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
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.
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
Dorset Art Weeks
Dorset Art Weeks 2022 Artists from across the whole of Dorset are busy preparing for the ever popular Open Studio event in May. This year celebrates 30 years since the very first Dorset Arts Week. The...
Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Yoga
Park Yoga Outdoor yoga sessions FREE 9.30am – 10.30 every Sunday morning from Sunday 1st May to Sunday 11th September 2022. * Who is it for? Everyone welcome any level of experience and age....
Events at Durlston Country Park: ‘Purbeck Places - Take another Look’ Exhibition
‘Purbeck Places - Take another Look’ Exhibition: 10.30am-4.30pm Paintings by Heather Gibbons featuring the Purbeck landscape through colour, shape, line and texture from initial...
Exhibition: The Lost Words
This enchanting exhibition combines the creative talents of writer Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris to celebrate the relationship between language and the living world, and nature’s...
Living Landscapes: Antonia Phillips
Paintings exploring Antonia's enjoyment of working within the landscape, from journeys near and far. Celebrating our amazing British countryside, unique National Parks & glorious Scottish...
St Michael's Artists @ Dorset Art Weeks
Venue 201 – St Michael's Artists – 9 artists working in different workspaces around St Michael's Trading Estate, now a vibrant hub for the visual arts, will be opening up their intriguing...
Waterline
Waterline 2022, the second in a long-term collaboration between two like-minded artists, Tricia Scott and Lois Wakeman, is a fascinating exhibition of contemporary abstract photography that features...
Accessible Weymouth!
A tour of some of the Weymouth Sculpture Trail, specifically for anyone who uses a mobility aid such as a scooter or wheelchair. In this tour, we will explore the barriers for disabled people in...
Art Exhibition - Andrew Thomas SWAC - Sculptor
A long awaited, not to be missed, solo art exhibition by Purbeck artist and sculptor Andrew Thomas SWAc, will be opening its doors from May 28th for nine days. This is the first opportunity in many...
Lyme Regis Art Society Annual Exhibition
Our annual exhibition gives our 60+ members a chance to display their work. Many attend local art classes and there will be a wide range of artwork, together with prints, cards, painted pebbles and...