What's on in Dorset

Looking to find out what's on in Dorset? You’ve come to the right place as we've 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 .

Country life is showcased at the many county shows and country fairs throughout Dorset, where prize animals parade, and the thrill of the fairground beckons. 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.

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

Amazing music and food festivals with a celebrity twist!

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?

Perfect for families, thrill seekers and explorers alike!

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?

Cracking comedy and vibrant cultural scene to titillate and delight!

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 a while 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.

Mar 20

AUB International Collective 2025

TheGallery

AUB Students' Union (AUBSU), in partnership with TheGallery and AUB International, present AUB International Collective: a unique collaboration that embraces artwork created by students with...

Mar 20

Brambly Hedge Summer Story Trail

Abbotsbury Swannery

Back for 2025 is the wonderful Brambly Hedge. Many visitors enjoyed our 2024 collaboration which brought to life Sea Story, one of the delightful children's books. This year we have a NEW...

Mar 20

Design; Disruption; Divergence

TheGallery

Three exhibitions of student, staff and graduate artwork from Arts University Bournemouth and British University Vietnam, in three locations: one in the UK, one in Vietnam, and one in the virtual...

Mar 20

Dorchester: Small Town, Big History

Discover the historic charm of Dorchester, once known as ancient Durnovaria, on this captivating guided walk through 4,000 years of history. Winding through the heart of rural Dorset, this picturesque...

Mar 20

Fermentation Basics

Master gut-friendly ferments with expert Rachel de Thample at River Cottage. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fermenter, this course will inspire you with creative ways to make fermented...

Mar 20

Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies. Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with...

Mar 20

Get Growing

Discover the joys of growing your own veg with River Cottage Master Grower, Connor Reed This hands-on day is the perfect introduction to transforming your garden, patio, or allotment into a...

Mar 20

Gladiator Trail

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Step into the thrilling world of gladiators with our Gladiator Trail, a fun-filled family activity that will take you on an exciting journey through the museum in search of gladiator-related objects....

Mar 20

History Community Lectures

Due to popular demand, we're pleased to offer extra History Community Lectures held at Weymouth College, open to all. The last remaining talks of this season include: 6th February - Jon Dixon,...

Mar 20

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...

Mar 20

Much More Veg

Spend a day learning how to make vegetables more tasty by transforming seasonal fruit, vegetables, and UK pulses and grains into sophisticated and satisfying dishes. In this vegetarian cookery course,...

Mar 20

Myth & Reality - Exhibition on Smuggling in the 18th Century

West Bay Discovery Centre

The Centre's latest seasonal exhibition running from 15th February to 15th June 2025 looks back to a time in the mid-18th to 19th Centuries when smuggling was widespread along the South Coast. The...

Mar 20

Pliosaur - The Terrifying Sea-Rex

Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

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...

Mar 20

Pot licker - written & directed by Ed Viney

When teachers Rich, Kris and Zara discover a bag of drugs in school lost property, they should report this straight away. But as the school faces imminent closure, is there another way to deal with...

Mar 20

Stick Man Trail

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Set off with a hop and twirl as you join Stick Man on his forest adventure. The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the...

Mar 20

The Conqueror's Castle family quest

Corfe Castle

Travel back to 1086 on 'The Conqueror's Castle' family quest, help William the Conqueror discover how a team of builders go about building a castle. Hunt the castle ruins for the quest...

Mar 20

The Visit

Written by Friedrich Dürrenmatt - Directed by David O'Shea - Brought to you by AUB Productions. In a decrepit town, drowning under the cost of living crisis, there's a sudden glimmer of...

Mar 20

Turtle Rescue Team

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Join our Turtle Rescue Team Grab a Patrol Book and take part in our turtle rescue mission when you visit Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park! Write down which breed of turtle you are choosing to save,...