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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

Crafts at The Chapel Spring Fair Apr 19

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...

Willow Basket Making Workshop Apr 19

Willow Basket Making Workshop

Create this stunning unusual looking Polish basket with a chunky hazel or birch handle. It's perfect for house plants, dried flowers or even collecting berries and foraging. During the day you...

Medieval Calligraphy and illuminations workshop Apr 20

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...

Wedding and Festival Flower Crowns Apr 20

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 Apr 22

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...

Plan Your Visit

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Read our guest blogs

Dorchester Literary Festival

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....

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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...

Cranborne Earthouse

Immersive Events in Dorset this Summer

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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...

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