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.

Plan Your Visit

Sep 24

Afternoon Tea in the Devon Belle Observation Car

Swanage Railway

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....

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

Beneath The Waves Pop Up Exhibition

West Bay Discovery Centre

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...

Sep 24

Daily Red Squirrel Walks

Brownsea Island

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...

Sep 24

Hidden History Quest

Corfe Castle

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...

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

Inside Out Dorset

Moors Valley Country Park and Forest

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...

Sep 24

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 -...

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

Nature Heals - Photography by Trevor Parsons

Dorset Museum

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...

Sep 24

Paws 4 Fort

Nothe 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...

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

Roman Town House Tours

Dorset Museum

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...

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

Special Display Roman Coin Hoard

Dorset Museum

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...

Sep 24

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...

Sep 24

Water and Sky Art Exhibition

Lyme Regis Museum

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,...