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 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.
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Afternoon Tea in the Devon Belle Observation Car
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....
Apple Weekend
Join us for a day celebrating all things Apple! Bring your apples or crush some of ours in our Roman Apple Press. Be sure to bring a container to take some of the juice home with you! Interact with...
Apple Weekend
A chance to visit the Ancient Technology Centre and explore the site which includes a replica Viking Longhouse, Iron Age roundhouse, and Roman forge, among others. Have a go at hands-on heritage...
Art and Makers Market
The Art & Makers Market, located in Westover Gardens, Bournemouth next to the new Aviary, was established over 60 years ago and is one of the largest, and longest running, open air art displays in...
Art and Makers Market
Throughout the Summer from May to September, the Art & Makers Market, in Westover Gardens, is open to the public every weekend and bank holiday from 11am to 5pm. This free attraction, run by local...
Beneath The Waves Pop Up Exhibition
2023 has been designated as "The Year of the Coast". In our new exciting 'Beneath the Waves' exhibition we look at the secrets of Lyme Bay. We explore the historical and current...
Daily Red Squirrel Walks
Autumn is the best time of the year to catch a glimpse of our shy red squirrels as they come down from the tree canopy to store food for the colder months ahead. Our free guided walks will not only...
Hidden History Quest
Join in this summer with a new family quest at Corfe Castle. Hunt around the ruins to discover the hidden history within the walls, find the secret locations and learn about Corfe Castle's hidden...
Inside Out Dorset
Inside Out Dorset is bought to you by Activate Performing Arts. Extraordinary events in extraordinary places across Dorset. Inside Out Dorset is an international outdoor arts festival that takes place...
Inside Out Dorset
From 15th to 24th September 2023, Activate Performing Arts will present performances, workshops, installations, parades and more to audiences from the county and across the UK. Featuring...
Inside Out Dorset Festival
Inside Out Dorset, the international arts festival, returns this autumn with art and performances outdoors that celebrate the county’s sense of place. Running over two weekends from 15 -...
Into The Wild Sculpture Exhibition
From 3rd July to 1st October, 2023, visitors from near and far are invited to experience the charm of the "Into The Wild" sculptures at Compton Acres. The exhibition seamlessly integrates...
Nature Heals - Photography by Trevor Parsons
Dorset Museum and Dorchester Arts co-present Nature Heals, an exhibition of nature photography by Trevor Parsons. Trevor is a local photographer with an amazing story to tell about the healing power...
Paws 4 Fort
Nothe Fort is teaming up once again with Dog Friendly Social to bring you another dog-tastic Paws 4 Fort, right here at Weymouth's number one heritage site! And this year we are delighted to...
Poole Dream Machines
Dream Machines will be back at Poole Quay, every Tuesday, from 2nd May - 26th September 2023. The event creates a unique, exciting atmosphere as bikers and spectators enjoy a relaxed...
Roman Town House Tours
Discovered in the 1930s, one of the best examples of a Roman Town House in England is situated here in Dorchester. Following the extensive refurbishment of the covered Roman Town House structure and...
Sherborne Digby Hall Monthly Market
Monthly market of Antiques, Arts ,Crafts, Food & more . Cafe, Free entry, Parking, Toilets. Up to 70 stalls, Held the 1st Saturday of every month 10am to 3pm, March until December. Located in...
Special Display Roman Coin Hoard
Discover a rare Roman coin hoard recently acquired by Dorset Museum, and find out about the work going on to preserve, research and catalogue it, in this special showcase display outside the...
Tequila Circus
Welcome to the hottest circus this year, Tequila Circus! Direct from Mexico with their zingy show, come and experience the magic of Mexico in a circus tent! With affordable prices, family tickets and...
Water and Sky Art Exhibition
In an exhibition entitled Water and Sky at the Lyme Regis Museum's Rotunda Gallery, two local artists--Mary Noon and Vivienne Littley--explore the constantly changing environments of our skies,...
Why notstay a while?
Beach Staycation Dorset
The property is situated in the Bournemouth area, perfect for weekend getaway, business trip, staycation, work-from-home alternative, or cosy home base while exploring everything Bournemouth has to...
Berehayes Holiday Cottages
Berehayes has 8 holiday cottages set in a tranquil rural village just 2 miles from the beaches of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast in West Dorset and 5 miles from the Devon...
Bookham Court
Bookham Court Holiday Cottages enjoy panoramic views over Thomas Hardy's Blackmore Vale in Dorset. Lying in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Bookham Court Holiday Cottages are...
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: 84% Gold Award Lyme seafront cottage for four with private parking, Cliff Cottage is one of the quaint pink cottages seconds away from...
Cogden Cottages
The Cogden Cottages are absolute sea view beach front family sized cottages. They are modelled from a former Victorian coastguard station which means they have the most fabulous views of all of Lyme...
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...
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
Four individually styled shepherd’s huts to choose from at Dorset Forest Garden. Winners of the Gold Award for Glamping in 2021/22 Dorset Tourism Awards. At the head of a long valley,...
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 4 * Gold, 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
Graston Farm Cottages are set in the beautiful Bride Valley and are in an ideal position for walking and cycling with just a 30 minute walk to the coast. There are numerous footpaths crossing the...
Hedgehog Corner with Hot Tubs
Hedgehog Corner with Hot Tubs. Two award-winning quality self catering accommodations for couples, each with own private hot tub. Close to Lyme Regis on the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, South West...
Kingston Country Courtyard
Kingston Country Courtyard is a 16th century B&B accommodation. We have 25 rooms located around two courtyards with car parking facilities onsite. We have a wide variety of rooms available these...
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...
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 free wi-fi and our own...
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...