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

Jan 31

African Art and Sculpture Exhibition

Opens November 2022 We are working with members of the wider community to bring unseen objects in our collection to life through our upcoming exhibition on African art and sculpture. Keep an eye on...

Jan 31

Birdwatching for Beginners Course at Radipole Lake (3 sessions over 3 weeks)

RSPB Weymouth Wetlands (Radipole and Lodmoor)

This winter at Radipole Lake we are offering a 3-part bird watching course for beginners. Perfect if you want to learn more about finding and identifying the birds we have here at Radipole Lake or...

Jan 31

Bite the Bullet Exhibition

The Keep Military Museum

Come and see our brand new exhibition exploring the impact of bullets through our historic collection!

Jan 31

Cool Coast Ice Rink

Cool Coast Ice Rink is the largest indoor ice skating rink on the South Coast, located seasonally in Bournemouth International Centre. Thousands of you enjoy our ice rink every year, as it’s the...

Jan 31

Events at Durlston Country Park: Cuppa and Chat

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Cuppa and Chat Enjoy a cuppa, make new friends and enjoy the lovely woodland setting of the Durlston ‘Shed’. Just drop in and say hello to our ‘Sheddies’. FREE....

Jan 31

Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Run

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Free Weekly Park Run, Every Saturday at 9am Get fit in a great location! Durlston Country Park is now host to Park Run every Saturday. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world....

Jan 31

Events at Durlston Country Park:Durlston Past: Exhibition

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Durlston Past: Exhibition Explore the fascinating 20th Century history of Durlston and the ‘Durlston Pleasure Grounds’. FREE In the Fine Foundation Gallery.

Jan 31

ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool

The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Tearooms

Back For 2023! - The Blue Pool will be bringing back ILLUMINATE in association with OT Event Technicians for it's second year. Following on from the success of 2022, this year will include new...

Jan 31

Nativity the Musical

Shaftesbury Arts Centre

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish – to star in a Nativity – and at St Bernadette's School they're attempting to mount a musical version! The only trouble is,...

Jan 31

Portraits of Golden Cap Exhibition

Lyme Regis Museum

Local artist Edward Hall draws his inspiration from the dramatic coastal and inland landscapes of Dorset's Jurassic Coast. His latest exhibition, 'Portraits of Golden Cap', explores the...

Jan 31

Telling Tales: The Story of Victorian Narrative Art

Narrative Art was the reality television of the Victorian era. While the artistic elite rejected it, the general public loved to see soap opera drama on the gallery walls. Its accessible and...

Feb 01

Guided Snowdrop Walks

Kingston Lacy

Join one of the Kingston Lacy volunteers on an exclusive walk down paths lined with carpets of snowdrops. Learn more about the many different varieties and discover their long history at Kingston...

Feb 01

Snowdrops at Minterne Gardens

Minterne Gardens

Chase away the Winter Blues with a walk around Minterne’s wild woodland garden carpeted with delicate snowdrops. A welcome assurance that the brighter days of spring are on their way, this...

Feb 02

Birdwatching for Beginners Course (3 sessions over 3 weeks)

RSPB Arne Nature Reserve

This winter at Arne we are offering a 3-part bird watching course for beginners. Perfect if you want to learn more about finding and identifying the birds we have here at Arne or even in your garden...

Feb 02

Events at Durlston Country Park: Pleasure Grounds Guided Walk

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Pleasure Grounds Guided Walk Enjoy the Durlston Pleasure Grounds and discover their wildlife and history. £3. 11am-12.30pm on 5th May and 4th August 2022.