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Upcoming Events...

August / September
Music At Swanage Bandstand
You can see and hear various town and concert bands at Swanage Bandstand during the summer. To find out who's performing and when, simply search for 'Music At Swanage Bandstand'.

Saturday 16th August to Saturday 6th September
Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Enjoy a magical season of summer screenings in some of Purbeck’s most iconic outdoor locations, such as Studland, Swanage, Corfe Castle and Wareham. Search for 'Purbeck Film' to see what's showing and where.

Sunday 31st August - 10am to 4pm
Muscliff Park End Of Summer Festival - Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth
They'll be delicious food, live music, family fun, arts and crafts, and more.

Sunday 31st August - 12 to 6 pm
Outdoor Art Exhibition - The Green House Hotel, Grove Road, Bournemouth
Internationally acclaimed artist Alexander Dakers is set to bring his vibrant and powerful artwork to Bournemouth this summer, with a free outdoor exhibition at The Green House Hotel on Sunday 31st August (12pm–6pm), in support of the Dorset Blind Association. The event promises to be a wonderful and inspiring afternoon, with artwork displayed in the hotel’s beautiful garden setting accompanied by live entertainment, refreshments, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Alexander, whose exhibitions have taken him from Tokyo to New York, London, and Glasgow, is known locally for his live painting at this year’s Dorset Blind Association Motor Show, held at Lulworth Castle. The Dorset Blind Association supports over 1,000 people living with sight loss across Dorset, providing community clubs, social activities, advice, and outreach services to reduce loneliness and help people live independently.

Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September
Swanage Folk Festival
Folk takes over Swanage again with a Dorset twist. The Swanage Folk Festival is back from September 5–7, and it’s packing more local flavour than ever. With free concerts, local bands, and quirky seaside traditions, it’s a weekend that shows off Dorset’s musical spirit. Swanage turns into a stage for over 60 dance sides, including Dorset legends like Hobos Morris and Dorset Buttons, alongside a vibrant Sea Dance tradition – yes, they literally dance in the sea. Catch two afternoons of free music with eight great bands, including The Savage Underdogs and AllSort’d, plus a craft fair and ceilidh. Workshops? Try your hand at ukulele, French and Bollywood dancing, and more. It’s not just a good time – it’s a good cause. The festival is entirely volunteer-run and raises money for Swanage Scouts, AllSort’d, and more. £8,000+ donated over two years and counting. For locals, by locals – with a warm Dorset welcome. Search for 'Swanage Folk Festival' to find out more.

Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September
Classic And Steam Vehicle Show - Norden Halt Station, Corfe Castle
The Classic & Steam Vehicle Show is moving to a new venue, and the show will now take place in Norden, Corfe Castle, opposite the railway's Park and Ride. There is something for everyone at the show, with a varied selection of vintage, modern and custom motorbikes, classic cars, tractors, vintage campervans, commercial vehicles, stationary engines as well as trade stalls and displays and an on-site bar. If you are travelling to see the show by car, they'll be providing a free car park in the show field, please follow the signs. If you are travelling by train, you'll find them just a 2-minute walk from the Norden railway station. Dogs are welcomed into the show but please keep them on a lead and tidy up after them. This event has raised over £60,000 for the Swanage Railway during its 30+ years. For more information visit www.bppclub.co.uk

Saturday 6th September - 10am to 4pm
Alderney Hospital Summer Fete
We have loads going on including small business stall holders, food, live music, a fun zone, raffles, games, the Dorset and Hampshire Fire and rescue will be there, as will The Mayor of Poole too. It's free entry and we also have free parking on site. All money raised on the day will go towards supporting Mental Health services throughout Dorset Healthcare. This is the first time we have held a fete for a number of years, and we want it to be a big success and also an event to get the local community together. We invite the public to attend and help us raise funds for our charity, while bringing the local community together for a fun day out.

Saturday 6th September - 11am to 7pm
Clifftop Music Fest - Wharncliffe Road, Highcliffe
Odyssey will be headlining the music festival, and for more details search for 'Clifftop Music Fest'.

Saturday 6th September
Stamp And Postcard Fair - Upton Community Centre
The Poole and Bournemouth Stamp and Postcard Club are holding their annual fair on Saturday, 6th September at the Upton Community Centre, Poole Road, Upton BH16 5JA. 15 stamp and postcard dealers. Ample free parking as well as refreshments.

Saturday 6th September - 2 - 4pm
Celebrating One Year of Marjorie House - Crichel Mount Road, Poole
We are proud to share that Marjorie House will be marking its one-year anniversary this September, and we would love our residents, families, colleagues, and community partners to join us in celebrating. The afternoon will feature:  A warm welcome with bubbles and canapés, time to share memories and connect with others, and a celebration of the achievements and friendships formed in our first year. Georgina Powell, Home Manager at Marjorie House, says: "Our first year has been filled with incredible moments, from welcoming our first residents to hosting community events and watching friendships blossom. This celebration is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey so far, and to raise a glass to the future." If you would like to attend, please RSVP by Friday 29 August 2025 by emailing marjoriehouse@care-south.co.uk. Here’s to one year of exceptional care, community spirit, and many more years to come.  Care South is a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of care homes and care at home services across the south of England.

Saturday 6th September - 10am to 4:30pm
Steam Punk Day - Swanage Railway
The Canford Heath and Poole steam punks (known as CHAPS) and Swanage Railway welcome you to the railway’s first Steam Punk event. What is steam punk? It’s Victorian science fiction bought to life, and your chance to meet the members of CHAPS – often identified by their top hats and goggles – at Swanage Station. You'll be able to have a go at tea duelling (competitive biscuit dunking), as well as trying Victorian crafts, and you can have a snap taken in the dress up photo booth, or browse a selection of trade stands. You could also take a trip up the line to visit the Classic Steam and Vehicle Show at Norden – run by The Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club (see above). Search for 'Swanage Steam Punk Day' to find out more.

Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th September - 10am to 4:30pm
Civil War Re-enactment Weekend at Corfe Castle
Join them in the grounds of Corfe Castle for a dramatic re-enactment, portraying the events of 1646 when Corfe Castle was taken. It's the chance to step back in time with The English Civil War Society as they garrison the Castle and go about their daily life. You'll be able to see Pike and Musket drills as the soldiers prepare for battle. They'll be the sounds and smells of living history displays from authentic cooking and leatherwork to herbalists and coin makers. Each day will culminate in a battle re-enactment. On the Saturday, it's the Siege of Corfe Castle, and on the Sunday, it's ‘The Betrayal’. Search for 'Corfe Castle Re-enactment' to find out more.

Sunday 7th September - 11am to 5pm
Arts By The Sea Bitesized Festival - Bourne Community Hub, Northmere Road, Poole
It will be free all day, with everyone welcome. There will be performances, interactive installations, workshops, bubble shows, storytelling music, arts and crafts and much more.

Tuesday 9th September - 10am to 1pm
Volunteer Fair - Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park
Come and visit the Community Action Network Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, 9th September, where you can meet and chat with over 30 friendly organisations, each showcasing fantastic volunteering opportunities. Be inspired by real stories of community impact and discover how you can get involved. The Kinson Community Centre is a fully accessible venue, with car parking available. It's free entry, with no booking required and is open to everyone.

Friday 12th to Sunday 21st September
Heritage Open Days - Across Dorset
Every year in September, Heritage Open Days offers you the opportunity to visit hundreds of attractions, castles, churches, theatres, town halls, museums, and more for free. You will need to check with each location which dates their event applies. Some of the places in Dorset which will be involved include Lulworth Castle and Park, Corfe Castle, Kingston Lacy, Highcliffe Castle, Upton House, White Mill in Wimborne, Clavell Tower in Kimmeridge, Wimborne Minster Church, Christchurch Priory, Knowlton Church, the Museum of East Dorset and Scaplen's Court in Poole. To find out more, and which attractions are involved and on what days, simply search for 'Heritage Open Days Dorset'.

Saturday 13th September
Ride And Stride
Saturday 13th September is the date to get your bike out of the shed, or get walking to explore Dorset's heritage and beautiful countryside, and help repair Dorset's historic church buildings. Ride & Stride is an annual event where participants are sponsored to travel between churches. The money raised is shared between Dorset Historic Churches Trust and a church of your choice. Whether you are a church goer, a history lover, you enjoy exploring new places or simply want to support the church at the centre of your community, everyone is welcome to take part. You can join in, in any way you like, cycling, walking, running, horse riding or using your bus pass. Whether you visit a couple of churches or aim to break the record for the number of churches visited in one day, make 2025 the year you sign up to keep Dorset's heritage alive. For information on how to take part and online registration please visit www.dhct.org.uk

Saturday 13th September - 11am to 4pm
Swanage Boathouse Open Day - Swanage Lifeboat Station, Peveril Point Road
Featuring lifeboat launches and demonstrations, they're celebrating 150 years since the first lifeboat station was built in Swanage. To find out more search for 'Swanage Lifeboat Open Day'.

Saturday 13th September - 12 to 3pm
Sturts Farm Family Fun Day - Three Cross Road, Ferndown
There will be animals to see, tractor rides to enjoy, live music, farm food, crafts, kid's activities and more.

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September
Seafood And Sounds 2025 - Poole Quay
Join them on Poole Quay for an inspiring community event led by five passionate business owners, dedicated to the local businesses and residents in Poole. This Community Event is back for its third year, and will kick off on the Saturday with a parade featuring a seafood theme at 11am, starting at The Slug and Lettuce and finishing on Poole Quay. There will be children’s entertainment during the day, and music from 11.30am and all afternoon, featuring twenty acts performing on five stages being supplied by Absolute music. Locations of the stages include The Fish Shambles, outside the Poole Arms, The Sea Sculpture, outside Poole Museum and outside the Customs House. If there's wet weather the music will continue inside various venues, and all details are in the programme, which will be available during August or look on their website https://seafoodandsounds.co.uk. There will be a daily local produce and craft market in Scaplens Court. And new for this year, there will be fresh fish sellers on Poole Quay. There's also family fun with the Seafood and Sounds Oyster Trail, where you'll need to follow the trail to find the Oyster shells, and write down the letter and complete the phase, with great prizes to be won. Search for 'Seafood And Sounds' to find out more, and also check out our 'Podcasts' page to hear our interview with one of the organisers Jeanette Walsh https://dorsetcoastradio.co.uk/podcasts

Thursday 18th September - 6:30 to 9:30pm
Swanage Record Club - The Mowlem
September is all about debut albums with impact. It's on at the Showbar at The Mowlem from 6.30pm. The first album will be introduced at 7.30pm. It's like a book group… but for lovers of vinyl!
You'll be able to listen to great albums in full, and there are curated monthly themes. You can also bring tracks to play which match the theme. Search for 'Swanage Record Club' to find out more.

Saturday 20th September - 10am to 3pm
Discovery Fest - Swanage Seafront
There will be free activities for all the family, including walking tours, live music, fossils, a flood tank, over 30 exhibitors and much more.

Saturday 20th to Sunday 21st September
Dorset Bikefest 2025 - Wooders Campsite, Bere Regis
They'll be raising funds for the Docbike charity while providing an exciting line-up of activities, including ride-outs (and ride-ins), demonstrations, educational talks and workshops. There'll also be live music, amazing stands from the biggest and smallest of bike dealers and biker traders, as well as delicious food and drink offerings, and family-friendly camping and glamping options, so you don’t necessarily need to bring much more than your family and your bike! Search for 'Dorset Bike Fest' to find out more.

Tuesday 23rd September - 6 to 8:30pm
Cowboy Hat Workshop - The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Hurn
Whether you love country or just want to have a go at making a great hat, this workshop will help you create the perfect customised piece to see you through all occasions. The Diverse Abilities Craft Club leaders will be on on hand to guide you through the process of customising your hat with various haberdashery, trinkets, and accessories. There's also the option to brand letters or embroider a design. Feel free to bring along anything you may have at home that might make a nice decoration, and if you already have a hat you’d like to customise then they have a limited number of spaces available. This is a ticketed event, and search for 'Cowboy Hat Workshop' for the full details.

Friday 26th to Sunday 28th September
Arts By The Sea Festival - Bournemouth
It's the South West’s biggest free celebration of arts, culture, people and place. This year’s theme is WE ARE HERE – a bold declaration of belonging and identity, celebrating the vibrant diversity and creativity of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Come and join them for their 15th edition of the festival, where all are welcome and self-expression is encouraged. Search for 'Arts By The Sea' to find out what's happening across the weekend.

Saturday 27th September
The Seaside Scramble - Baiter Park, Poole
The Seaside Scramble, run by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, will take place at Baiter Park, Poole, on Saturday, September 27. The course, suitable for all ages and abilities, will feature air ambulance-themed obstacles. Participants will run, climb, crawl and scramble their way to the finish line. By signing up for Seaside Scramble, you’ll also be helping to fund vital air ambulance missions. All participants are encouraged to raise £50 sponsorship. To register just search 'Dorset Seaside Scramble'.

Saturday 27th And Sunday 28th September - 10am To 4pm
Paddington Bear At Swanage Railway
The chance to meet everyone’s favourite bear Paddington at Swanage Railway. You'll need to purchase a timed event ticket to meet Paddington - so why not have a family fun filled day out on the Railway. It operates full-size steam and diesel passenger trains along the five and a half miles of line, from Norden to Corfe Castle, and down to Swanage. The Paddington meet and greet will take place at Harmans Cross Village Hall which is next to Harmans Cross Station. Dogs are not permitted in the village hall. Don’t forget your marmalade sandwiches. For ticket details search for 'Paddington Swanage Railway'.

Sunday 19th October - Meet at 7:45am
Dorset Mind's Big Walk
Dorset Mind's BIG Walk is returning for a fourth year! Meet at 7.45am and start at 8.30am! The Big Walk is a challenging one-day marathon walk along the Poole and Bournemouth promenade to Christchurch and back. Starting with a breakfast at Rick Stein in Sandbanks, you’ll then walk along the golden beaches of Bournemouth, up through Hengistbury Head. This year we’re asking you to 'Walk for Your Why.' This year, Dorset Mind’s Why for The Big Walk is clear: we are walking to raise awareness and vital funds for our Waiting Well Project (also known as Connected Minds).