Events & Festivals in Wareham
Events in and around Wareham for all the family
During the summer, Wareham Quay plays host to Wareham Wednesdays with raft races, tug of war, live music and fireworks. Wareham Carnival takes place in July and is a whole week’s worth of entertainment, finishing off with a procession through the town.
If vintage vehicles and all things steam-powered is your guilty pleasure, then the Purbeck Rally is just what you’re looking for. The 3 day show has vehicle displays plus an auto-jumble and auction – the perfect place to find a project or something which requires some tinkering!
Need something to keep the kiddies amused - why not try eco-crabbing or snorkelling for softies at nearby Kimmeridge Bay? If arts and crafts is your hobby, you can join a painting class, make some bunting or create something out of driftwood. Or if you prefer listening to some tunes, Camp Bestival is the family-friendly music festival of the summer season.
See history come alive
You’ll have tonnes of fun at the Tank Musuem with live actions displays, dress up days, vintage markets and more to keep the troops entertained during your stay in Dorset.
You can also get hands on and learn to drive an armoured vehicle or join an ‘access all areas tour’ and see behind the scenes with one of the experts.
The Arts scene
The Purbeck Film Festival is the longest running rural film festival in the UK and a firm favourite on the events calendar. Based at the Rex Cinema, the festival is a two week programme of themed films including award winners, timeless classics and foreign films. Movies are also shown at various other venues in the area and during the summer they host outdoor cinema too!
If the arts and crafts movement is more your cup of tea, you’ll find photography displays, fine art, crafts exhibits and Have-A-Go sessions for children and adults at the Dorset Arts and Craft Exhibition. And there are plenty of art events taking place all year round where you can try something new or brush up on old skills.
Family friendly music festivals
Every year Camp Bestival takes place at Lulworth Castle and Park during the summer. It’s a fantastic family friendly music festival with a different theme each year. Not only does it bring in big named bands and musicians but there are also dance workshops, fancy dress parades, food from around the world and a huge fireworks display as the finale. Visit for the day or camp for the duration – the choice is yours.
Seasonal festivities
Whether you’re visiting at Easter hunting for chocolate eggs with the Easter Bunny, looking out for Father Christmas and his gold boots on the rooftops of Wareham or singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ at New Year with a glass of bubbly in hand – there is entertainment all year round in Dorset.
Events coming soon
Osprey Guided Walk at RSPB Arne (with optics discount*)
Join our experts for a guided walk at RSPB Arne. With fantastic views over Poole Harbour, it's the perfect location to spot Osprey - fishing low over the water, perching to consume their catch or...
Easter Holidays at The Tank Museum
Easter fun for the whole family to enjoy. The Tank Museum brings the story of tanks and their crews to life. Experience the biggest day out in history with 300 tanks, explosive live displays,...
FORM
Our award-winning sculpture show will return, with a variety of sculpture from small pieces on display in the gallery to monumental works in the park. We will be organising talks, artist...
Sacred Music for Holy Week
Canzonetta ladies' vocal ensemble returns to the parish church of St John the Baptist, Bere Regis for the annual concert of sacred music for Holy Week. A selection of vocal music including Faure,...
Sandy Hill Arts: A Wild Patience Exhibition - Wendy Lalla Wharam
This selection of paintings and other works by Swanage-based artist, Wendy Wharam, reflect her always playful and determined creative spirit as well as her intellectual curiosity for contemporary and...
Spring Family Fun
We have some extra family fun for you at Lulworth Castle this Spring Holiday. Visit us from April 2 to April 13 (Sunday – Thursday) and enjoy our trails & crafts all included in the usual...
Full Moon Guided Walks at RSPB Arne
Full Moon Walks at RSPB Arne are back for 2023! Several dates available across the year. Don't miss this special opportunity to discover the wonders of RSPB Arne by moonlight, in an event uniquely...
Easter at Farmer Palmers Adventure Park
Did some 'bunny' say Easter Eggs? Hop along to Farmer Palmer's Easter Eggstravaganza on Easter Bank Holiday Weekend! Eggcellent daily Egg Hunts and watch out for the...
Meet the Artist: Carol Peace
Gallery by the Lakes is pleased to host a talk by renowned artist Carol Peace as part of our 'meet the artist' series to accompany our exhibition FORM: The Sculpture Show. The talk will take...
Nature Tots at RSPB Arne - monthly
Explorer's wanted! Whether it's bug hunting, puddle splashing or getting crafty, at Nature Tots you can expect an all-round adventure! With sessions usually around the middle Tuesday of the...