October is a lovely time of year to visit Dorset. As the leaves change from gorgeous green to rusty red and with the rush of summer behind us, the county once again settles into a more relaxed pace. Although the weather may be cooling down and there'll be a few more rainy days, it doesn't mean you can't get out into the great outdoors to enjoy a walk or bike ride or even an alfresco coffee on sunnier days.
Experience the best of our glorious gardens as they showcase their autumn colours, and don’t forget to boo-k your autumn getaway for half-term and Halloween – it’s going to be spooktacular!
Gillingham Carnival Week 2025
The annual Gillingham Carnival Week takes place during late September into early October with lots of events and competitions taking place throughout the week.
For 2025, the Carnival Procession will take place on Saturday 4 October. The children's procession takes place at 3pm, with the grand finale illuminated procession starting at 7:15pm.
Film Festivals in Dorset
New for 2025, the Bournemouth International Film Festival will be held on the 3 and 4 October. The festival will showcase UK and international short and feature film screenings, as well as industry panels, creative workshops, filmmaker networking and Q&As and more.
Sherborne International Film Festival takes place between 16 and 19 October at a pop up cinema in Powell Theatre. It's your chance to catch up with some of the best recently released foreign films. There is a mixture of drama, action, comedy, thriller and tragedy, sometimes many found in one movie.
Now in its 30th year, the annual Purbeck Film Festival is much loved by visitors and locals. Showing a varied mix of classic, award-winning, independent or foreign language films in some wonderful and unusual venues, the film festival takes place from 17 October until 2 November 2025.
Pumpkin Picking and Carving in Dorset
October is the month for heading out to one of Dorset's farms, putting on your wellies and picking your perfect pumpkin. Whether you choose to carve it or cook it, this is a fantastic autumnal tradition for all ages to enjoy.
There will be pumpkin picking and carving events taking place across the county and beyond.
Dorset Bird Fest
New for 2025, Dorset Bird Fest takes place on the weekend of the 4 and 5 October at RSPB Arne Nature Reserve near Wareham.
Celebrating RSPB Arne's 60th birthday, special guest Jack Baddams from BBC Springwatch will be leading two guided walks and also giving a talk. There will also be additional guided walks and talks with the RSPB team.
Swanage Blues Festival 2025
Every October thousands of music lovers come to Swanage Blues Festival, where there'll be 76 gigs at 18 venues. Expect superb music, drinking, eating, dancing, fun and laughter across the town and beyond, starting on Thursday evening and going on till late Sunday evening.
Regular fans say they love the friendly atmosphere and the wide range of electric and acoustic music available in the pubs, restaurants and hotel bars.
Dorset's Awesome Autumn Colours
Photo credit - Sherborne Castle and Gardens by Paul Dibben
As the seasons change, our beautiful gardens and countryside will be turning brilliant shades of red, orange and gold this month. A sign that autumn has well and truly arrived.
Grab your walking boots and a warm jumper to head out into the fresh air and awaken your senses. Hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, feel the cool autumn air on your face and toast the season with a pumpkin spiced latte – yum!
We’ve got two great blogs with lots of days out ideas for visiting gardens, woodlands and nature reserves or taking an autumnal walk in our glorious countryside.
October Half Term Holidays and Halloween
The autumn school holiday in Dorset starts on Monday 27 October 2025.
There’s will be lots of things to see and do for all the family during the October half-term holidays including pumpkin picking, craft activities, treasure trails and lots more.
For Halloween, get dressed up in your most ghoulish outfit and jump on a ghost train, explore haunted tunnels or create your own fang-tastic potion.
Events for writers and literary lovers
On 18 October, the first Romance Writing Festival takes place in Bournemouth. It will bring together a range of speakers, from bestselling authors to publishing insiders, editors and literary agents to help inspire, improve and progress both budding and experienced romance writers on their writing journey to publication.
The line-up for the 11th Dorchester Literary Festival is almost complete and lots of events can be booked online. Famous writers who will be giving talks include Martin Clunes, Jeremy Vine, Gyles Brandreth, Rev Richard Coles. It takes place from 18 to 25 October.
Book your October getaway to Dorset
Wanting to book a short break or holiday in October? We've got some great accommodation options for you. From luxury hotels and cosy self-catering cottages to B&Bs and budget friendly holiday parks, there's something for everyone.
