What’s On This Bank Holiday Weekend: August 28–31
The August Bank Holiday has arrived, and there is plenty happening across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole! From live music and circus shows to community festivals, markets and even a plane pull, there are plenty of reasons to make the most of the long weekend.
Here’s what is happening from Friday 28th August to Bank Holiday Monday 31st August.
Friday 28th August: Live Music and Quayside Classics
Free Summer Live Music on Bournemouth Pier
- ⏰ 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | 📍 Key West, Bournemouth Pier | 💰 Free Start the Bank Holiday weekend by the sea with an evening of free live music at Key West. Grab a drink, enjoy the views across Bournemouth Bay and settle in for one of the final Friday night live music sessions of the summer.
Find out more about the live music
Car Nights on Poole Quay
- ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Poole Quay | 💰 Free Petrolheads can head to Poole Quay for the final Car Night of the summer season. Expect an impressive selection of vehicles lining the waterfront, with plenty of places nearby to grab dinner or a drink while you explore.
Saturday 29th August: Circus Fun and Summer Sounds
Happy’s Circus at Farmer Palmer’s
- ⏰ 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM | 📍 Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole | 💰 Ticketed Roll up, roll up! Happy’s Circus arrives at Farmer Palmer’s for the Bank Holiday weekend, with performers flying, tumbling, juggling and balancing beneath the Big Top. There are just two performances each day on Saturday and Sunday, making this a brilliant family day out.
Find out more and book tickets
Summer Sounds on Poole Quay
- ⏰ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 📍 Poole Quay | 💰 Free Soak up the Bank Holiday atmosphere with an afternoon of free live music around Poole Quay. Summer Sounds brings entertainment to different spots along the waterfront, with children’s entertainment too, so it’s an easy one to enjoy while exploring the Quay.
Find out more about Poole Quay events
Roller City South Roller Disco
- ⏰ 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM | 📍 Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex, Christchurch | 💰 £7.50 Fancy doing something a little different on Saturday night? Roller City South brings disco lights, a DJ, skating games and separate beginner and advanced rinks to Two Riversmeet. Skate hire is included, so all you need to bring is your balance!
Find out more about the Roller Disco
Sunday 30th August: Community Festivals and Family Fun
Increase the Peace Festival
- ⏰ 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM | 📍 Boscombe High Street, Bournemouth | 💰 Festival Event Boscombe comes alive on Sunday for a huge celebration of music, art, culture and community. Expect live bands, DJs, dance performances, creative workshops, children’s entertainment, street food, market stalls and activities taking place across the High Street and surrounding venues throughout the day.
Explore Increase the Peace Festival
Happy’s Circus at Farmer Palmer’s
- ⏰ 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM | 📍 Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole | 💰 Ticketed Missed Saturday’s shows? Happy’s Circus is back for a second and final day at Farmer Palmer’s, with another two chances to catch the full Big Top performance before the Bank Holiday weekend comes to an end.
Find out more and book tickets
Bank Holiday Monday 31st August: Planes and Poole Quay
Dorset Plane Pull
- ⏰ 10:00 AM onwards | 📍 Bournemouth Airport, Christchurch | 💰 Charity Event One of Dorset’s most unusual fundraising events returns this Bank Holiday Monday! Teams of 20 will attempt to pull a 35,000kg Boeing 737 for 50 metres, all while raising money for charity. Whether you are taking part or heading along to support the teams, it is certainly not your average Monday.
Find out more about the Dorset Plane Pull
Design, Collectables & Artisan Market
- ⏰ Daytime | 📍 Poole Quay | 💰 Free Entry Finish the long weekend with a wander around Poole Quay as the Design, Collectables & Artisan Market returns for Bank Holiday Monday. Browse stalls from independent traders and makers, hunt for something a little different and enjoy one last summer stroll along the waterfront.
🏖️ Ongoing Bank Holiday Weekend Picks
- Circus Berlin, Poole: Europe’s Ultimate Circus Experience is at Branksome Recreation Ground throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, running until Monday 31st August.
- Park Yoga: Free Sunday morning sessions take place at 9:30 AM in both Poole Park and Bournemouth Central Gardens.
- Summer of Play Activity Trail: The family-friendly summer trail continues throughout the weekend and into September.
- Flower Fairies™: Enchantment by the Sea: Escape indoors at Bournemouth’s Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and explore the magical Flower Fairies exhibition running throughout the weekend.
