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
A Celebration of Sky: Cloudscape Lino Prints
An exhibition of cloudscape lino prints by printmaker Steve Manning. Working out of his attic studio with commanding views of sky and clouds, Steve is drawn to liminal places where sky and water merge...
Art and Makers Market
Throughout the Summer from May to September, the Art & Makers Market, in Westover Gardens, is open to the public every weekend and bank holiday from 11am to 5pm. This free attraction, run by local...
Art and Makers Market
The Art & Makers Market, located in Westover Gardens, Bournemouth next to the new Aviary, was established over 60 years ago and is one of the largest, and longest running, open air art displays in...
Artist Room Louise Bourgeois
Louise Bourgeois (1911-2010) is one of the most celebrated and influential figures in modern and contemporary art. ARTIST ROOMS Louise Bourgeois brings together works from the last twenty years of her...
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: This Living Land': Exhibition
This Living Land': Exhibition Heather Gibbons paintings of Purbeck places, "painterly" transformed through colour, line, structure and texture. In the Fine Foundation...
FORM
Our award-winning sculpture show will return, with a variety of sculpture from small pieces on display in the gallery to monumental works in the park. We will be organising talks, artist...
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...
Purbeck Art Weeks Festival
Welcome to Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2023. A two week festival celebrating all aspects creative of art. Artist Open Studios for you to explore around the Purbecks offering a broad selection of...
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...