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 free street seafood festival. Just picture yourself savouring a feast of seafood in the picturesque setting of Weymouth Harbour 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.

Oct 18

2 Hour Family Halloween Bushcraft Special

Embrace autumn with us on our family bushcraft sessions (min age 4+). We have some special spooky stories and camp crafts during the Halloween period aswell as all the usual bushcraft activities. Your...

Oct 18

A Dance A Day

A new A Dance A Day evening class for the over 50s. Do you like moving to music? Do you have some dance experience or none at all? Do you want a class that will offer a chance to take part in a fun,...

Oct 18

Ascarium

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

SEA WITCHES, SPELLS AND SURPRISES TURNS SEA LIFE FROM AQUARIUM TO ASCARIUM. SPOOKTACULAR IN-TANK TRAIL RETURNS TO SEA LIFE FOR HALLOWEEN 2021. WHAT: Immersive in-tank trail, celebrating the creepiest...

Oct 18

Birds of Poole Harbour Gallery Takeover

Join us from October for a special season of events and activities in association with local charity, Birds of Poole Harbour. The team of wildlife experts will be setting up their temporary HQ in...

Oct 18

Events at Durlston Country Park:‘Cuppa and Chat

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Cuppa and Chat Enjoy a cuppa, make some new friends and enjoy the lovely woodland setting of the Durlston 'Shed'. Just drop in and say hello to our lovely 'Sheddies'. Every Monday at...

Oct 18

Fossils, Fish and Feathers

Lyme Regis Museum

Fossils, Fish and Feathers is the title of the up-coming watercolour exhibition of recent work by Lyme Bay Artist Trisha Hayman, which will be on show at the Rotunda Gallery of the Lyme Regis Museum...

Oct 18

Fresh Air Fitness

These enjoyable outdoor exercise sessions are perfect for beginners, incorporating gentle cardiovascular and strengthening exercises to build your fitness over 4 weeks. Booking is essential. We kindly...

Oct 18

John Haynes OBE, The Man, The Manuals and The Museum

Haynes International Motor Museum

A living and working Museum, with over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s,to exciting super cars of today. This exhibition explores: 'The Man', John's...

Oct 18

Minterne Gardens Halloween Trails

Minterne Gardens

Halloween Trails for all the family at October half term. Gardens open daily from 10am to 6pm. Adults £6. Children £1. Goody Bag for children at the end of the trail at the Cafe.

Oct 18

Museum Bird Spotters

Are you ready for a birding adventure? Visit the Birds of Poole Harbour galleries to create a fun pair of paper binoculars using recycled materials. These DIY binoculars will make any nature walk feel...

Oct 18

Pathways to the Past

A celebration of the People's Park. By the Park's people. Explore Poole Park using your phone. Follow the audio trail to discover hidden sounds Hear how people have had fun in the park....

Oct 18

Pick Your Own Pumpkins & Halloween Maize Maze

For Autumn 2021 we have a fabulous range of activities for you all to enjoy at Fordingbridge. For the budding pumpkinologists there is 10 acres of pumpkins to pick, for the crafty, lots to create,...

Oct 18

Scapes & Sculpture: Anne Townsend

Symondsbury Estate

Sou'-Sou'-West Arts Gallery Shop welcomes Devon-based artist Anne Townsend, with her exhibition 'Scapes and Sculpture'. Anne's home studio is situated in Devon`s beautiful Axe...

Oct 18

Scapes and Sculpture

Anne Townsend's studio is situated in east Devon's Axe Valley, which has given her the space to lose herself in large expressive pieces of work, both as a painter and a sculptor. Her art...

Oct 18

The Red Room Exhibition

Haynes International Motor Museum

A living and working Museum, with over 400 amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics of the 50s and 60s, to exciting super cars of today.Careful consideration needs to be given to the different...

Oct 18

The Trendy Tudors Trail

Corfe Castle

Travel back to 1572 - the year that Corfe Castle was bought by Sir Christopher Hatton from Elizabeth I. Learn about fashionable Tudor clothing of the time, discover what a Tudor mealtime might have...

Oct 18

Turning The Tide Exhibition

West Bay Discovery Centre

Discover the history of plastic and the problem with single-use plastics. Learn how you can help in the fight to reduce microplastics in our oceans.

Oct 18

Visit the curious Shell House in Sherborne town centre

Explore the rich history and heritage of Georgian entertainment and leisure in Sherborne. During this one hour walking tour Paul will consider the evidence for a Regency 'Vauxhall' garden in...

Oct 18

We're Back: New & recent work from Dorset Visual Arts The Salon Collective

WE'RE BACK: New and Recent Work by Dorset Visual Arts Salon Collective. The Salon was formed three years ago aiming to enable a group of artists with solid professional training and experience to...

Oct 18

Williams F1 Exhibition

Haynes International Motor Museum

A living and working Museum, with the UK's largest collection of amazing cars and bikes from nostalgic classics to exciting super cars of today. This exclusive exhibition from Williams F1 explores...