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You are here: What's On > Art Events
Are you looking to find the best arts events in Dorset?
Dorset is a hotbed of creativity and expression and hosts a vibrant programme of productions in theatre, music, comedy, dance and film alongside an exciting mix of exhibitions and visual arts.
Dorset is also proud to promote a well supported network of Art Centres and organisations that promotes cultural development in the county.
The atmosphere of watching a play or live music in a village hall environment is much more intimate and engaging than in a large theatre and it stimulates a special connection between the performers and the audience that you don’t get elsewhere.
Wherever you are based in Dorset, you’ll have the opportunity to see some amazing productions from professional touring companies.
Be astounded at the exquisite talents of ballet dancers as they pirouette before your eyes or marvel at one-man plays; feel your spirit soar as your venue becomes filled with the sounds of samba and giggle until your sides split at a local comedy night.
Each year Dorset wows the crowds with some of the zaniest events around.
Be surprised, moved, entertained or contemplative, or maybe them all, as you make your way round Dorset as part of the Inside Out Festival.
From circus acts in Gillingham, sculpture at Hengistbury Head, a big wild sleepout with the RSPB and an outdoor performance to celebrate the Autumn Equinox, these are extraordinary events in extraordinary places.
As well as performance, Dorset has a varied programme of touring visual art exhibitions which circulate to rural galleries and other venues throughout the area.
You can visit contemporary craft shows, thematic exhibitions and displays from both national and regional artists.
For a more comprehensive view of all the great arts events going on in Dorset, visit:
Number of results: 66
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Arts and Culture
Bournemouth and Poole’s award-winning seafront has been transformed into a work of art! The Selfie Wall Trail stretches from Sandbanks all the way to Southbourne! Win fantastic prizes! Use #loveselfiewalls
Christmas
BRIDPORT
A showcase filled with a wide variety of original 2D and 3D arts and crafts that make ideal gifts for the holiday season.
Art
BRIDPORT
An open exhibition of 2D and 3D artwork made by artists from the Southwest that focuses on and celebrates colour and form.
Cinema & Film
Blandford Forum
***Cancelled***
Following on from our very popular outdoor film showings, we have a new programme of Autumn Cinema & Supper Evenings. Enjoy a delicious two-course meal plus a film in the relaxed surroundings of The Scented Botanist at Keyneston Mill.
Performance
WIMBORNE MINSTER
Millstream, our resident company of learning disabled actors, presents a brand new short film based on a traditional folk tale (collected by storyteller Duncan Williamson).
The film, combining drama, dance, poetry, animated drawing and original…
Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster
Talk or Lecture
SWANAGE
Swanage Pier have immense pleasure in announcing a series of five talks about the wildlife, geology, and coastal history around the Purbeck Coast. Swanage Pier creates a unique set of conditions which allow a huge diversity of wildlife to live…
Swanage Pier, Swanage
Comedy
LYME REGIS
This event has moved from Thursday, 16 April 2020 to Sunday 7 February 2021.
Comedian Suzi Ruffell has made a name for herself by turning tragedy and anxiety into big laughs. This year she is actually happy. This show answers the question: are all…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Talk or Lecture
WIMBORNE MINSTER
Join Collections Officer, Mark Neathey on Zoom to explore the Victorian's vital contribution to the Valentines tradition of sending a card to your loved one.
Learn how the Museum came to own one of the best collections in existence.
Zoom…
Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster
Art
Coram Avenue, LYME REGIS
Lyme Light is a solo exhibition in the Museum's Rotunda Gallery of landscape paintings and drawings by local artist Pauline Sayers, a member of Lyme Bay Arts.
Subtitled 'Where Sea Meets Sky', this exhibition of paintings represents, in Pauline's…
Lyme Regis Museum, Lyme Regis
Music
LYME REGIS
This date of this event has changed (the previous date was 27 March). All tickets for the original date are valid for the new date.
Alt-folk musician Rozi Plain is visiting following the release of her latest album ‘What A Boost’ released on…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Talk or Lecture
SWANAGE
Swanage Pier have immense pleasure in announcing a series of five talks about the wildlife, geology, and coastal history around the Purbeck Coast. Standing at the end of the pier you are treated to a fantastic view of part of England's only natural…
Swanage Pier, Swanage
Musicals
Bournemouth
The worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton returns to the UK. The multi-million pound show dazzles all the senses in breath-taking style. Guaranteed to blow your mind, this musical phenomenon is not to be missed!
Major Event
LYME REGIS
Lance Corporal Richard Jones is the only magician to ever win Britain’s Got Talent. He’s a world-class celebrity performer seen entertaining at royal parties and in theatres across the world. He returns to Lyme for a very special family show!
This…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Jazz
Bournemouth
The new date is Monday 8 March 2021 and existing tickets remain valid for the new date.
If you have any queries about your booking please email bhlive.tickets@bhlive.org.uk
Gregory Porter, international best selling artist and two time…
Film
LYME REGIS
This is a special pre-release screening of a film shot in Dorset with a mainly local cast and crew, including a Q&A with its director. It features Brian Cox, Hugh Fraser, Michael Maloney, Nicole Ansari Cox and Tom Barber Duffy in the title role…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Art
WIMBORNE MINSTER
Using our beautiful garden as inspiration, capture all the form and details of the delicate petals and leaves in clay.
Colour can be added to highlight the plant forms and add depth to the piece.
This is a friendly relaxed workshop…
Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster
Event
Bournemouth
NB: This event has been rescheduled from 24 March 2020. Tickets for the original date remain valid.
Multi-platinum, multi-Brit and Grammy-nominated, British singer-songwriter David Gray has announced 12-date UK and European arena tour; White…
Talk or Lecture
SWANAGE
Swanage Pier have immense pleasure in announcing a series of five talks about the wildlife, geology, and coastal history around the Purbeck Coast. Back by popular demand, March's talk will explore the history of Swanage Pier from the building of…
Swanage Pier, Swanage
Music
LYME REGIS
Those familiar with singer Lucy Wainwright Roche are aware of her bell tone voice, her unshakable melodies, and her knack for wise, wry lyrics that clench the heart. It’s no surprise that Wainwright Roche is the daughter of Suzzy Roche (The Roches)…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Festival
LYME REGIS
*THIS EVENT IS RESCHEDULED TO FRI 02-SAT 03 APRIL 2021 - please save the date!!*
With over 20 beers and 20 live acts across the weekend, this promises to be a hearty celebration of beer and music. Join us by the sea for drinking, singing, and…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
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