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 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?
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 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
Eventscoming soon!
A Visual History of Swanage Pier
Step onto the Lower Deck of Swanage Pier and explore its history through photographs. This exhibition shows Swanage Pier's journey from its Victorian beginnings to its role in maritime history....
Abbotsbury Baby Swans Hatching
Between mid May and the end of June the Baby Swans hatch and take their first steps from dozens of nests across the Swannery. Explore the Swannery and witness the unique sight of the fluffy grey baby...
Adilson Naueji: BH5 Boscombe Beyond Your Eyes
Free to enjoy, discover the artwork of Adilson Naueji, winner of our 2024 Open Call exhibition. Through vibrant mixed-media portraits, Adi captures the spirit of Boscombe's diverse community - a...
Bike Nights on Poole Quay
Bike Nights on Poole Quay for 2025 will start on Tuesday 1 April. The event creates a unique, exciting atmosphere as bikers and spectators enjoy a relaxed evening on Poole Quay. The...
Brambly Hedge Summer Story Trail
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...
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...
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
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...
Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit
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...
Geoff Robb – The Music of Trees
A Purbeck Guitar Festival concert at Sandy Hill Arts, Corfe Join Geoff Robb at Sandy Hill Arts in Corfe for an atmospheric evening which celebrates nature and beautiful acoustic guitar music. Inspired...
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...
Guided Walk - West Hill and Corfe Common
Join our friendly guide on a guided walk exploring West Hill, part of the Purbeck Ridgeway. Discover The Rings, a 12th century siege castle close to Corfe Castle, and Bronze Age barrows on Corfe...
Historical guided walk with cream tea in Brownsea Castle
Embark on a captivating journey through Brownsea Island's rich history as you explore the island and the castle's picturesque grounds. Hear intriguing stories of the island's past,...
Intermediate Yoga on Swanage Pier
The Thursday morning sessions are more dynamic in pace and will include the opportunity to explore some more challenging postures. We will explore breath awareness and movement practices, with...
Jane Austen: Down to the Sea
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth in 1775 this exhibition will explore the sea as a setting for her fictional worlds and its influence on her. She loved a dip in the sea,...
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...
May Morris: Art and Advocacy
On loan from The William Morris Society, this beautiful exhibition will explore the wide-ranging talents and accomplishments of May Morris (1862-1938), the younger daughter of Arts & Craft...
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,...
Our Stories: Queer in the Countryside
This May-August Bridport Arts Centre celebrates LGBTQIA+ lives and creativity in rural West Dorset with a season of performances, workshops and artworks. The season profiles work by local LGBTQIA+...
Park Yoga
Free outdoor Park Yoga sessions every Sunday throughout the summer, 9.30-10.30am. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including children. Roll up your mat and join us for a weekly fix of...
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 a quintessential Old English thatched country Inn. The perfect location to enjoy a break away from it all. Enjoy...
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...
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...
Rosewall Camping
Rosewall is a family run camping park, set in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the World Heritage Coast, in the hamlet of Osmington Mills five miles east of Weymouth. Our thirteen-acre south...
Spurwing Guest House
We are Steph and Richard, owners of Spurwing Guest House. We pride ourselves on our bed and breakfast Dorset being a friendly, popular and comfortable chalet-style bungalow, with ground floor...
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Spa
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Spa is tucked away in the picturesque village of Evershot in the heart of the Dorset Downs. An 18th Georgian Manor House, made famous by its links with the...