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
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...
Crafts at The Chapel Spring Fair
DD&B Interiors will be back at The Peek Chapel in Lyme Regis this Spring, along with some wonderful local artists who will be bringing examples of their beautiful, original work. Original work...
Medieval Calligraphy and illuminations workshop
Ben is an expert scribe and limner. He has been practising calligraphy since 2018, but has been a professional graphic designer and illustrator all his life. On this course using authentic materials...
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...
Wedding and Festival Flower Crowns
During this course you will receive both group and individual support to help you learn to make beautiful flower crowns that really make a statement. These can range from formal to fancy designs,...
Earth Day 2024: Junk to Funk & Sustainable Art
Come and join us on this informative and fun workshop to celebrate Earth Day and learn about how to reduce your waste in the home and reinvent some everyday household items by getting crafty. During...
Earth Day Junk to Funk and Sustainable Art
Come and join us on this free, informative and fun workshop to celebrate Earth Day and learn about how to reduce your waste in the home and reinvent some everyday household items by getting crafty....
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...
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...
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
- 2 minute read
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
- 3 minute read
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...