What's on in Dorset

Looking to find out what's on in Dorset? You’ve come to the right place as we've got a fantastic year round events calendar for you to enjoy. Our vibrant county plays host to an amazing array of events from the mildly eccentric to the world famous .

Country life is showcased at the many county shows and country fairs throughout Dorset, where prize animals parade, and the thrill of the fairground beckons. Regattas also take place in our coastal towns, each bringing its own celebrations and a bucket-load of traditional seaside fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Add to the mix fantastic beaches, beautiful countryside and great attractions, and you can see why there are always plenty of reasons to visit.

Amazing music and food festivals with a celebrity twist!

If you are looking to see what's on in Dorset music and food wise, why not soak up the atmosphere and swing into action at one of Dorset’s many music festivals – choose from folk, jazz, classical or a well renowned festival, such as Camp Bestival, which attracts A-list entertainers to its centre stage.

There’s always a mouth watering abundance of local produce on offer at country fairs and food festivals across Dorset to tantalise your taste buds. Plus, you can pick up tips at demonstrations by celebrity and award winning chefs!

If you’re a seafood lover then make sure you don’t miss out on the award winning Dorset Seafood Festival, the UK’s largest seafood festival. Just picture yourself savouring a feast of seafood in the picturesque setting of Weymouth peninsula whilst enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere – sound good?

Perfect for families, thrill seekers and explorers alike!

Love the great outdoors? Why not embrace Dorset’s wonderful scenery at a walking festival or join a guided fossil walk and let your inner explorer loose!

The fun isn’t just on the ground! Let the pilots of the world famous Red Arrows and Black Cats wow you with incredible aerobatics and hair raising stunts or fly a kite to the highest height at a kite festival!

Or perhaps you want to experience something a little more unique? Why not have a go at a chilli eating competition?

Cracking comedy and vibrant cultural scene to titillate and delight!

The arts are all around you in Dorset with musical performances, sparkling productions and arts and film festivals to inspire and surprise you.

Why not catch a top comedian in a cosy Dorset venue and be the first to see their set as they warm-up for a national tour?

This may be one of the most peaceful parts of the country but it buzzes with activity throughout the year!

Simply use the ‘What’s On’ search facility to search our list of events.

Why not stay a while and book your accommodation today!

Make the most of Dorset’s fantastic events calendar and book a break to Dorset.

We have plenty of accommodation for you to choose from – chic hotels, homely B&Bs, cosy self catering cottages and pretty holiday parks.

Plan Your Visit

Apr 16

Abbotsbury Swannery Brambly Hedge Trail

Abbotsbury Swannery

NEW for the 2024 season at the Abbotsbury Swannery is the Brambly Hedge Trail. Brambly Hedge is a collection of children's stories and illustrations by author Jill Barklem. The books follow the...

Apr 16

Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition

Russell-Cotes House, Gallery and Garden

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...

Apr 16

Events at Durlston Country Park: Park Run

Durlston Country Park National Nature Reserve

Free Weekly Park Run, Every Saturday at 9am Get fit in a great location! Durlston Country Park is now host to Park Run every Saturday. Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world....

Apr 16

Historical Tour and Cream Tea in Brownsea Castle

Brownsea Island

Discover the intriguing history of Brownsea Island with one of our knowledgeable guides, who will take you on a journey back in time. Learn about the castle's eccentric past residents, royalty,...

Apr 16

John Singer Sargent

Dorchester Arts

John Singer Sargent is known as the greatest portrait artist of his era. What made his 'swagger' portraits remarkable was his power over his sitters, what they wore and how they were presented...

Apr 16

Jurassic Adventurer

New Cruise for 2024! Working with our partners at Swanage Railway and Go South Coast, you have unlimited travel for the day on More Bus, Beach Breezer, Purbeck Breezer, Harbour Breezer, City Cruises...

Apr 16

Major New Exhibition Celebrates the British Motorcycling Story

Haynes Motor Museum

Haynes Motor Museum are set to unveil a major new exhibition telling the story of British motorcycling from its origins to the modern day. 'Life on Two Wheels: The British Motorcycling Story',...

Apr 16

Photography Exhibition 'Asking For It'

Shire Hall Museum

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...

Apr 16

Pieces Of Our Past

Highcliffe Castle

Come and experience the history of the Castle, from Harry Gordon Selfridge's visitor book to Lady Louisa's diary, this exhibition highlights never before seen photographs and artefacts

Apr 16

Pirate Treasure Hunt - Easter at SEA LIFE Weymouth

Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park

Join us on a Pirate Treasure Hunt this Easter! Oh no! Captain Careless has really done it this time. They've lost all the pirate treasure at SEA LIFE Weymouth and the crew are none too pleased! On...

Apr 16

Pliosaur - The Terrifying Sea-Rex

Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection

The Home of Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster! On the back of the incredible BBC documentary 'Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster' we are very excited to share our amazing Pliosaur skull...

Apr 16

Treasures: Scavenged Finds from Black Ven by Christine Allison

Lyme Regis Museum

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...

Apr 16

Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize

TheGallery

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...

Apr 16

TULIP EXTRAVAGANZA

Forde Abbey and Gardens

Nothing screams spring like the tulips. They come in all shapes and sizes with their flamboyant colours and frilly flowers. Here at Forde Abbey, the garden team spent a few weeks last autumn planting...

Apr 16

West Bay in the War

West Bay Discovery Centre

Our new pop up exhibition 'West Bay at War' will open on Sunday 11th November and run until just after the 80th Anniversary of D Day in June 2024. The exhibition will feature both existing and...

Apr 17

Feast of Fiddles 30th Anniversary Spring Tour comes to Tivoli Theatre Wimborne Minster

Tivoli Theatre and Cinema

The Feast of Fiddles set out on their Spring Tour once again in 2024 following a very successful return to the road post pandemic restrictions. Born in Nettlebed on Valentine's Day 1994 as a...

Apr 17

Swanage Pier History Walk

Swanage Pier

Swanage Pier History Walk Saturday 16th March at 2.30pm Enjoy a tour following in the footsteps of the Victorians in a stroll along the pier, a pleasure that has been enjoyed by...

Apr 17

What if the Swallows Didn't Come Back?

Every year fewer return. How do swallows and other migratory birds enrich our lives and what can we do to help them? Reflecting on the Future for Britain's Migratory birds. Michael McCarthy is one...

Apr 18

Clocktower Records Presents the Vinyl Love film with Q&A and Live Music

The Vinyl Documentary -- A Love Story to Vinyl. A unique one hour documentary film packed full of stories, insights and exclusive footage from vinyl lovers around the world. DJ's, record shop...

Apr 18

Lyme Regis History Walk with Museum Entry

Lyme Regis Museum

Combine your Museum visit with a Town History Walk with one of our knowledgeable Guides! We have a limited amount of tickets available at this offer price so do book early to secure your place. If you...