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

Jul 27

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...

Jul 27

Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition

Russell-Cotes House, Gallery and Garden

Step back in time and explore recognisable Bournemouth scenes through the years, from our collection. In this mini exhibition, we will be exhibiting watercolours and lithographs from notable Dorset...

Jul 27

Bimble Bandada 2024

100% Solar Powered, family friendly music festival. You can expect our standard Bimble standards... 100% solar powered... quality music and entertainment... and the very best food food and soul food...

Jul 27

Birdwatching for Beginners guided walks

RSPB Arne Nature Reserve

Always wanted to take your birdwatching skills to that next level? Come join our expert guides as they take you through the many species that can be found across Arne, no experience required. Each...

Jul 27

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is a 3-day unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and heritage in Bournemouth through reggae music with a full range of entertainment and...

Jul 27

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is an independently run 3-day unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and heritage in Bournemouth through Reggae music with a full range of...

Jul 27

Bridport Folk Festival

We are delighted to confirm that the Bridport Folk Festival will return next year with an exciting line up. Keep an eye on the website www.bridportfolkfestival.com as more information comes through!...

Jul 27

BSO Disco Symphonic Spectacular

Relive the magical sounds of the seventies in this trip back to a time of big hair and platform shoes, wide lapels and Denim aftershave! Crammed full of Disco tracks by the Bee Gees, Earth Wind and...

Jul 27

BSO Proms in the Park 2024

The BSO Proms in the Park return to Meyrick Park for another fantastic weekend of music, fun and fireworks with two spectacular open-air concerts! On Friday 26 July we have our Classical Extravaganza...

Jul 27

Camp Bestival

Lulworth Castle and Park

Camp Bestival is one of the UK's best-loved and most successful family festivals combining action-packed festival adventures with a fantastic family camping holiday! 2024’s festival will...

Jul 27

Ceilidh

Ceilidh with 'Tim Laycock and Friends' (Caller Angela Laycock) Saturday 27th July from 7pm. £10 pp with a cash BBQ & Bar raising funds for the Ibberton PCC Fabric Fund. Ibberton,...

Jul 27

Choral Evensong

You are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 27th July at 4.30pm in St Peter's Church, Dorchester. The music includes Parry 'Never weather...

Jul 27

Circus Vegas

For a discount call the box office on 07494774008 or online with Ticketmaster and quote 'ACROBAT' Must be booked at least 24 hours before showtime THIS YEAR a new death-defying circus is...

Jul 27

Dark Ages Weekend

The Ancient Technology Centre welcomes you to the second of our public open weekends - this time to the Dark Ages of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings! Come and see the Viking villagers doing their daily...

Jul 27

Events at Durlston Country Park: 'Landing Among the Stars' Exhibition

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Low Carbon Dorset: Our Journey to Net Zero' Display Exhibition, 10am-5pm Display of photography, exploring how Dorset is preparing for a greener future. Fine Foundation Gallery: ...

Jul 27

Events at Durlston Country Park: Meet a Moth

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Meet a Moth! Take a look at what we’ve found in last night’s moth trap. Donations welcome. Taking place 2pm on 11th June, 23rd July, 13th August, 3rd September...

Jul 27

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...

Jul 27

Events at Durlston Country Park: Pirates of Purbeck Activity Trail

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Pirates of Purbeck Activity Trail. 10am-4pm X marks the spot! Follow the map to find the treasure! Obtain your trail pack from the reception desk at the castle, £3.50

Jul 27

Exciting Things to Do in Bournemouth

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained in Bournemouth this summer? Whether you're a local or just visiting Bournemouth, visit us at RockReef & PierZip on Bournemouth Pier offers...

Jul 27

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...