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Art events in Dorset

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.

Enjoy a live performance

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.

Extraordinary festivals

Be surprised, moved, entertained or contemplative, or maybe them all, as you make your way round Dorset as part of the Inside Out Festival.

Taking place every other year, Inside Out Dorset wows the crowds with some of the zaniest events around.

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.

Feast your eyes

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.

Find out more

For a more comprehensive view of all the great arts events going on in Dorset, visit:

Highlightedart events

Belshazzar's Feast May 14

Belshazzar's Feast

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra brings an exciting concert to finish our main concert season. Conducted by David Hill and featuring soloists Stephen Osbourne, Andrew Hamilton and the Bournemouth...

Our Stories: Queer in the Countryside May 14

Our Stories: Queer in the Countryside

This May-August Bridport Arts Centre celebrates LGBTQIA+ lives and creativity in rural West Dorset with a season of performances, workshops and artworks. The season profiles work by local LGBTQIA+...

Stampede By The Sea Trail May 14

Stampede By The Sea Trail

The Stampede By The Sea Trail is a new, free and interactive way to explore the stunning landscapes of west Dorset while supporting the incredible work of Weldmar Hospicecare. Along the...

The Great Tail Trail May 14

The Great Tail Trail

Julia's House is making a splash across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with The Great Tail Trail - a community art adventure that encourages everyone to be a tourist in their own back yard!...

Murder at Upton Manor May 15

Murder at Upton Manor

Join us on Thursday, 15th of May 2025, at Upton House, Poole, for a captivating Regency-themed murder mystery evening in support of Julia's House, Dorset & Wiltshire Children's Hospices.

Defashion Dorset May 16

Defashion Dorset

Hawkers Farm is hosting Defashion Dorset on Fri 16th & Sat 17th May 2025 now in its third year. Founded by Jennifer Morisetti as an opportunity to celebrate local fibre growers and makers and a...

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