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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

Beginners Basketry Course May 16

Beginners Basketry Course

Over the course of the workshop, you'll learn about the properties of willow, how to prepare and handle the materials, and traditional weaving patterns used in basketry and sculptural forms.

Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration May 16

Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration

Poole Museum invites you to step into the creative world of Lucian Freud with a FREE exhibition that's all about discovery and detail. Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration shines...

Macrame workshop May 21

Macrame workshop

Learn the art of macramé with ease. Join Jo from Bella and Barley in this hands-on session where you'll master a few simple knots and create your very own stylish dog lead — or a chic belt if...

Andrew Thomas S.W.A.C – Major Solo Art Exhibition May 23

Andrew Thomas S.W.A.C – Major Solo Art Exhibition

Purbeck-based sculptor Andrew Thomas S.W.A.C. presents a major solo exhibition spanning nearly four decades of work. Primarily working in wood and bronze, Thomas blends traditional craftsmanship with...

Artists in Residence Exhibition at Cerne Abbey May 23

Artists in Residence Exhibition at Cerne Abbey

Artists in Residence is an open art exhibition at Cerne Abbey in the historic village of Cerne Abbas, Dorset, forming part of Dorset Art Weeks 2026. Set within the medieval Guest House and Pond Garden...

Dorset Art Weeks May 23

Dorset Art Weeks

23 MAY - 7 JUNE 2026 Dorset Art Weeks (DAW) returns 23 MAY - 7 JUNE 2026. The largest visual arts event of its kind in the county offers 16 days to explore an extraordinary variety of art, from...

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