COVID-19: Enjoy Dorset responsibly. Please follow government advice on restrictions and social distancing. Prior to travel, please check with individual businesses and event organisers for confirmation of opening times and restrictions.
Events and what's on in Dorset
There's never a dull moment here! With a huge choice of events in Dorset taking place throughout the year, you'll be entertained no matter when you visit.
You'll find tasty food festivals like the award-winning Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival, red arrows and other spectacular flying displays at the Bournemouth Air Festival, fireworks aplenty, the world-famous Great Dorset Steam Fair, music festivals such as the Wessex Folk Festival, some fantastic theatre productions, comedy shows and of course some slightly quirkier events to enjoy (Bridport Hat Festival we're looking at you!)
Dorset County Show and Melplash Show are just two of many events giving you the chance to discover rural life in Dorset.
Whatever your interests, you'll find details of what's on in Dorset on this page. Use the tabs to browse events today, this weekend, this week or next week - or just use the calendar to find out what's on when you're visiting.
Have an eventful visit!
View Dorset Events by Date:
The next 24 events in Dorset appear below.
17 Sep 2021 to 18 Sep 2021
Sandpolo at Sandbanks
Poole, Dorset
The polo at Sandbanks (the British Beach Polo Championships) is the largest beach polo event in the world. When polo is played in an enclosed arena it has been referred to as ‘Ice Hockey on Horse Back’. Spectators are close to the action – they can fully appreciate the horsemanship, speed and gladiatorial nature of polo. The polo ponies love the sand – they can accelerate, turn on a sixpence and stop in a heartbeat. The thrill and excitement of horses galloping on the sand with the English ...
17 Sep 2021 to 18 Sep 2021
Upton Country Park Festival
Poole, Dorset
Friday 17th, Totally 90s - We've put together the world's very best tributes to Robbie Williams (Tony Lewis), the Spice Girls (Wannabe), Take That (Re-Take That) and Kylie Minogue (Jade Chamberlain) for a supercharged night of nostalgic fun at Upton Country Park.
Saturday 18th, Best of Brit Rock - The very best tributes to Pink Floyd (Floyd Effect), The Beatles (Upbeat Beatles), Rolling Stones (The Stones), Queen (QE2), Oasis (Oas-is) and Coldplay (Ultimate Coldplay) will electrify the ...
18 Sep 2021 to 19 Sep 2021
Abbotsbury Food Fair
Abbotsbury, Dorset
We are delighted to announce the return of the Abbotsbury Food Fair, in association with Dorset Food and Drink.
Tickets are available via our website below.
17 Sep 2021 to 20 Sep 2021
TANKFEST 2021
Wareham, Dorset
Don’t miss the world’s biggest display of historic moving armour – TANKFEST 2021, sponsored by World of Tanks.
See tanks roar round the arena, explore Living History encampments, meet your favourite YouTube stars and historians, and discover the best collection of military vehicles.
23 Sep 2021 to 24 Sep 2021
Antigone
Poole, Dorset
Join us at Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts for a dynamic and fresh adaptation of this most classic Ancient Greek play.
SISATA’S production of Antigone is set in the future, echoes the present, and transports us back to the roots of all theatre. It promises to be a dramatic, thought-provoking whirlwind of theatrical entertainment! Suitable for 8+.
Infusing Ancient Greek theatrical techniques with live music and singing throughout, audience interaction and a comedic Greek chorus ...
25 September 2021
Coastal Comedy
Poole, Dorset
Coastal Comedy and Lighthouse present this triple bill feat of stand-up comedy sponsored by Morebus and Easy Go Lending.
The Coastal Comedy Colossal show headlined by Ivan Brackenbury! Legendary Hospital Radio DJ and star from:
Live at the Apollo (BBC2)
Eight out of Ten Cats do Countdown (C4)
His own comedy show ‘Hospital People’ BBC1
His own show on BBC Radio 2 ‘The Ivan Brackenbury Show’.
Ivan Brackenbury is the daft, inept yet adorable hospital radio DJ! The alter ego of ...
25 September 2021
Open-Air Cinema: Top Gun
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens,
Abbotsbury, Dorset
Abbotsbury Sub-tropical Gardens will be showing the film ‘Top Gun’ on Saturday 25th September. The estimated film start time is 7.30pm – 8.00pm. Ticket holders will need to bring something to sit on and are invited to bring a picnic as there will be no onsite catering facilities for this event.
Please book via the website below.
17 Sep 2021 to 26 Sep 2021
Inside Out Dorset Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
Inside Out Dorset, the biennial festival of FREE large-scale outdoor art and performance returns.
Various venues across Dorset – see insideoutdorset.co.uk for details.
23 Sep 2021 to 26 Sep 2021
Project Play : Dad's Army
Weymouth Pavilion,
Weymouth, Dorset
The classic BBC TV comedy series of the Home Guard of Walmington-on-Sea who battle daily against the Germans and local ARP Warden Hodges, comes to the stage complete with all the well-loved characters: "stupid boy" Pike, "Don't panic, don't panic" Jonesey, "Doomed, we're all doomed!" Fraser, "May I be excused, sir?" Godfrey, and all under the command of the redoutable Captain Mainwaring and his effacing deputy Sergeant Wilson.
Three wonderful episodes, more side-splitting comedy and a ...
26 September 2021
Simply British Classics
Beaulieu,
New Forest, Dorset
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply British Classics for 2021 on 26 September. All British classic car owners are invited to drive into the Beaulieu parkland and park up for what promises to be a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
From Sunbeam, Austin, Riley and Triumph, to Alvis, Lagonda, Humber and more, any pre-1990 classic vehicle built in Britain, or by a British manufacturer, is welcome to join the display.
We will continue to run our Simply rallies in ...
02 Oct 2021 to 03 Oct 2021
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins,
Weymouth, Dorset
With the evenings drawing in and misty cooler mornings it can only mean one thing - it’s nearly pumpkin time again!!! Get ready to don your wellies and enjoy an authentic pick your own experience as you stroll through the pumpkin field where they started as seeds back in March. Meander through our scarecrow maize trail for a ‘spot the spooks’ walk, then head back to our straw barns for a tasty mulled cider affogato, marshmallow toasting, or coffee and cake 🧁
Free to enter.
Saturday & ...
01 Oct 2021 to 03 Oct 2021
Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival
Bournemouth, Dorset
Exploring the Artistic Concept ‘Connect’.
Human beings are inherently social by nature – relying on relationships and social interaction for their mental health and wellbeing.
Covid 19 created a newly troubling experience of isolation for some, while compounding a pre-existing epidemic of loneliness in the UK. Age UK predicts that by 2026, there will be 2 million people over 50 in England who will often feel lonely, having a dramatic impact on their wellbeing and quality of life. ...
03 October 2021
Seven Drunken Nights
Weymouth Pavilion,
Weymouth, Dorset
Direct from the West End and having sold out venues worldwide, Seven Drunken Nights - The Story of the Dubliners returns to the Pavilion Theatre with a brand new production for its incredible 5th Anniversary tour.
In association with legendary Irish pub O’Donoghue’s, the place where it all started for The Dubliners back in 1962, Seven Drunken Nights tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke ...
30 Sep 2021 to 03 Oct 2021
Swanage Blues Festival
Swanage, Dorset
The Swanage Blues Festival brings together an amazing collection of blues musicians, fans and friends for a weekend of jams, open mics and headline performances that will have you coming back time after time.
There will be a concert at the Mowlem Theatre in addition to the usual events.
09 October 2021
Veles Ensemble - String Trio
Beaminster, Dorset
Friends of Beaminster Festival present Veles Ensemble - String Trio.
The Veles Ensemble was founded by three successful young London classical musicians who perform as soloists, recitalists, and in leading London chamber orchestras. The Trio explores rarely heard masterpieces, brings the classics to life and promotes new compositions and contemporary music. The members of the group have performed together and separately in St. James’s Piccadilly, the Purcell Room, Royal Festival Hall, St. ...
09 Oct 2021 to 10 Oct 2021
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins,
Weymouth, Dorset
With the evenings drawing in and misty cooler mornings it can only mean one thing - it’s nearly pumpkin time again!!! Get ready to don your wellies and enjoy an authentic pick your own experience as you stroll through the pumpkin field where they started as seeds back in March. Meander through our scarecrow maize trail for a ‘spot the spooks’ walk, then head back to our straw barns for a tasty mulled cider affogato, marshmallow toasting, or coffee and cake 🧁
Free to enter.
Saturday & ...
09 Oct 2021 to 10 Oct 2021
Bournemouth Marathon Festival
Bournemouth, Dorset
The Bournemouth Marathon is ’Running as it should be’. Beautiful coastal views, a chance to run the Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers with a spectacular finish.
16 October 2021
Mad About the Musicals
Weymouth Pavilion,
Weymouth, Dorset
Mad About The Musicals is back at the Pavilion!
It’s time once more to sit back, relax and enjoy 2 hours of songs from the greatest musicals brought to you by Michael Courtney, his fabulous cast of singers and live band.
From the heart of London's theatre land to the glitz of Broadway, this critically acclaimed show celebrates the very best from the shows we all know and love.
Unforgettable London and New York favourites, brought to you by this talented cast - a pure slice of ...
16 Oct 2021 to 17 Oct 2021
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins,
Weymouth, Dorset
With the evenings drawing in and misty cooler mornings it can only mean one thing - it’s nearly pumpkin time again!!! Get ready to don your wellies and enjoy an authentic pick your own experience as you stroll through the pumpkin field where they started as seeds back in March. Meander through our scarecrow maize trail for a ‘spot the spooks’ walk, then head back to our straw barns for a tasty mulled cider affogato, marshmallow toasting, or coffee and cake 🧁
Free to enter.
Saturday & ...
23 October 2021
Halloween Spooktacular
Weymouth Pavilion,
Weymouth, Dorset
It’s treats all round this Halloween, as Made to Measure Productions brings a brand new production of HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR to Weymouth Pavilion!
Created by the team behind Weymouth’s record-breaking Christmas and summer pantomimes, you’ll need to get ready for rib-tickling laughter and bags of audience participation as you join our intrepid explorers on the Halloween Adventure of a lifetime!
Kirsty, Jake and Melissa are determined to win first prize in their school project ...
23 Oct 2021 to 30 Oct 2021
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins,
Weymouth, Dorset
With the evenings drawing in and misty cooler mornings it can only mean one thing - it’s nearly pumpkin time again!!! Get ready to don your wellies and enjoy an authentic pick your own experience as you stroll through the pumpkin field where they started as seeds back in March. Meander through our scarecrow maize trail for a ‘spot the spooks’ walk, then head back to our straw barns for a tasty mulled cider affogato, marshmallow toasting, or coffee and cake 🧁
Free to enter.
10am-4pm
23 Oct 2021 to 31 Oct 2021
Half Term Halloween Fun at Adventure Wonderland
Christchurch, Dorset
There'll be lots of spooky happenings at the home of Halloween.
Adventure Wonderland is this year celebrating 30 years of entertainment, delivering family fun to locals and holidaymakers alike.
23 Oct 2021 to 31 Oct 2021
October Half Term Family Fun!
Haynes Motor Museum,
Sherborne, Dorset
This half term, Haynes International Motor Museum is geared up for a fantastic day out for all ages. Enjoy a fun-filled day out together as you uncover the fascinating stories, sights and sounds behind the history of motoring in seventeen themed exhibitions at one of Somerset’s largest indoor attractions. With activities running on select days, here's what you can get up to!
'Small Talk' with David Hayward
The late John Haynes OBE commissioned a number of fabulously intricate 1:12 scale ...
06 November 2021
Militaria Fair & Auction
Wareham, Dorset
The Tank Museum at Bovington is partnering with leading Dorset auction house Duke’s to present a new autumn militaria fair and auction.
The Museum will host an array of trade stalls, selling a range of military collectables and memorabilia, vintage uniforms and insignia, plus second-hand books and reproduction militaria for re-enactors. The highlight of the event is set to be the Duke’s Militaria and Medals auction, featuring 300 – 400 lots ranging from medals, militaria, arms, armour and ...
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The latest Dorset articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
13 Jul 2021
Get off the beaten track in Dorset, and explore some of these hidden locations. Dorset is well-known for some spectacular places to visit, but there’s much more just waiting to be discovered. Some of these are more secret than others, but most are free and well worth adding to any itinerary – there are lots of great hidden things to do here, especially if you’re looking to escape!
1. Chapman’s Pool
A pretty little hidden cove nestled in the Isle of ... Read more...
18 Feb 2021
We’ve all had better years. If you’re looking for a much-needed break, look no further - here are 10 good reasons you can’t go wrong with a Dorset staycation in 2021.
Dorset has lots of outside space. Whether on the coast or out in the country, there’s room to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors.
Accommodation – there’s plenty of choice, and accommodation providers, from campsites and B&Bs to luxury cottages and hideaways, ... Read more...
16 Nov 2020
Shop Dorset and it’s a win, win – not only will your gift please the recipient but by shopping locally online in these difficult times you’ll be helping our Dorset businesses.
Below are just a few ideas for Christmas gifts and goodies.
Cheesed off? – Well check out Delicious, the Weymouth deli that will deliver cheeses and wines to your Dorset door. Craig’s Dairy Farm Shop and Chalbury Food & Wine are open and well-stocked with tasty local ... Read more...
21 Oct 2020
So, it’s the October half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained in these restricted times!
Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the seasons. Our Resort family has children of different ages and here are some of the things we plan to enjoy; perhaps you will too!
Fossil Hunting – you may just discover the next big thing! Do be aware ... Read more...
28 Sep 2020
The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and the themed fun that takes place. If you’re out and about in Dorset, you’ll find many a Halloween event happening, so grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time!
Dorset Halloween events and activities include everything from Monster Minions to Ghost Tours and more besides.
It's scary how much there is to choose from...
Halloween Events
Read more...
More articles available in the features section.
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