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

Dec 11

A Gift Less Ordinary

Symondsbury Estate

A gallery-style exhibition providing discerning customers with the opportunity to buy an inspired present that's a bit different; something beautiful and memorable that the recipient will treasure...

Dec 11

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens Santa's Grotto

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Our Santa's Grotto is back again this year in the stunning Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Someone very special is taking time out of their busy winter schedule to visit the beautiful Gardens....

Dec 11

Artisans on the Beach

Set on Swanage seafront over the Christmas season, approx 30 beach-huts are taken over by local crafters and tradespeople all looking to sell the ideal creative gifts for you and your loved ones....

Dec 11

Behind the Scenes with the Castle Collection

Highcliffe Castle

Join the Archive Team on Tuesday 28 November, 5 December or 12 December, or the Salvage Team on Thursday 30 November, 7 December or 14 December for a brilliant 'behind the scenes'...

Dec 11

Beyond the Beach Huts: Strange Visions of Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis Museum

In a fascinating exhibition in Lyme Regis Museum's Rotunda Gallery, entitled Beyond the Beach Huts and running from 28 November until 28 January, artist Dave Wicken will be sharing with visitors...

Dec 11

Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland

Spectacular Christmas tree trail, enchanting illuminations and seasonal family fun! Experience the magical spectacle of hundreds of glittering trees from around the world. See them shimmer against the...

Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth

Christmas and New Year in Bournemouth, 16 November 2023 – 3 January 2024. Bournemouth is the perfect destination to visit, stay and get into the festive spirit. With a Christmas...

Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is a wonderful place to visit during the festive season. In the run up to Christmas, the shops will be brimming with gift ideas or you can take time to breathe in the bracing sea air...

Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Poole

Make the most of Christmas and New Year in Poole with winter walks, magical meetings with Santa, cosy stays, festive parties and even bath tub races! Whether meeting family and friends for a special...

Dec 11

Christmas and New Year in Wimborne

Enjoy Christmas in Wimborne with so much going on to get you into the Christmas spirit. From the switching on of Wimborne Minster’s Christmas lights there’s lots to see and do over...

Dec 11

Christmas at Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle

For Christmas 2023 we invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Corfe Castle where you can discover winter traditions old and new. Wayward children are invited to join our rather...

Dec 11

Christmas at Stourhead

The National Trust's Palladian house and garden is preparing to wow visitors for another year with the return of its glittering Christmas light trail between 1 December and 31 December. This...

Dec 11

Christmas in Blandford

The countdown to Christmas is well celebrated in Blandford with a festive calendar of events enjoyed by both visitors and locals alike. The Woodhouse Gardens will be illuminated from early December...

Dec 11

Christmas in Bridport

Bridport is brimming with Christmas cheer during the festive season and should certainly be on your list of locations to visit. With the town a buzz with all things Christmas you won’t be short...

Dec 11

Christmas in Christchurch

At The Regent Centre, Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special will be taking place on 5th November 2023. Let the magic of Christmas begin with all your favourite festive songs being performed live by...

Dec 11

Christmas In Dorchester

‘Tis the season to be jolly and Dorset’s county town will certainly be spreading the Christmas cheer to one and all this year. From ice skating in the open air, Christmas markets and...

Dec 11

Christmas in Shaftesbury

2023 promises to be another fun-filled festive season in Shaftesbury with something to suit all tastes and ages. The final Shaftesbury Market of the year will take place on Sunday 26th November, 10am...

Dec 11

Christmas in Sherborne

Visit the beautiful Abbey town of Sherborne and make the run up to Christmas magical! On cold and frosty December days, the twinkling lights and seasonal window displays lining the shops of...

Dec 11

Christmas in Sturminster Newton

At Christmas time the community and chamber of commerce of Sturminster Newton run a programme of events during the festive season called Let's make Stur Sparkle! There is a full...

Dec 11

Christmas in Swanage

Swanage Beach Huts

The beautiful Victorian seaside town of Swanage is the perfect destination to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Christmas Shopping Whether it is strolling through the town's main thoroughfare...