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.

Jan 27

An Artist's Journey: Paintings by Dianne Mary Alice

Lyme Regis Museum

Dianne Mary Alice is a professional artist who came to be living by the sea in Dorset via West London and the French canals. She started taking art classes after retiring from a career in fashion,...

Jan 27

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...

Jan 27

Chef

Keyneston Mill

A sharp, funny script and excellent cast bring this heart-warming comedy to life. Whether you are foodie or not, this film is a joyful and original treat starring John Favreau, Eva Vergaria and Dustin...

Jan 27

Cool Coast Ice Rink

Cool Coast Ice Rink – the south coasts’ largest indoor skate rink is back for the winter everyone is welcome! Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned figure skater, our rink is...

Jan 27

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...

Jan 27

Events at Durlston Country Park: Naturally Beautiful Dorset Exhibition

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Naturally Beautiful Dorset Exhibition Discover the landscape of the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the people who live and work here. Includes seasonal stories from Stepping into Nature...

Jan 27

Horticultural Course

Keyneston Mill

This Course Is Perfect For Anyone Who Wishes To Build Their Gardening Know-How And Learn How To Design Or Adapt Their Outdoor Space To Provide Fragrance And Pleasure Throughout The Seasons. Led By Our...

Jan 27

ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve & Tearooms

New for 2022 - The Blue Pool has teamed up with OT Event Technicians to create ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool. Begin the New Year with a spectacular evening of illuminations and music, take time to...

Jan 27

Live Music

Every month we will be welcoming an array of singers and bands to bring live music to the pub. No need for a ticket and no entry fee. Just pop along to enjoy the incredible acts were have in store...

Jan 27

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...

Jan 28

ALAW 'World Class Music from Wales'

Described by Songlines magazine as a "Welsh supergroup", ALAW is three leading musicians who bring a wealth of experience to a shared passion - the traditional music of Wales. Nia Lynn's...

Jan 28

The Coastal Comedy Show with Stephen Bailey

We have pulled out all the stops to bring you a fantastic show with top acts up close and personal in our beautiful intimate venue at Canvas. Our headliner is the incredibly talented Stephen Bailey...

Jan 29

ALAW 'World Class Music from Wales'

Described by Songlines magazine as a "Welsh supergroup", ALAW is three leading musicians who bring a wealth of experience to a shared passion - the traditional music of Wales. Nia Lynn's...

Jan 29

Mosaic Workshop

Museum of East Dorset

In this friendly, relaxed workshop you will learn about the various mosaic materials and techniques of cutting and laying tesserae. You will make a 25cmsq panel on board with a choice of vitreous...

Jan 29

Multi Story Theatre 'Hefted'

Hefted is a play told through nine stories embedded in the landscape, history, and psyche of rural life, presented by four actors who conjure a score of characters between them, interspersed with song...

Jan 30

ALAW 'World Class Music from Wales'

Described by Songlines magazine as a "Welsh supergroup", ALAW is three leading musicians who bring a wealth of experience to a shared passion - the traditional music of Wales. Nia Lynn's...

Jan 30

Bernadette Russell '366 Days of Kindness'

On August 18th 2011, in response to the UK riots and after a chance encounter in a post office, Bernadette Russell embarked on a reckless mission to be kind to a stranger every single day for a year....

Jan 30

Events at Durlston Country Park: Senior Ranger's Wildlife Favourites

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Senior Ranger's Wildlife Favourites Join Katie Black for a talk to share her wildlife highlights over her past years of working at Durlston. Meet at the Castle Booking essential. £3.

Jan 30

Multi Story Theatre 'Hefted'

Hefted is a play told through nine stories embedded in the landscape, history, and psyche of rural life, presented by four actors who conjure a score of characters between them, interspersed with song...

Jan 30

Seasonal scented wreath with fairy lights

Keyneston Mill

What could be more attractive than a wreath on your door or fireplace celebrating the seasons. Join us for a creative and fun morning in which you will make your own wreath using a variety of seasonal...