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 Showcase. 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
Pliosaur - The Terrifying Sea-Rex
The Home of Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster! On the back of the incredible BBC documentary 'Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster' we are very excited to share our amazing Pliosaur skull...
Easter at Farmer Palmers Farm Park
Farmer Palmer Easter Event Dates: 29th March – 4th April and the 8th – 11th April 2024. Easter Egg Hunt Dates: Friday 29th March – Monday 1st April 2024. Easter wouldn't be...
Easter Eggs-travaganza
Bring your little monkeys to have a great day out at Monkey World this Easter holidays! With over 260 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes, three play areas and a FREE activity sheet for kids,...
Easter Holidays at The Tank Museum
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, kids’ activities, and more at Dorset’s...
Easter Trail at The Walled Garden
Our biggest ever Egg-travaganza Easter Trail!! We hope you can all join us from Friday 29th March – Sunday 14th April for our annual Easter Trail!!! Take part in our Easter themed trail,...
Go EAST this Easter at Monkey World
GO EAST at Monkey World this Easter holiday! The park will be fundraising to put rescued and rehabilitated gibbons, loris and douc back into the wild from their sister sanctuary, Dao Tien, in Vietnam,...
Parent and Baby Walks at RSPB Arne
Happening this year on every last Friday of the month (except December). Get outdoors and meet other young families on a gentle nature walk with frequent stops. Suitable for parents with babies under...
Pre Schoolers Nature Club Frogs and Toads
Explorer's wanted! Whether it's bug hunting, puddle splashing or getting crafty, you can expect an all-round adventure! Our Preschool Nature Club is a monthly nature group for children aged...
Easter Bug Experience at The Walled Garden
The Bug Shed REOPENS for Easter, and we have EVEN MORE BUGS than ever! Get up close and personal with our REAL bugs this Easter Holiday as Bug Expert Chrissy will give an educational and hands on...
Spring Family Fun
We have some extra family fun for you at Lulworth Castle this Spring Holiday. Visit us from March 31st to April 11th (Sunday – Thursday) and enjoy our trails, games, hunts & crafts all...