August is one of the biggest months of the year for events across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and whether you’re planning family days out, looking for live music or fancy trying something a little different, there’s something happening almost every day.
Leading the way this month is the return of the much-loved Christchurch Carnival, alongside BSO Proms in the Park, Bluey’s Big Play, summer fireworks, food and wine festivals and dozens of outdoor events making the most of the warm weather.
Christchurch Carnival returns
One of the biggest highlights of the month is Christchurch Carnival, taking place from 14 to 16 August on Christchurch Quay.
The free event features three days of live entertainment, music, children’s activities, fairground rides, food stalls and community displays. The traditional Carnival Parade returns on the Sunday, while the weekend also includes one of the area’s most popular fireworks displays over the harbour.
If you’ve never been before, it’s well worth adding to your calendar.
Proms in the Park
Thousands of people are expected to head to Meyrick Park on 7 and 8 August as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra returns with BSO Proms in the Park.
Friday’s concert celebrates iconic orchestral classics, while Saturday brings a huge 90s-themed spectacular complete with fireworks, creating one of the biggest outdoor music weekends of the summer.
Bluey comes back to Bournemouth
Families are in for a treat as Bluey’s Big Play arrives back at Bournemouth Pavilion between 6 and 9 August.
The stage show has proved hugely popular with younger audiences and is expected to be one of the hottest tickets of the school holidays.
Food, drink and summer festivals
Highcliffe Castle hosts the South Coast Wine Festival from 14 to 16 August, bringing together wines from around the world alongside local food, live music and masterclasses.
There are also plenty of food markets, pop-up events and live entertainment taking place across the conurbation throughout the month.
Fireworks by the sea
It wouldn’t be August without fireworks.
Bournemouth Pier Fireworks continue every Friday evening throughout the month, while Poole Quay Summer Fireworks light up the harbour every Thursday night alongside live entertainment, street performers and one of the South Coast’s best evening atmospheres.
They’re both completely free to watch and always attract big crowds.
Something a little different
If you’re after a unique experience, don’t miss the Sunset Solar Eclipse Cruise on 12 August, offering the chance to watch a rare partial solar eclipse from the waters of Poole Harbour.
Brownsea Island is also hosting open-air performances of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, while outdoor theatre continues later in the month with performances of Macbeth in beautiful surroundings.
Plenty for families
The school holidays mean there’s no shortage of activities for children.
Alongside Bluey, there are Summer of Play activities at local National Trust properties, harbour cruises, beach events, parks packed with entertainment, funfairs and plenty of community festivals taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Whether you’ve got toddlers, teenagers or grandparents visiting, you’ll find something to keep everyone entertained.
Live music, comedy and theatre
August is packed with live entertainment.
From tribute acts and comedy nights to concerts, theatre productions and live bands in venues across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, there are performances taking place almost every evening.
Many venues are also hosting free outdoor music sessions, making it easy to enjoy a summer evening without spending a fortune.
Make the most of August
With so much happening across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, August is the perfect month to get out and explore somewhere new.
Whether you’re enjoying the excitement of Christchurch Carnival, singing along at Proms in the Park, watching fireworks over the sea or discovering one of the many smaller community events taking place across the area, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy the summer.
Don’t forget to keep checking Bournemouth One’s What’s On page throughout the month too, as new events are added regularly and there are always more things happening than you might expect.
