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.

Plan Your Visit

Dec 14

A Christmas Wish at Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy

Kingston Lacy's festive Wish Makers need your help this Christmas! They've been busy transforming the house with beautiful decorations to fulfil every Christmas wish, and the spectacular,...

Dec 14

A Traditional Christmas

Nativity trail (Saturday) Nativity Trail 10am - 3pm, throughout Town Centre Visit locations in Weymouth Town Centre as they host FREE crafts and scenes from the nativity story, collect your map and...

Dec 14

A Traditional Christmas - Weymouth

Nativity trail (Saturday) 10am - 3pm, throughout Town Centre Visit locations in Weymouth Town Centre as they host FREE crafts and scenes from the nativity story, collect your map and stickers and take...

Dec 14

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens Santa's Grotto

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

£12.95 per child Select dates between 7th December and 23rd December, see website for dates. Please note the Illuminate event by OT Event Technicians is not included with this ticket. Someone...

Dec 14

Artisans on the Beach

Artisans on the Beach is an event that is run for 4 to 5 weeks every November and December to enable local artists and crafts people to show and sell their handmade and handcrafted items from a Beach...

Dec 14

Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place Exhibition

Russell-Cotes House, Gallery and Garden

Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place 12 October 2024 – 16 March 2025 Discover the beautiful artistic heritage of Purbeck during a transformative time. Delve into the works of well-known artists who...

Dec 14

Best Christmas Window Trail

The fantastic window trail will showcase the creativity of Lyme Regis' local businesses as they transform their shop windows into enchanting displays, capturing the magic of Christmas over...

Dec 14

Bournemouth Alpine Bar

Eat, drink and be merry in the tradtional festive Alpine Lodge Bar located in Bournemouth's Town Centre. Enjoy cosy indoor and outdoor seating whilst you soak up the Christmas...

Dec 14

Bournemouth Christmas Market

Head on down to Bournemouth Square and find the perfect present at the Christmas Alpine Market. Take your pick from a wide array of hand made and traditional Christmas gifts at the outlet market...

Dec 14

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Spectacular Christmas tree trail, enchanting illuminations and seasonal family fun! Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world. See them shimmer against the...

Dec 14

Boveridge College Christmas Fayre

Christmas Fayre rescheduled Due to the storm over the weekend, our Christmas Fayre at Aurora Boveridge College has been rescheduled to Saturday, 14th December We hope you can join us for a festive and...

Dec 14

Breakfast with Santa on the Pier!

We've heard that Key West on Bournemouth Pier is having a special visit from Father Christmas this year! Breakfast with Santa – dates available: Saturday 14th December 2024 – Tickets...

Dec 14

Brewery Square Dorchester Christmas Market

Brewery Square

Imagine beautifully decorated wooden chalets spread along Pope Street and Brewery Square, with bratwurst hot from the charcoals, heated huts to eat and drink in, and ice skating rink, a marshmallow...

Dec 14

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth, 14 November 2024 – 5 January 2025. Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay and get into the festive spirit. With a Christmas...

Dec 14

Christmas and New Year in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is a wonderful place to visit during the festive season. In the run up to Christmas, the shops will be brimming with gift ideas or you can take time to breathe in the bracing sea air...

Dec 14

Christmas and New Year in Poole

Make the most of Christmas and New Year in Poole with winter walks, magical meetings with Santa, cosy stays, festive parties and even bath tub races! Whether meeting family and friends for a special...

Dec 14

Christmas and New Year 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....

Dec 14

Christmas and New Year in Wimborne Minster

Enjoy Christmas in Wimborne Minster - there's so much going on to get you into the Christmas spirit. From the switching on of Wimborne's Christmas lights there’s lots to...

Dec 14

Christmas at Stourhead

A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – after-dark festive fun for everyone Created by award-winning, internationally acclaimed light trail producers and firmly positioned within the UK's...

Dec 14

Christmas at the Russell-Cotes

Russell-Cotes House, Gallery and Garden

Step back in time and discover the magic of a traditional Victorian Christmas. Tuesday 19 November 2024 until Sunday 5 January 2025, 10am-5pm. The halls of the historic house are decked with boughs of...