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.
Eventscoming soon!
All Access AUB: World In Motion
Now in its fourth year, the All Access AUB programme welcomed a group of Year 12 students over the summer to give them a taste of what it's like to be a student and study a creative course at AUB....
Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place Exhibition
Artists in Purbeck: Spirit of Place 12 October 2024 – 16 March 2025 Discover the beautiful artistic heritage of Purbeck during a transformative time. Delve into the works of well-known artists who...
Community Quilt Display
The Community Quilt is a collaborative project that invited community groups, visitors, volunteers and staff at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery to craft small squares inspired by artefacts from the...
Cool Coast Ice Rink
Ice skating is back at Bournemouth International Centre this winter! Open rain or shine the Cool Coast Ice Rink is the south coast’s biggest indoor seasonal ice rink. Cool Coast Ice Rink is the...
Early Morning Snowdrop Walks
Join a volunteer-led, early morning walk through Kingston Lacy's gardens before the property opens. Discover the magnificent snowdrop collection and explore the garden with its seasonal carpet of...
Gladiator Trail
Step into the thrilling world of gladiators with our Gladiator Trail, a fun-filled family activity that will take you on an exciting journey through the museum in search of gladiator-related objects....
Half Price Admission to the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
To beat the New Year blues, we are offering 50% off admission tickets from 21 January until 14 February. This offer will give half price entry to the historic house and art galleries, including our...
History Community Lectures
Due to popular demand, we're pleased to offer extra History Community Lectures held at Weymouth College, open to all. The last remaining talks of this season include: 6th February - Jon Dixon,...
ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool
Begin the New Year and join us as we kick off The Blue Pool's 90th Anniversary with the dazzling Illuminate 2025 event. The Nature Reserve will be transformed into a magical woodland with over 1km...
Pliosaur - The Terrifying Sea-Rex
The Home of Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster! On the back of the incredible BBC documentary 'Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster' we are very excited to share our amazing Pliosaur skull...
Poole Museum presents 'Men of Iron' Exhibition
Poole Museum's latest exhibition, which is being hosted at Lighthouse, Poole, honours the faces, stories and craftsmanship of Poole's Foundry workers, 40 years on from its closure. This...
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Season
Come and enjoy thousands of snowdrops planted in and around the historic hilltop town of Shaftesbury, Dorset. Shaftesbury's snowdrop season is one of the biggest events of its type in the country,...
Singing Bowl Soundbath
Singing Bowl Soundbath. Lie down, relax, and allow the Pure Sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning give you a sonic deep-tissue massage, taking you into the deeper...
Snowdrops at Minterne Gardens
Minterne Gardens reopens on 1 February 2025 for the Snowdrops and will be open daily during February while the snowdrops last. 27 ACRES OF WILD WOODLAND GARDEN WITH CARPET DRIFTS OF SNOWDROPS....
Stick Man Trail
Set off with a hop and twirl as you join Stick Man on his forest adventure. The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the...
Cello Elegy
Experience a celebration of the Cello with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and one of the leading cellists of her generation: Laura van der Heijden. On Wednesday 12 February the BSO return to the...
Fundraising Coffee Morning
Bridport Leisure Centre will be holding a community coffee morning, raising funds for Dementia Friendly Exercises Classes, that are held at the centre each week. The event will take place throughout...
Get into Nordic
Get into Nordic Walking. An opportunity to learn the technique of Nordic Walking from a qualified instructor. A great social activity to help increase your levels of exercise and improve your health...
Lino Cuttting Workshop
Lino Cutting Workshop Ever wanted to try your hand at lino cutting? Join us for a creative evening and learn a new skill, hosted by Bella & Barley.
Roman Dorchester Walk
Step back in time with our trained guides and immerse yourself in the historic Roman town of Durnovaria… Scattered throughout the busy market town of Dorchester are traces of a Roman past....
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Why notstay a while?
Bookham Court
Bookham Court Holiday Cottages enjoy panoramic views over Thomas Hardy's Blackmore Vale in Dorset. Personally run by Nicola Foot, the Holiday Cottages are furnished to a high standard, making this...
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: 85% Gold Award Lyme seafront cottage for four with private parking, Cliff Cottage is one of the quaint pink cottages seconds away...
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...
Crabbers' Wharf
Discover the Charm of Crabbers’ Wharf luxury apartments – Your Seaside Escape. Nestled on the edge of Portland Harbour, Crabbers’ Wharf offers a unique self-catering experience where...
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
At the head of a long valley, overlooking Eggardon Iron Age Hill Fort in the heart of Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and without so much as a hamlet in sight, a stay at Dorset...
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 5 Star, 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
A warm welcome awaits you at Graston Farm Cottages nestled in the beautiful Bride Valley, just a mile from the sea, a perfect location for outdoor lovers. Enjoy excellent walking and cycling routes...
Helpful Holidays
Helpful Holidays offers a diverse selection of self-catering cottages in Dorset, catering to various preferences and group sizes. With properties in both West and East Dorset guests can choose between...
Kingston Country Courtyard
Kingston Country Courtyard is a 16th century B&B accommodation. We have 26 rooms located around two courtyards with car parking facilities onsite. We have a wide variety of rooms available...
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...
Lyme Regis Stays
Mike & Anna are the masterful synergy behind Lyme Regis Stays, who offer a wonderful, handpicked boutique collection of properties to suit every need and ensure you have the perfect base to...
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 full breakfast, daily room...
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...
Riverside Park
We are located on the banks of the River Stour in the centre of the beautiful historic town of Christchurch, within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, spectacular natural harbour, Hengistbury...