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 16

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 16

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 16

Blood Brothers

Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre

Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning Blood Brothers. The production ran for more than 10,000 performances in London's West End, one of only four musicals ever...

Apr 16

Candle making using repurposed containers

Avon Heath Country Park

Discover the art of sustainable candle making in this creative, eco-friendly workshop. Jo from Bella and Barley will help you transform pre-loved vessels into beautiful, unique candles. Whether...

Apr 16

Candle making using repurposed containers

Avon Heath Country Park

Discover the art of sustainable candle making in this creative, eco-friendly workshop. Jo from Bella and Barley will help you transform pre-loved vessels into beautiful, unique candles. Whether...

Apr 16

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 16

Defying Gravity this Easter at the Fleet Air Arm Museum

Follow our trail to discover the many ways we've dared to defy gravity throughout history and see if you've got what it takes to join the ranks of the world's great engineers. Beneath the...

Apr 16

Easter Holidays at Go Ape Moors Valley

Go Ape Moors Valley

Looking for fun things to do this Easter holiday in Dorset? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Moors Valley, located in the stunning 1,000-acre country park not far from Bournemouth. It's the...

Apr 16

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 16

Exhibition: The Women of Highcliffe Castle

Highcliffe Castle

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

Apr 16

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 16

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 16

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 16

La Traviata

La Traviata tells the story of Violetta, a high-class courtesan in Paris and her passionate love affair with the young nobleman, Alfredo. This tragic tale, which premiered in 1853, deals with human...

Apr 16

Long Table Lunch

Join us for a truly seasonal dining experience at River Cottage, where our award-winning chefs create a daily menu inspired by the freshest ingredients from our garden, farm, and trusted local...

Apr 16

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 16

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 16

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 16

River Cottage Four-Day Cookery Course

Spend four unforgettable days at the award-winning River Cottage Cookery School, officially accredited by the Independent Cookery Schools Association (ICSA), learning to cook seasonal, sustainable...

Apr 16

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...