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

Christmas in Wareham Nov 30

Christmas in Wareham

The build up to Christmas is a bustling time in the town of Wareham. The historic market town is decorated with Christmas lights and a wonderful Christmas tree which stands on the town crossroads....

Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience Nov 30

Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience

Enjoy a magical festive experience with friends and family during our uplifting Christmas Lights and Reindeer Experience at Nutley Farm from 24th November to 31st December 2023. Wander along our...

Christmas at Corfe Castle Dec 02

Christmas at Corfe Castle

For Christmas 2023 we invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Corfe Castle where you can discover winter traditions old and new. Wayward children are invited to join our rather...

Christmas at Corfe Castle Dec 02

Christmas at Corfe Castle

For Christmas 2023 we invite you to get into the festive spirit with our Lord of Misrule on an interactive storytelling tour of the castle or help Monty Mouse on his hunt for a festive feast with our...

Pull a Pine Dec 02

Pull a Pine

Can you help the RSPB save nature this December? Join us in one of the biggest conservation events in the country. Invasive pine trees, planted in forestry plantations, have taken over our heathland....

Winter lights at Corfe Castle Dec 02

Winter lights at Corfe Castle

For one night only, explore the ruins of Corfe Castle lit under warm glowing lights with the stars above you. Make a special Christmas wish at the wishing bridge. Gather around a fire pit to toast...

Canzonetta Christmas Concert Dec 03

Canzonetta Christmas Concert

Concert of festive songs and carols. Come along for an hour of music and join us afterwards for mulled wine and mince pies.

Christmas Street Market Dec 09

Christmas Street Market

Christmas Street Market 2023, in North Street, Wareham, from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 9th December 2023. Join us for a jolly holiday, festive retail experience with lots of stalls to compliment...