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:
- 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
Highlightedart events
Anya Glinski Fashion History Lecture 1805-1825
The second in our series of lectures from Anya Glinski, this talk will focus on the elegant neo-classical fashions of the Regency and the shift towards the Romantic styles of the 1820s. A must for...
Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition
Step back in time and explore recognisable Bournemouth scenes through the years, from our collection. In this mini exhibition, we will be exhibiting watercolours and lithographs from notable Dorset...
Events at Durlston Country Park: 'Convergence' Art Exhibition
'Convergence' Exhibition 10am-5pm twenty3 art collective present a thought-provoking exhibition that explores themes from human experience. The artists, all recent MA Fine Art graduates...
Photography Exhibition 'Asking For It'
Shire Hall Museum is proud to host an impactful photography exhibition highlighting attitudes towards victim blaming. This exhibition from award-winning photographer Jayne Jackson explores changing...
Treasures: Scavenged Finds from Black Ven by Christine Allison
The next exhibition at the Lyme Regis Museum's Rotunda Gallery runs from 2 April to 23 May, is entitled "Treasures: Scavenged finds from Black Ven," and will feature recent work by...
Beginners Creative Clay Workshop
Be inspired by nature, in nature! During this wonderful workshop, under expert tuition, you will be inspired by your natural surroundings in the stunning walled garden at Careys to make a unique bug...
Celebration Flowers: Centre Pieces and Posies
During this course you will receive both group and individual support in order to help you learn more about making beautiful flower centrepieces and posies that will celebrate any special occasion....
Earth Sea and Sky Art Exhibition
Four Local Artists, Stephanie Mogg, Caroline Lewis, Jenny Penney and Wendy Hermelin are delighted to exhibit their multi disciplinary collection of art works. This extraordinary mix of talents makes a...
The Cabarats
FREE ENTRY The Cabarats bring a new musical experience to the global underground, combining traditional Eastern European and Middle Eastern sounds with lively reggae and ska. Using a collection of...
Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop
Join us for a hands-on experience that will spark your creativity and leave you with a stunning pure silver pendant that you made yourself! You will learn how to shape, mold, texture, fire and finish...
Plan Your Visit
Share your Dorset
What does your Dorset look like? Adventures on our epic coastline? Visiting attractions with family? A walk through the beautiful countryside? Or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends? Discover a sample of your #VisitDorset images below and share your love for Dorset using the hashtag on Instagram.
Read our guest blogs
Dorset Book Festivals
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Dorset has inspired a wealth of writers throughout history, and many have called it home. It’s only fitting that this county has an abundance of literary festivals throughout the year....
Autumn & Winter in Dorchester
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This month, our guest blog writer Jasmine from the Arts Development Company shares her favourite place to visit in Dorchester during the Autumn and Winter months. This beautiful, historic market town...
Immersive Events in Dorset this Summer
- 3 minute read
Our guest blog writer Jasmine O’Hare, from the Arts Development Company, shares her top immersive experiences this summer. Dorset is home to so many incredible events and festivals during the...