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.

Eventscoming soon!

AUB International Collective 2025 Mar 20

AUB International Collective 2025

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...

Design; Disruption; Divergence Mar 20

Design; Disruption; Divergence

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...

Dorchester: Small Town, Big History 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...

Fermentation Basics 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...

Get Growing 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...

Gladiator Trail Mar 20

Gladiator Trail

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....

History Community Lectures 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,...

Kings' View Experience Mar 20

Kings' View Experience

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...

Much More Veg 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,...

Pot licker - written & directed by Ed Viney 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...

The Visit 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...

Art Exhibition at Patch Bournemouth Mar 21

Art Exhibition at Patch Bournemouth

Join us at Patch Bournemouth for an exciting pop-up exhibition featuring artists based in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, curated by Millie Lake. An open-call exhibition, artists have been invited to...

Curing and Smoking Mar 21

Curing and Smoking

Discover the art of charcuterie on this introductory course, designed for beginners eager to learn without the need for expensive equipment. Whether you're a smallholder with pigs or simply...

Find yourperfect event

Why notstay a while?

Bookham Court

Bookham Court Holiday Cottages enjoy panoramic views over Thomas Hardy's Blackmore Vale in Dorset. Personally run by Nicola Foot, the Holiday Cottages are furnished to a high standard, making this...

Brace of Pheasants

Nestled in the Plush Valley just off the Wessex Ridgeway, The Brace is the quintessential Old English thatched country pub. The perfect location to enjoy a break away from it all.  The village is...

Bradle Farmhouse

Bradle Farm lies in a valley 3 miles west of Corfe Castle surrounded by the Purbeck Hills in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whilst the original farmhouse and farm are mentioned in the Doomsday...

Cliff Cottage

  4 Star VisitEngland Grading: 85%   Gold Award    Lyme seafront cottage for four with private parking, Cliff Cottage is one of the quaint pink cottages seconds away...

Coppet Hill

Just three miles from the Jurassic Coast, and surrounded by some of Dorset’s most spectacular hills, our 600-acre family farm is a peaceful haven for walkers, campers and wildlife lovers. Our...

Corfe and Purbeck Holidays

Corfe & Purbeck Holidays specialise in letting quality self catering holiday properties in the beautiful Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.  All of our our cottages are well equipped, comfortably...

Crabbers' Wharf

Discover the Charm of Crabbers’ Wharf luxury apartments – Your Seaside Escape. Nestled on the edge of Portland Harbour, Crabbers’ Wharf offers a unique self-catering experience where...

Doles Ash Farm Holiday Cottages

Located in the heart of Hardy’s Dorset, Doles Ash Farm Holiday Cottages offers a relaxing break surrounded by beautiful countryside and set in 12 acres of West Dorset’s Piddle Valley. No...

Dorset Forest Garden Glamping

At the head of a long valley, overlooking Eggardon Iron Age Hill Fort in the heart of Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and without so much as a hamlet in sight, a stay at Dorset...

Dorset Hideaways

Dorset Hideaways is a Holiday Cottage Agency showcasing a range of properties from cosy cottages crammed full of Dorset charm to luxury retreats oozing with coastal chic. Our aim is to make it easy...

Gloucester House

Gloucester House is a beautiful, Boutique, AA 5 Star, Townhouse, dating back to 1790 and forms part of Weymouth’s Georgian terraced seafront. Commanding a prime position with unbroken views...

Grand Hotel

Located in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, The Grand Hotel has stunning views across the bay and has direct access from the gardens to the private beach. The Burlington Health Spa and...

Graston Farm Cottages

A warm welcome awaits you at Graston Farm Cottages nestled in the beautiful Bride Valley, just a mile from the sea, a perfect location for outdoor lovers. Enjoy excellent walking and cycling routes...

Helpful Holidays

Helpful Holidays offers a diverse selection of self-catering cottages in Dorset, catering to various preferences and group sizes. With properties in both West and East Dorset guests can choose between...

Kingston Country Courtyard

Kingston Country Courtyard is a 16th century B&B accommodation. We have 26 rooms located around two courtyards with car parking facilities onsite. We have a wide variety of rooms available...

Loose Reins

Loose Reins is where the world slows down. It’s where the daily grind is left at the gate and a place of experience, discovery and relaxation opens up. It’s where you reconnect, come...

Lyme Regis Stays

Mike & Anna are the masterful synergy behind Lyme Regis Stays, who offer a wonderful, handpicked boutique collection of properties to suit every need and ensure you have the perfect base to...

Millbrook Guest House

Millbrook is a family run B&B that has been providing accommodation to holiday makers and visitors to the area for over one hundred years. We offer modern rooms, with full breakfast, daily room...

Newlands Holiday Park

Newlands is a family run park located in the picturesque World Heritage village of Charmouth, just a stones throw from the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast near the Dorset/Devon border. Set in 23 acres of...

Riverside Park

We are located on the banks of the River Stour in the centre of the beautiful historic town of Christchurch, within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, spectacular natural harbour, Hengistbury...

What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.