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.

Mar 26

AUB International Collective 2025

TheGallery

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...

Mar 26

Book signing by local author Iain Dryden

West Bay Discovery Centre

Local author Iain Dryden will be signing his new book The Wonder Coast from 11 am -2 pm on Wednesday 26th March 2025. The book is an inspirational journey through drawings and stories around the...

Mar 26

Brambly Hedge Summer Story Trail

Abbotsbury Swannery

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...

Mar 26

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...

Mar 26

Design; Disruption; Divergence

TheGallery

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...

Mar 26

Digital Art and Oil Paintings

Prepare to be captivated by a blend of digital art and traditional oil painting as two local artists, Phill and Richard, come together to showcase their unique creations. This exclusive exhibition...

Mar 26

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...

Mar 26

Easter Hunt

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Rosie the rabbit has hidden 10 Easter egg shapes around the park. Your mission is to solve the brand new riddles, spot the eggs and write down the letters to work out who laid the golden egg. Head to...

Mar 26

Events at Durlston Country Park: Guided Walks

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

29th September, Layers in the Landscape Walk, 11am-12.30pm Discover how geology, history and natural processes have created Durlston's unique landscape. 13th...

Mar 26

Fairytales and Folklore

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra brings you a magical evening of Fairytales and Folklore at the Lighthouse, Poole. On Wednesday 26 March the BSO are thrilled to be joined by not only, accordionist...

Mar 26

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...

Mar 26

Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

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...

Mar 26

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...

Mar 26

Gladiator Trail

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

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....

Mar 26

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,...

Mar 26

Kings' View Experience

Corfe Castle

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...

Mar 26

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,...

Mar 26

Myth & Reality - Exhibition on Smuggling in the 18th Century

West Bay Discovery Centre

The Centre's latest seasonal exhibition running from 15th February to 15th June 2025 looks back to a time in the mid-18th to 19th Centuries when smuggling was widespread along the South Coast. The...