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:
- Activate Performing Arts
- Artsreach
- Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Bridport Arts Centre
- B Sharp
- Coda Music Trust
- Dorchester Arts Centre
- Dorset Music Service
- Opera Circus
- Shaftesbury Arts Centre
- Sherborne Arts Link
- Sting in the Tale
- Walford Mill Crafts
Highlightedart events
Arthur Neal in the East Wing Gallery at Athelhampton House
An Exhibition by the artist Arthur Neal - 30th March until 14th June 2025. Ultramarine rippling at the edge of the strand fades to dusky twilight meetings and partings; red folds of the linen dress...
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...
May Morris: Art and Advocacy
On loan from The William Morris Society, this beautiful exhibition will explore the wide-ranging talents and accomplishments of May Morris (1862-1938), the younger daughter of Arts & Craft...
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+...
Sculpture Trail at Holme for Garden
Come along and explore a selection of sculptures made from stone, metal, glass, and ceramic by a variety of artists. Tickets are included with garden entry, which can be purchased at Holme for...
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
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!...
Willow Deer Workshop with Jo Sadler
Taught by local willow artist Jo Sadler, this fun and creative course will guide you through the process of how to sculpt a deer out of willow. Using locally sourced willow from Somerset, you will...
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
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...
Plan Your Visit
Share your Dorset
What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.
Read our guest blogs
Discover Beaminster: A Hidden Gem of Dorset
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Jasmine O’Hare and photographer Jayne Jackson share their new favourite spot in Dorset. Nestled in a beautiful natural valley and surrounded by rolling hills is Beaminster, a charming town...
Dorset Book Festivals
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Dorset has inspired a wealth of writers throughout history, and many have called it home. It’s only fitting that this county has an abundance of literary festivals throughout the year....
Autumn & Winter in Dorchester
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This month, our guest blog writer Jasmine from the Arts Development Company shares her favourite place to visit in Dorchester during the Autumn and Winter months. This beautiful, historic market town...