What's on in Dorset

Looking to find out what's on in Dorset? You’ve come to the right place Dorset has 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 .Dorset's country life is showcased at the many county shows and country fairs where prize animals parade, and the thrill of the fairground beckons. Dorset 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. There's plenty of Dorset events to choose from, check out our listings below!

Add to the mix fantastic beaches, beautiful countryside and great attractions, and you can see why there are always plenty of reasons to visit Dorset.

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?

Outdoor events in Dorset!

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?

Family events in Dorset

Looking for an event that the whole family will enjoy? There are so many family events taking place across Dorset that we don't know where to start! There's carnivals, country shows, festivals, tank displays, nature events....the list goes on! Check out our listings below to find your perfect Dorset family event!

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

Apr 22

Abbotsbury Swannery Interactive Brambly Hedge Trail

Abbotsbury Swannery

The wonderful Brambly Hedge are back for a final season with us. The interactive trail is based on The High Hills book, along with a charming story trail-based Sea Story from the Brambly Hedge...

Apr 22

Bike Nights on Poole Quay

Bike Nights on Poole Quay for 2026 will start on Tuesday 7 April. The event creates a unique, exciting atmosphere as bikers and spectators enjoy a relaxed evening on Poole Quay. The...

Apr 22

David Brooke - Painter. An exhibition of mythical wonderment through paint

David Brooke is a well know local painter with a very individual style. His imagination allows him to stylise his characters and landscapes to achieve a mythical or fantastical feel. His works have a...

Apr 22

Exhibition: Changing Landscapes

West Bay Discovery Centre

Our Changing Landscapes exhibition celebrates 25 years of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site. Explore fossils including ammonites, see a model Jurassic seabed, watch short films about coastal...

Apr 22

Exhibition: The Women of Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle

Meet the women who shaped Highcliffe Castle. Four stories. Long overlooked. Now front and centre

Apr 22

Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)

John Schlesinger's sumptuously evocative version of Thomas Hardy's story of love and betrayal, shot on locations across Dorset 60 years ago. Starring three British screen icons of the 1960s -...

Apr 22

Flower Fairies™: Enchantment by the Sea

Russell-Cotes House, Gallery and Garden

Discover the magic of Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies in a stunning seaside setting. Step into a world of magic and wonder with Flower Fairies™: Enchantment by the Sea, an exhibition...

Apr 22

From Page to Screen - Bridport's Film Festival

The annual 5-day celebration of film returns to Bridport from Wed 22-Sun 26 April 2026. Founded in 2009 and organised by Bridport Arts Centre, From Page to Screen is the UK's only film festival...

Apr 22

Head Space

Hengistbury Head

An exhibition of new work by local professional artist Ben Winter. Growing up in Southbourne, Bournemouth, Dorset on the South Coast of the UK, Hengistbury Head has been a constant and integral part...

Apr 22

Holistic Water Retreat

Step aboard for a deeply restorative three-hour holistic retreat cruise through the tranquil waters of Poole Harbour. This is more than a boat journey – it's an invitation to reconnect with...

Apr 22

Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration

Poole Museum invites you to step into the creative world of Lucian Freud with a FREE exhibition that's all about discovery and detail. Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration shines...

Apr 22

Murder Mystery Adventure

Get ready to immerse yourself in a murder mystery adventure around Weymouth! You are a private investigator, tasked with solving the most high profile murder case to hit Weymouth in years. The victim?...

Apr 22

Organ Symphony

Lighthouse Poole Arts and Entertainment

A great night out for those passionate about the piano, enjoy Organ Symphony at Lighthouse, Poole on Wednesday 22 April. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra are joined by soloist Cédric Tiberghien...

Apr 22

People Watching Art Exhibition

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Exploring the concept of image and portraiture in British art, 'People Watching' will feature approximately 50 works of sculpture, paintings, drawings, and photography from 1915 to the present...

Apr 22

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Peppa Pig and friends are back in their brand new live stage show! With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done, it's an...

Apr 22

Peppa Pig's Big Family Show!

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

With a new arrival on the way the whole family are busy getting ready. With building and decorating work to be done it's an oinktastic makeover and Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig & George all...

Apr 22

Room on the Broom Family Trail

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

Join Witch's magical adventure! Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Moors Valley Country Park. This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed...

Apr 22

Spring Safari Cruises

Spring migration always brings along the excitement and anticipation that anything could rock up. Set alongside the scenic views of Corfe Castle and Brownsea Island, join the team as we encounter the...

Apr 22

Visible Women Photographic Exhibition

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery

Lucy Sewill is an acclaimed photographer whose dynamic career spans portraiture and figurative fine art. Her work is held in the National Portrait Gallery, and she has exhibited and been published...

Apr 23

'Pilgrim Places of Dorset'

Shaftesbury Arts Centre

Author and researcher, Dr Nick Mayhew-Smith, will be exploring the sacred heritage of Dorset, celebrating both the natural and built heritage of sacred sites. His illustrated talk will guide us...