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31 July - 02 August 2026
Warm Dorset breezes and live music return to Poole Harbour this summer. Poole Harbour Festival is a family-friendly weekend celebration held on Catalina Drive at Baiter Park. Running from Friday 31st July to Sunday 2nd August 2026, the festival showcases music, food and community in a picturesque seaside setting. Attendees of all ages are invited to relax on the grassy lawns by the water, dance to great live music across multiple stages, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. The festival’s friendly vibe makes it easy for everyone – from parents with young children to groups of friends – to feel at home. With panoramic harbour views, tempting food aromas in the air, and the sound of live bands, it’s an idyllic way to spend a summer weekend.
The lineup spans multiple stages, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste. During the day and into the evening, visitors can enjoy local bands, solo artists, lively tribute acts and DJ sets. The main outdoor stage features larger acts and headline performances after dusk, while another tent or dance area offers upbeat electronic music for those who want to dance under the stars. A separate family or acoustic stage features chill-out sets and kid-friendly performances for younger festival-goers. Thanks to crisp sound and professional staging, you can sit back and immerse yourself in the music whether you’re dancing in front of the stage or lounging on a picnic blanket by the water.
Hungry crowds are well catered for by a wide variety of food and drink stalls. Artisanal street food vendors serve everything from gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizza and street tacos to local Dorset seafood and vegetarian delights. Festive bars pour local ales, craft beers and refreshing cocktails, while a tempting array of sweet treats and ice creams is sure to satisfy little ones (and adults) alike. Grab a picnic table or lay out a blanket on the lawn to enjoy your meal with a view of the harbour. Market stalls line the site as well, offering arts and crafts, handmade jewellery and festival clothing for a bit of shopping between bands.
This event is truly family-friendly. Children are kept busy with a dedicated kids’ zone filled with fun activities. Previous years have featured things like circus skills workshops, face painting, puppet shows, creativity tents and outdoor games. Parents can relax nearby at picnic areas while kids enjoy these safe, supervised activities. There’s also often interactive entertainment such as magic acts or comedy that engages all ages. With plenty of open space to run around and child-friendly facilities on site, families often spread out their blankets and let the little ones play in the summer sun. The festival team works hard to ensure a safe and cheerful environment for everyone, making it a popular choice for parents and grandparents.
Set right on the edge of Poole Harbour, the festival blends music with the natural maritime charm of the area. You might catch a beautiful sunset over the water between sets, or see sailboats drifting by as you dance. Between the stages, people often wander down to the harbour’s edge to take in the view or enjoy a moment of peace watching the boats. As night falls, colorful lights and lanterns glow around the park, creating an enchanting seaside ambiance under the stars. Whether you’re tapping your feet to the beat or just chatting with friends over a cold drink, the combination of lively entertainment and a bay-front setting makes this event unforgettable.
Whether you stay for all three days or join for just an evening, Poole Harbour Festival packs a lot of fun into one long weekend. It’s a highlight of the summer calendar that brings locals and visitors together in celebration. Remember to book your tickets and plan accommodations early, as this popular festival often sells out. Come prepared with sunscreen for daytime and a sweater for cooler evenings. With great music, delicious food and that warm Dorset sunshine, Poole Harbour Festival is poised to be an unforgettable event in summer 2026 – we look forward to seeing you by the sea!
Poole Harbour Festival takes place at Catalina Drive in Baiter Park (postcode BH15 1TQ), right beside scenic Poole Harbour. The town is well-connected by public transport. Poole Railway Station is about 0.8 miles (1.3 km) from the festival grounds (roughly a 15-minute walk), with regular South Western Railway services from London (Waterloo) and connections via Bournemouth or Southampton. From the station, visitors can walk or take a short taxi into town and then catch a local bus or taxi for the final short journey to Catalina Drive. Poole’s bus station (located near the Dolphin Shopping Centre) is very close by and has frequent routes serving Bournemouth, Christchurch and other Dorset destinations. Coaches such as National Express also stop at Poole or nearby Bournemouth, providing direct links from major UK cities.
If you are driving, note that there is no dedicated festival parking on Catalina Drive. Instead, public car parks in Poole town centre are recommended (for example around the Dolphin Centre and High Street). From those car parks, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk or a quick local bus/taxi ride to the festival site. Poole lies near the A35 road and is easily accessed via the M27 motorway. Travelling from London or the Midlands, follow the M3 to the M27 westbound and then watch for signs for Poole/Bournemouth. Summer weekends can bring heavy traffic, so allow extra travel time. Many visitors choose to park in town and then take a local shuttle bus or taxi for the final short hop to Catalina Drive.
For air travel, the closest airport is Bournemouth Airport (around 10 miles or 15 km east of Poole), offering flights from UK and European locations. From Bournemouth Airport you can take a taxi or a bus into Poole (such as the 737/X1 bus to Boscombe, then a transfer into town). Southampton Airport is another option (about 30 miles away) with domestic and some European flights. For travelers flying into London, Heathrow and Gatwick airports are roughly 2–3 hours away by train or coach. From Heathrow, you could take a train via London Waterloo to Poole (approximately 2–3 hours total journey). Trains from London regularly connect to Poole, but note that summer schedules and occasional engineering works may affect times. Overall, best to plan your route in advance to ensure a smooth journey.
Accommodation in and around Poole is plentiful but tends to fill up fast in summer. Staying in Poole itself keeps you close to the event, with many hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs within a short distance of the park. Nearby Bournemouth and Sandbanks offer further seaside hotel options and holiday parks, often just a short drive away. There are also local caravan parks and countryside campsites for those seeking a camping experience. In fact, the festival typically offers an official on-site camping option at Catalina Drive (advance camping tickets required), or you can choose from several nearby campsites and holiday parks around Poole and the Jurassic Coast. Wherever you stay, book early and allow extra travel time on event days, as roads and public transport get busy.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Hotel | 0.5 ml | £35.00 | Book | |
| Shah of Persia by Marstons Inns | 0.6 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| Holiday Apartment | 1.1 ml | £99.00 | Book | |
| Blue Shutters | 1.2 ml | £47.00 | Book | |
| Viewpoint Guest House | 1.4 ml | £59.95 | Book | |
| Salterns Harbourside | 1.6 ml | £89.00 | Book | |
| Harbour Heights Hotel | 2.6 ml | £250.00 | Book | |
| Milsoms | 2.7 ml | £105.00 | Book | |
| Sandbanks Hotel | 2.8 ml | £149.00 | Book | |
| Haven Hotel | 2.9 ml | £120.00 | Book | |
| The Living Room | 3.3 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Grovefield Manor | 3.3 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Heatherdene House | 3.4 ml | £75.00 | Book | |
| The Riviera Hotel & Holiday Apartments | 3.5 ml | £69.00 | Book | |
| BEST WESTERN Montague Hotel | 3.9 ml | £36.00 | Book |
Catalina Drive, Poole, BH151TQ
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