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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

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

Snowdrops in Art Feb 03

Snowdrops in Art

Annual open exhibition of snowdrop related art coinciding with Shaftesbury's Snowdrop Festival. A great range of art in many styles and mediums from painting and photography to ceramics and...

Sherborne Digby Hall Monthly Market Mar 04

Sherborne Digby Hall Monthly Market

Monthly market of Antiques, Arts ,Crafts, Food & more . Cafe, Free entry, Parking, Toilets. Up to 70 stalls, Held the 1st Saturday of every month 10am to 3pm, March until December. Located in...

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