises' events here.

Price:

  • Adult (17+) - £21
  • Child (5-16) - £15.50
  • Infant (0-4) – Free
  • Dog - £2.00
Find out more

Dorchester

minterne house

The Enchanted Night Garden at Minterne House

Date: 6th December 2024 - 4th January 2025

Event Information: The magical Enchanted Night Garden comes to Minterne House and Gardens this Christmas. Come and see this beautiful stately home lit like you have never seen it before. The gardens will come alive with stunning woodland creatures, even fairies, sprites and the odd dragon are dotted around the stunning light displays to excite and delight all the family.

Price: £17 Adult, £8.50 Child

Find out more

Bournemouth

skate bournemouth

Skate Bournemouth

Date: 14th November until 3rd January 2025

Location: Lower Gardens, Westover Road, Bournemouth, BH2 5AH

Event Information: Skate Bournemouth is back and they're excited to get their huge real ice rink and Moguls Alpine Bar to Bournemouth's Lower Gardens! Skate Bournemouth is returning to Bournemouth's Lower Gardens from 14th November until 3rd January 2025. They'll be open from 10.30am until 11.00pm with last entry at 9.30pm.

Find out more

Poole

Isabel's Brasserie

Unique Events at Isabel's Brasserie

Date: Various monthly, check here.

Location: 127-129 Penn Hill Avenue, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9LY

Event Information: Isabel's Brasserie serve up some of Poole's finest mouth-watering French and English dishes. But not only are they a go-to stop for a romantic meal, Isabel's Brasserie host some of the town's more exciting events. 

  • Cabaret & Burlesque Supper Nights - These nights include delicious food, and dazzling performances from their Caberet and Burlesque performers.
  • Wine & Food Pairing Evenings - Experience some of the season's finest and freshest ingredients in a themed wine pairing night, monthly.
  • Cocktail Making & 2-Course Lunch Events - Enjoy an interactive cocktail masterclass, alongside a magnificent 2 course lunch.
Find out more

Weymouth

Chase The Pudding 2024

Chase The Pudding 2024

Date: 22nd December from 11am - 1pm

Location: Weymouth Beach, Weymouth, DT4 8EA

Event information: This festive season you can sign up to this year's Chase the Pudding on Sunday 22nd December. Sign up and run in a Santa Suit! The 5km is from the Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach to the stones at Greenhill and back.

Find out more

Dorset

Diverse Abilities 2024 Events

Diverse Abilities 2024 Events

Date: Various 

Event Information: Diverse Abilities is Dorset's disability charity, supporting both children and adults with physical and learning disabilities, as well as providing advice and support to their families.

They run various events throughout the year that help raise money for the disability charity. You can view all their upcoming events below:

Find out more

Verve Festival 2024

Verve Festival 2024

Date: 21st-22nd September 2024

Location: Hatch House, West Hatch, Salisbury, SP3 6PA

Event Information: Verve Festival is a wellness festival that takes place at Hatch House on the 21st-22nd of September 2024.

There’ll be 5 stages of breathwork, meditation, yoga, drumming, and fitness classes plus expert talks on everything from sober curiosity to sustainable eating.

Booking: Book here.

Find out more

Bournemouth

Bournemouth Air Festival 2024

Bournemouth Air Festival 2024

Date: 2025 Dates TBA - Below info based on 2024 event.

Location: Pier Approach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA

Event Information: It’s time to look to the skies as The Bournemouth Air Festival returns to Dorset again in 2025 as an array of fighter jets, war-time planes, and aviation demonstrations take place in the skies off Poole and Bournemouth. Bournemouth Air Festival is the UK’s biggest free aviation festival and is a great way to see out the end of summer as high-flying edge-of-your-seat aerial action keeps you and the kids entertained all day long.

Check out our Snapped Gallery from the Bournemouth Air Festival HERE to see what you’re in store for this year.

Price: Free

Find out more

Sandbanks

Sandfest 2024

Sandfest 2024

THIS EVENT HAS FINISHED for 2024, PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR 2025 INFO

Date: Sunday 14 July 2024

Location: Sandbanks Beach, 1A Banks Road, Poole, BH13 7PS

Event Information: You will get to party on the golden shores of the internationally famous Sandbanks. Be among five thousand party people who gather to indulge in sand, sun, fun and seriously good music! SandFest is a boutique beach festival like no other. 

Sandfest 2024 Line-Up:

  • Headliner: Dizzee Rascal
  • Sigma DJ Set
  • D.O.D
  • Kojo Funds
  • Charlotte Plank
  • DJ Luck & McNeat

More coming soon...

Price:

  • Second Release Single ticket General Admission - £50.00 + £5 fees
  • VIP Upgrade Ticket Single Ticket - £40.00 + £4.00 fees
  • VIP Ticket Single Ticket - £80.00 + £8.00 fees
  • VIP Table of 10 - £1,200.00 + £120.00 fees

Final Release Tickets are going on sale soon...

  • General Admission Single Ticket: £60 +£6.00 fees
  • VIP Single Ticket: £90.00 +£9.00 fees
Find out more

Dorset

rustic stomp

Rustic Stomp Festival 2024

THIS EVENT HAS FINISHED FOR 2024, PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR 2025 INFO

Date: 12th-15th July 2024

Location: Pikes Farm, Organford Lane, Dorset, BH16 6ES

Event Information: Dorsets very own Alternative Americana Roots Festival is back again with over 60 acts playing 4 stages. Celebrating the best of Americana music and culture from all around the world, bringing together talented artists and fans for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a fan of folk, jazz, country, blues, rock, or any other Americana music, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you.

Price: Various, find full information here.

Find out more

Bournemouth

7s

Bournemouth 7s

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED NOW. CHECK BACK FOR 2025 DATES.

Date: Friday 24th - Sunday 26th May 2024

Location: Bournemouth Sports Club, Chapel Gate, East Parley, Christchurch, BH23 6BL

Event Information: Bournemouth 7s Festival is the world's largest sports and music festival. Amidst the sport, the main festival arena boasts 12 uniquely themed festival arenas, as well as numerous experiences such as Bingo Lingo, foam parties, a silent disco, a funfair and more. In regards to sport, get ready to watch Rugby, Dodgeball, Hockey and much more!

Price:

  • Camping Weekend - £219
  • VIP and Camping Weekend - £259
  • V.VIP Glamping - £359

Weekend Non-Camping

  • V.VIP - £139
  • Adult - £109
  • Student - £89

Day Non-Camping

  • V.VIP - £109
  • Adult - £89
  • Student - £79
Find out more
shake and stir

SHAKE & STIR VINTAGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED NOW. CHECK BACK FOR 2025 DATES.

Date: Saturday 22nd - Sunday 23rd June 2024

Location: Southbourne Overcliff Dr, Bournemouth, BH6 3

Event Information: The Shake & Stir festival has been revving up fans of vintage and retro music, vehicles, dancing, fashion, and lifestyle living for many years now.

2 days and nights of fabulous live music from the 20s-70s! Plus it's right by the sea!

Price: FREE

Find out more

Ashley Cross

grooves on the green

Grooves On The Green

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED NOW. CHECK BACK FOR 2025 DATES.

Date: Friday 21st June to Sunday 23rd June 2024

Location: Ashley Cross Green, Poole, BH14 8UF

Event Information: Grooves on the Green is a family-friendly festival that occurs across 3 days and is full of live music and entertainment on two stages with loads of other attractions including top quality local food and drink; Kidzone with face painting, magicians, and inflatables; a Nerf battle arena; clothing and craft stalls and more.

Price: Various prices - click here to view them.

Find out more

Poole

Poole Goes Vintage

Poole Goes Vintage

THIS EVENT HAS FINISHED FOR 2024, PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR 2025 INFO.

Date: Sunday 21st July 2024

Location: Poole Quay

Event Information: This great summer event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all things vintage here in Poole!

Poole Goes Vintage offers a rare chance to revel in music, dance, fashion, memorabilia, entertainment, and classic cars on a 1940–60s theme!

Price: FREE

Find out more
Diverse Abilities Neon Run

Diverse Abilities Neon Run

INFO BELOW FROM 2024, 2025 TBC

Date: Saturday 22nd April 2024

Location: Poole Park, Poole, BH15 1TU

Event Information: Dorset Neon Run is a really fun event. It isn’t time chipped so you can run, jog, walk, or dance at your own pace around the course.

There’ll be plenty of entertainment on the night to keep the atmosphere pumping. On the night, registration for the Family Fun Run 2k opens from 5pm, and registration for the main event is open from 7.30pm, and runners will set off by 8.30pm.

Price: From £15

Find out more

Bournemouth

World of Love Festival

World of Love Festival

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED FOR 2024, 2025 INFO TBC SO PLEASE CHECK BACK.

Date: Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th August

Location: Kings Park, Bournemouth

Event Information: Join Dorset’s most diverse festival for authentic international experiences. A vibrant weekend filled with a kaleidoscope of international wonders, all taking place in one venue!

Price: Various Prices Available, can view them here.

Find out more

Poole

Poole Harbour Festival 2024

Poole Harbour Festival 2024

Finished for 2024, 2025 info tbc

Date: 26th-28th July 2024

Location: Baiter Harbourside Park Poole, BH15 1UY

Event Information: Across 3 days your get to hear from over 50 acts across 3 different stages.

2024 Poole Harbour Festival Line-Up:

  • Razorlight
  • The Coral
  • Reef
  • The South
  • Toploader
  • Artful Dodger
  • Ferocious Dog
  • Dr Meaker
  • And more...

This familly event holds activities your kids will love such as:

  • Circus Workshops
  • Street Performers
  • Magicians
  • Animal Shows
  • The Amazing Dinosaur Show 

An array of delicious street food, tasty desserts, an even better selection of local ales and ciders, and plenty of craft and design stalls will be available too!

Price: Various

Find out more
Dorset Street Food Festival

Dorset Street Food Festival

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED NOW. CHECK BACK FOR 2025 DATES.

Date: 28th to 30th June 2024

Location: Baiter Park, Poole

Event Information: Dorset Street Food Festival 2024 will showcase 20 of the best street food traders from across the UK who will be gathering together to create a culinary storm that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving for more. 

From Greek to Afghan, Uzbek to Italian, there is something for everyone. Their fully stocked bars will be ready to quench your thirst whether you're looking for a crisp pint of lager, a fruity cocktail, or soft drinks for the kids.

There will also be an entertainment stage with a fabulous variety of live music.

Price: Various prices

Find out more
Upton House Food & Music Festival 2024

Upton House Food & Music Festival 2024

THIS EVENT HAS ENDED NOW. CHECK BACK FOR 2025 DATES.

Date: 14th-16th June 2024

Location: Upton House, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, BH17 7BJ

Event Information: Upton House Food & Music Festival 2024 is a brilliant family festival that provides the perfect day out full of high quality street food traders that offer various cuisines, divine selection of artisan and local produce from Dorset's best suppliers, and stalls from rum, gin and wine producers that give you the chance to visit some exceptional beer tents, prosecco and cocktail bars. 

If you're a foodie then this festival is for you! From mouth-watering Spanish Tapas, and traditional English classics, to popular Greek dishes, there is something for everyone at Upton House Food & Drink Festival. 

Price: 

Weekend Tickets

  • Family Launch Offer - £29
  • Family Final Release - £43
  • Adult Launch Offer - £13
  • Adult Final Release - £16
  • Child Launch Offer - £4
  • Child Final Release - £7

Day Ticket

  • Family Launch Offer - £8
  • Family Final Release - £16
  • Adult Launch Offer - £3
  • Adult Final Release - £6
  • Child Launch Offer - £1
  • Child Final Release - £3
Find out more
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