What's on in Dorset

Looking to find out what's on in Dorset? You’ve come to the right place Dorset has got a fantastic year round events calendar for you to enjoy. Our vibrant county plays host to an amazing array of events from the mildly eccentric to the world famous .Dorset's country life is showcased at the many county shows and country fairs where prize animals parade, and the thrill of the fairground beckons. Dorset regattas also take place in our coastal towns, each bringing its own celebrations and a bucket-load of traditional seaside fun for the whole family to enjoy. There's plenty of Dorset events to choose from, check out our listings below!

Add to the mix fantastic beaches, beautiful countryside and great attractions, and you can see why there are always plenty of reasons to visit Dorset.

Amazing music and food festivals in Dorset!

If you are looking to see what's on in Dorset music and food wise, why not soak up the atmosphere and swing into action at one of Dorset’s many music festivals – choose from folk, jazz, classical or a well renowned festival, such as Camp Bestival, which attracts A-list entertainers to its centre stage.

There’s always a mouth watering abundance of local produce on offer at country fairs and food festivals across Dorset to tantalise your taste buds. Plus, you can pick up tips at demonstrations by celebrity and award winning chefs!

If you’re a seafood lover then make sure you don’t miss out on the award winning Dorset Seafood Festival, the UK’s largest seafood festival. Just picture yourself savouring a feast of seafood in the picturesque setting of Weymouth peninsula whilst enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere – sound good?

Outdoor events in Dorset!

Love the great outdoors? Why not embrace Dorset’s wonderful scenery at a walking festival or join a guided fossil walk and let your inner explorer loose!

The fun isn’t just on the ground! Let the pilots of the world famous Red Arrows and Black Cats wow you with incredible aerobatics and hair raising stunts or fly a kite to the highest height at a kite festival!

Or perhaps you want to experience something a little more unique? Why not have a go at a chilli eating competition?

Family events in Dorset

Looking for an event that the whole family will enjoy? There are so many family events taking place across Dorset that we don't know where to start! There's carnivals, country shows, festivals, tank displays, nature events....the list goes on! Check out our listings below to find your perfect Dorset family event!

Cracking comedy and Dorset's vibrant cultural scene

The arts are all around you in Dorset with musical performances, sparkling productions and arts and film festivals to inspire and surprise you.

Why not catch a top comedian in a cosy Dorset venue and be the first to see their set as they warm-up for a national tour?

This may be one of the most peaceful parts of the country but it buzzes with activity throughout the year!

Simply use the ‘What’s On’ search facility to search our list of events.

Why not stay in Dorset and book your accommodation today!

Make the most of Dorset’s fantastic events calendar and book a break to Dorset.

We have plenty of accommodation for you to choose from – chic hotels, homely B&Bs, cosy self catering cottages and pretty holiday parks.

Plan Your Visit

Feb 12

Artist as Witness: The Impact of War | Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Russell-Cotes House, Gallery and Garden

This thought-provoking exhibition explores the importance of the artist as eyewitness, providing insights not only into warfare but also the impact of war on those involved and the communities...

Feb 12

Cool Coast Ice Rink

Bournemouth International Centre

Ice skating is back at Bournemouth International Centre this winter! Open rain or shine the Cool Coast Ice Rink is the south coast’s biggest indoor seasonal ice rink. Cool Coast Ice Rink is the...

Feb 12

Early morning snowdrop walks at Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy

Discover the iconic snowdrop at Kingston Lacy, where there are more than 40 varieties to see through the season. This guided walk will be run before the property opens, so you can see the snowdrops...

Feb 12

Exhibition: Pier Terrace Through Time

West Bay Discovery Centre

Pier Terrace is West Bay's most iconic building, and 2025 marks its 140th anniversary. It was built as the first step in a plan to transform Bridport Harbour into a popular tourist destination....

Feb 12

Exhibition: The Women of Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle

Meet the women who shaped Highcliffe Castle. Four stories. Long overlooked. Now front and centre

Feb 12

Follow The Yellow Brick Trail

Museum of East Dorset

Follow the yellow brick road on a journey around the museum from Kansas to the Emerald City. Test your courage, kindness, and curiosity as you solve puzzles, get creative and get into character with...

Feb 12

Half Term Family Activities in Dorset

Archery & Axe Throwing in Rural Dorset Looking for an authentic Dorset adventure that the whole family (and the dog!) will love? Escape to the woods with Insight Activities Dorset for a session of...

Feb 12

Holistic Water Retreat

Step aboard for a deeply restorative three-hour holistic retreat cruise through the tranquil waters of Poole Harbour. This is more than a boat journey – it's an invitation to reconnect with...

Feb 12

Kings' view experience

Corfe Castle

Called the Kings' View, the platform stands tall within the Keep where royal living quarters once were. Until now, this part of the castle has been inaccessible to everyone except conservation...

Feb 12

Meet Rembrandt: a slow looking experience

Kingston Lacy

One of National Trust's greatest treasures comes to Kingston Lacy. You are invited to spend time with Rembrandt's Self-portrait in a Feathered Bonnet, giving yourself space to make your own...

Feb 12

Mindfulness Doodling Workshop

As part of this year's Winter Talk programme, we're excited to introduce a new format — including our first workshop of the season. There are limited tickets available, so please book in...

Feb 12

People Watching

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Exploring the concept of image and portraiture in British art, 'People Watching' will feature approximately 50 works of sculpture, paintings, drawings, and photography from 1915 to the present...

Feb 12

Room on the Broom Family Trail

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Join Witch's magical adventure! Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Moors Valley Country Park. This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed...

Feb 12

Sea Watch at Portland Bill

Help us look out for dolphins and other marine animals at Portland Bill in our monthly Sea Watch survey.

Feb 12

Snowdrops at Minterne Gardens

Minterne Gardens

Snowdrops at Minterne Gardens to welcome in the spring. Discounted 2 for 1 entry. £10 for 2 people. 27 Acres of wild woodland gardens, carpeted with snowdrops.

Feb 12

Snowdrops in February

Forde Abbey and Gardens

We are delighted to open the gardens from Wednesday to Sunday in February for Snowdrops. There are swathes of snowdrops on the drive, banks and lawns. A few patches scattered in the beds and borders...

Feb 12

Spitz & Co - The Spy Who Loved Me Tender

The inimitable Spitz & Co (creators of Elvis in Blue Hawaii, Glorilla, Gloriator and Les Gloriables) are back with a brand-new, action-packed comedy filled with songs, sequins and drama galore!...

Feb 12

Thank You For The Music

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA's number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 20th year, with a brand-new show for...

Feb 12

The Great Snowdrop Gardens Trail of Somerset

Forde Abbey and Gardens

We are thrilled to share that we are teaming up with Shepton Snowdrops and some finest snowdrop gardens in Somerset to present to you The Great Snowdrop Gardens Trail of Somerset. As part of this...

Feb 13

An audience with Tony Dow

Shaftesbury Arts Centre

Tony Dow is the BAFTA winning Director of many very popular television series, inc. Only Fools & Horses, Birds of a Feather, Over Here. Tony rarely gives audiences like this, followed by Q&A,...