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

Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize Mar 28

Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize

The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize has an established reputation as the UK's most important annual open exhibition for drawing. Founded in 1994, the Drawing Prize celebrates talent and...

Art and Makers Market Easter Pop Up Mar 29

Art and Makers Market Easter Pop Up

This Easter the Art & Makers Market in Westover Gardens, is running a 4 day event, from Friday 29th March to Monday 1st April, open from 11am to 5pm. This free family attraction has something for...

Revolting Artists: Hope - The Underdog Winning Mar 29

Revolting Artists: Hope - The Underdog Winning

The Revolting Artists are curated, from the coastal town of Weymouth, by local artists Bod and Smithsonian Rösterino; their mission is to create a grass roots art scene whilst shining a spotlight...

Sign-Writing Course With Terry Smith Apr 08

Sign-Writing Course With Terry Smith

Terry Smith, a traditional signwriter, has been working in the traditional way, creating posters, pub and house signs, illustrations, murals, coach painting and lining for over 35 years. In a computer...

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...