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 Dorset Knob Throwing?

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

Mar 31

A Celebration of Sky: Cloudscape Lino Prints

Lyme Regis Museum

An exhibition of cloudscape lino prints by printmaker Steve Manning. Working out of his attic studio with commanding views of sky and clouds, Steve is drawn to liminal places where sky and water merge...

Mar 31

African Art and Sculpture Exhibition

Opens November 2022 We are working with members of the wider community to bring unseen objects in our collection to life through our upcoming exhibition on African art and sculpture. Keep an eye on...

Mar 31

Artist Room Louise Bourgeois

Dorset Museum

Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010) is one of the most celebrated and influential figures in modern and contemporary art. ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois brings together works from the last twenty years of her...

Mar 31

Beneath The Waves Pop Up Exhibition

West Bay Discovery Centre

2023 has been designated as "The Year of the Coast". In our new exciting 'Beneath the Waves' exhibition we look at the secrets of Lyme Bay. We explore the historical and current...

Mar 31

Bite the Bullet Exhibition

The Keep Military Museum

Come and see our brand new exhibition exploring the impact of bullets through our historic collection!

Mar 31

Breathwork class "Relieve stress and anxiety and refresh your mind!"

B reathwork is a proven technique that has been used for centuries to improve mental and emotional well-being, and this class is the perfect way to experience its benefits first hand. Whether...

Mar 31

Dangerous Games

Lust, Lies and Live Music: Join Teatro Vivo in their new immersive theatre show - Dangerous Games. Two immoral libertines wager a scandalous bet to gain control of punk band The Maze. Playing a...

Mar 31

Easter Holiday Activities

We run a range of holiday activities for children in the school holidays (Easter, Summer and Christmas). These include swimming, dance, art, football, skateboarding, forest school and DJ techniques to...

Mar 31

Easter Trails at Minterne Gardens

Minterne Gardens

27 Acres of wildwoodland garden to explore for hidden Easter Eggs & Easter Bunnies. Follow the clues before heading back to the Cafe for a chocolate prize. Wear your best Easter Bonnets! At the...

Mar 31

Events at Durlston Country Park': 15 Days in Clay

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

15 Days in Clay 15 Days in Clay Ceramic artists will be showcasing their 20 year Exhibition and Retrospective Show. An installation of ceramic figurative sculptures, inspired by our relationship with...

Mar 31

Events at Durlston Country Park: Bonkers Bunnies - Children's Activity Trail

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Bonkers Bunnies - Children's Activity Trail, Daily 10am-4pm Hop on up and find all the Bonkers Bunnies around the park! £3 per prize trail pack.

Mar 31

Events at Durlston Country Park: Cuppa and Chat

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Cuppa and Chat Enjoy a cuppa, make new friends and enjoy the lovely woodland setting of the Durlston ‘Shed’. Just drop in and say hello to our ‘Sheddies’. FREE....

Mar 31

Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Run

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Free Weekly Park Run, Every Saturday at 9am Get fit in a great location! Durlston Country Park is now host to Park Run every Saturday. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world....

Mar 31

GIANT

GIANT is the home of contemporary art in Bournemouth. It is the largest art centre of its kind on the central south coast and presents a comprehensive program of curated exhibitions and projects...

Mar 31

Sherborne Digby Hall Monthly Market

Monthly market of Antiques, Arts ,Crafts, Food & more . Cafe, Free entry, Parking, Toilets. Up to 70 stalls, Held the 1st Saturday of every month 10am to 3pm, March until December. Located in...

Mar 31

The Tiger Who Came to Tea exhibition

Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum

A new exhibition celebrating the work of one of Britain's best known children's author–illustrators Judith Kerr is coming to Shire Hall Museum! From 16th March, 'The Tiger Who Came...

Apr 01

Abbotsbury Swannery Easter Spotter's Trail

Abbotsbury Swannery

A wonderful time of year to visit the Swannery, the swans are already busy laying their eggs. Take part in the Easter Spotter's Trail around the Swannery. Perfect fun for the school Easter...

Apr 01

All Home Grown: An Introduction to Growing Your Own Fruit and Veg

Museum of East Dorset

Discover the basics of growing your own veg with Head Gardener, Simon, and take inspiration from the produce and gardening methods used in our historic walled Garden. At the museum of East Dorset, we...

Apr 01

Coffee & Canines Opening

New venue for everyone who loves coffee and dogs opening in Gillingham "Coffee & Canines is designed to be the area's premier go-to dog-friendly venue." April 1st sees the opening of...

Apr 01

Early Bird Morning Walk and Breakfast

Brownsea Island

Dorset Wildlife Trust and the National Trust have partnered to offer you an opportunity to enjoy the island and its wildlife before the crowds arrive. A ranger from the Dorset Wildlife Trust team will...