Festivals in Dorset

Come to Dorset during any month and you’ll find an array of festivals and events to enjoy!

Dorset plays host to a variety of events such as music, theatre, comedy, country shows…and there are even a few more unusual events to be found that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Spring into life!

As spring emerges, it’s time for a colourful mix of music, fossils and swans!

The Sherborne Abbey Music Festival is as majestic as it sounds with beautiful music in a magnificent setting. They say don’t look down but make sure you look up – the fan vaulted ceiling has to be seen to be believed, it will simply take your breath away!

Children will love taking a step back in time and discovering more about the dinosaurs that roamed our lands and swam in our seas at Lyme Regis Fossil Festival. 

If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary then make sure you visit Abbotsbury Swannery from mid May. Walk through the paths and watch as fluffy cygnets hatch from eggs right before your eyes.

Dates for a foodie’s diary

As if that wasn’t enough, the wide variety of Dorset events includes plenty of events for those with a love of food.

Or why not enjoy a day at the Cheese and Chilli Festival…we did say that there are more slightly unusual events taking place in Dorset! 

The SeaFeast Dorset Seafood Festival in September is also a must where you can enjoy some of the finest, freshest seafood whilst relaxing with a cold glass of bubbly!

Get into the carnival spirit

June really kicks off the start of summer when the county is alive with festivals and carnivals.

Chill out and really get into the swing at the Jurassic Fields Music Festival in July or let the kids (and grown ups!) enjoy some explosive fun at Tankfest!

The summer months also see traditional village fetes hang their bunting all across Dorset.

The summer holidays get off to a great start with Camp Bestival. Lulworth Castle provides the stunning backdrop for this well renowned family festival. With music to tickle all taste buds, a fantastic line up for the little ones and much more, this is a festival not to be missed!

Morris Dancers bring the streets to life with their bright costumes and jingling bells with folk festivals in Lyme Regis and Swanage during late summer. 

Plus, if you like it hot then make sure you pop along to the Great Dorset Chilli Festival!

A true celebration of country life

If you’re looking for a great day out for the young and old to all enjoy then make sure you go along to one of our agricultural shows.

Melplash Show at West Bay, Dorset County Show in Dorchester and the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Show are crammed full of animal shows, magnificent displays, trade stalls and all the fun of the fair!  

Don’t be fooled into thinking these are low key events, they really are buzzing with activity!

Fun and frolics with flamboyant and fabulous headwear

Get your hats at the ready by September for the Bridport Hat Festival, a wonderfully British celebration of eccentricity!

With music all around and entertainment for the whole family this wonderful, quirky event is not to be missed!

Celebrate Autumn

Celebrate the start of Autumn with a spectacular display of colours in the beautiful lakeside gardens at Sherborne Castle or take a magical evening stroll along illuminated pathways through enchanted glades at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.

Festive Dorset events with magic and sparkle

And it doesn’t stop there! 

The year might be drawing to a close but there are still plenty of events to enjoy in Dorset, many of which have a touch of festive sparkle about them!

If you are planning to visit Dorset to take part in one of our amazing festivals and events, why not stay a while and make a holiday of it? We’ve got plenty of accommodation for you to choose from – your perfect break is just a click away!

Festivalhighlights

Blandford Literary Festival Nov 15

Blandford Literary Festival

A Festival of words and music in Blandford Forum. Author talks, writing workshops, free events for children, teenagers and young people, performances of story, song and poetry. Family events. Bookshop...

Christmas Lights Switch On | Lyme Regis Nov 23

Christmas Lights Switch On | Lyme Regis

The spectacular Christmas lights switch on takes place in Broad Street on Saturday 23rd November 2024 with the Christmas Illuminated Carnival parade at 5pm followed by the switch on. It...

Dorchester Christmas Market Nov 23

Dorchester Christmas Market

Brewery Square has to transform into a winter wonderland, bursting with 30 festive stalls packed with artisan treats. Take the kids to meet Santa and enjoy fabulous live music, Christmas carols &...

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail Nov 23

Poole Christmas Maritime Light Trail

Enter a world of Christmas in Poole this year, with this FREE Christmas attraction returning for its second year! Be prepared to be dazzled as thousands of twinkling lights take you on a nautical...

Mind Body Spirit Fayre Nov 30

Mind Body Spirit Fayre

Mind Body Spirit Fayre Digby Hall Hound Street Sherborne Dorset DT9 3AA on November 30th.doors open at 11 am .. Psychic Mediums.. Psychic Artist.. Psychometry..Aura Camera... Crystals ....

St Aldhelm Christmas Tree Festival Nov 30

St Aldhelm Christmas Tree Festival

Every year since 2016 we have held a Christmas tree festival at St George's Church Langton Matravers this is a community event which has already raised over eight thousand pounds for local...

Swanage Christmas Lights Switch On Nov 30

Swanage Christmas Lights Switch On

As the countdown to 25th of December begins, come and join the community of Swanage on Saturday 30th November 2024 for a festive celebration whilst the Christmas lights are switched on for the...

Christmas Tree Festival Dec 02

Christmas Tree Festival

Welcome to Highcliffe Castle Christmas Tree Festival 2024 The decorated trees will take pride of place in our State Rooms. Younger visitors can enjoy Christmas storytelling and a festive trail which...

Bridport Christmas Cheer Dec 04

Bridport Christmas Cheer

An evening of festive family fun, Wednesday 4 December 2024. Festive market, shopping, arts, crafts, music, dance, food, Father Christmas and more!

Steampunk Weekend Dec 06

Steampunk Weekend

Join us for a weekend celebrating Victorian sci-fi, where creativity and imagination collide in a fantastic display of costumes, gadgets, music and art. Dive into a world of steam-inspired wonders and...

Steampunk Weekend Dec 06

Steampunk Weekend

Join us for a weekend celebrating Victorian sci-fi, where creativity and imagination collide in a fantastic display of costumes, gadgets, music and art. Dive into a world of steam-inspired wonders and...

Purbeck Wellfest - Wellbeing Fair Mar 22

Purbeck Wellfest - Wellbeing Fair

Purbeck's wellbeing fair in the idyllic location of Harmans Cross Village Hall, Haycrafts Lane. BH19 3EB. Local practitioners, stalls, workshops, treatments, refreshments. Free entry. NEXT EVENT -...

May 10

B Sharp Busking Festival

B Sharp’s annual Busking Festival will take place on Saturday 10th May  2025, 11.00am - 5.00pm on the beautiful seafront at Lyme Regis.  Every year we fill Lyme Regis with music,...

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