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:

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

Sep 24

Climate Change

To complement the 'Inside Out Dorset' project being held on the Symondsbury Estate, Sou'-Sou'-West Arts Gallery will be exhibiting work which focuses on climate change in its broadest...

Sep 24

Coast and Country - Michael Stride & Fiona Powell-Tuck

Town Mill

Michael Stride: Energetic watercolours and textured acrylics with new explorations with mixed media working the powerful force of nature on the land and sea. Originals and giclee prints, large and...

Sep 24

Events at Durlston Country Park: Art Exhibition:n‘Brushes with Colour’

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Art Exhibition:n‘Brushes with Colour’ Dorset painters Heather MacGregor, Dick Hewitson and Heather Gibbons respond to colour, through shape, line, pattern and texture. Fine Foundation...

Sep 24

Fossils, Fish and Feathers

Lyme Regis Museum

Fossils, Fish and Feathers is the title of the up-coming watercolour exhibition of recent work by Lyme Bay Artist Trisha Hayman, which will be on show at the Rotunda Gallery of the Lyme Regis Museum...