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

Sep 08

Abbotsbury Swannery Brambly Hedge Trail

Abbotsbury Swannery

NEW for the 2024 season at the Abbotsbury Swannery is the Brambly Hedge Trail. Brambly Hedge is a collection of children's stories and illustrations by author Jill Barklem. The books follow the...

Sep 08

All Terrain Vehicle Nature Tour

Studland Bay

Booking essential. A single ticket purchased will be for up to three people inside the vehicle. Let one of our team show you the nature and history of this special place, all from the comfort of one...

Sep 08

Artists of the Jurassic Coast

Artists of the Jurassic Coast 2024 6th - 29th September Open daily 10.30 - 4.30. September heralds the return of Artists of the Jurassic Coast Exhibition, now in its 15th year at the fabulous Eype...

Sep 08

b-side Festival

Leading arts festival b-side is back on the Isle of Portland this September. One amazing island, 1000 brilliant ideas. Love new experiences, exploring rugged landscapes, breath-taking...

Sep 08

Car Boot Sale

The last Friends of The Yeatman Hospital Car Boot Sale for 2024 - Sunday 8th September at the Terrace Playing Fields. Sellers from 8am (£5 per vehicle), Buyers from 9am (£1 entry, 16 and...

Sep 08

Champagne Afternoon Tea

Swanage Railway

Make yourself feel really special by enjoying a refreshing champagne afternoon tea in the rare 'Devon Belle' Pullman observation car as you steam through the spectacular Purbeck countryside....

Sep 08

Choir and Orchestra Concert

The Dorset Bridge Choir & Orchestra present: "Sing For Joy!" A concert of joyous music, including Dan Forrest's Jubilate Deo, and other works. Tickets £15, including wine,...

Sep 08

Civil War Re-enactment weekend

Corfe Castle

Step back in time with The English Civil War Society as they garrison the Castle and go about their daily life. Watch Lady Bankes dine with her friends as her cooks busy themselves preparing the food....

Sep 08

Classic and Steam Vehicle Show

This event is run by the Bournemouth and Poole Preservation Club. The event is close to Harmans Cross Railway Station, so arriving by train with the Swanage Railway is very easy and a great way to...

Sep 08

Dorset Architectural Heritage Week

Dorset Architectural Heritage Week is a week-long celebration of the architecture of Dorset, both historic and contemporary. All the events within the programme are completely free of...

Sep 08

Dorset Architecture Heritage Open Day

West Bay Discovery Centre

Once again for Dorset Architecture Week we are opening up our mezzanine area which is office space and normally closed to the public. On Sunday 8th September it will be accessible for one day only to...

Sep 08

Dorset County Show

For over 175 years Dorchester Agricultural Society has celebrated agriculture and rural life within the county of Dorset. The two day annual Dorset County Show takes place on the first weekend in...

Sep 08

Events at Durlston Country Park: Park to Pier

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Park to Pier Walk Join a Durlston Ranger or Jurassic Coast Volunteer for a guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier learning about wildlife, geology and history of Durlston Country Park, the...

Sep 08

Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Yoga

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Park Yoga Outdoor yoga sessions FREE 9.30am – 10.30 every Sunday morning from 5th May to 15th September 2024. * Who is it for? Everyone welcome any level of experience and age. Children are...

Sep 08

Exhibition: West Bay - A Resort to Rival Others

West Bay Discovery Centre

In 1883 a group of local businessmen believed with the right investment and imagination West Bay could rival Weymouth or Bournemouth. Walking around the harbour of West Bay more than a century later...

Sep 08

Free Guided Tours 2024

Sherborne Abbey

Until Friday 29 November 2024, we offer free guided tours lasting approximately 45 minutes to an hour, on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at 10.30am and Wednesday & Friday afternoons at 2.00pm. In...

Sep 08

Future Studland Survey

The National Trust and Dorset Coast Forum are working in partnership to build a long-term plan for the Studland area. The Future Studland plan will look ahead for the next 20 to 50 years. A key area...

Sep 08

Guided Tours of Shire Hall Museum

Shire Hall Museum

Shire Hall Museum is offering guided tours on Wednesdays in August and September! Discover more about the history of Shire Hall and the people whose lives were changed here. From hidden staircases to...

Sep 08

Guided Walks around West Bay every Thursday morning

West Bay Discovery Centre

Our friendly and knowledgeable guides are here on a Thursday morning to help you enjoy exploring West Bay from a different perspective with our selection of walks covering the history and nature of...

Sep 08