COVID-19: Enjoy Dorset responsibly. As the tourist industry begins to re-open, 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 12 events in Dorset appear below.
17 Jul 2020 to 19 Jul 2020
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival Online 2020
Dorchester, Dorset
We have a great line-up of musicians and performers for this year's Virtual Tolpuddle. Some of them will be familiar faces and others will be new and exciting acts.
Join our rousing virtual procession on Sunday from 2.00pm.
Post pictures of your trade union banners on social media using #BannersAtTolpuddle
See the festival website for full details.
08 August 2020
Tiger Day 13
Wareham, Dorset
TIGER DAY 13, IS DEDICATED TO THE WORLD'S MOST INFAMOUS TANK - TIGER 131.
•See Tiger 131 in action - the world's only running Tiger I
•WWII-themed Tanks in Action - including German and Allied vehicles
•Living History around the site
•Explore The Tank Museum and get a FREE Annual Pass for return visits
•... and more!
•PLUS get up close with Premium Tickets, available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ON STANDARD TICKETS UNTIL 14 SEPTEMBER
Visit the page here: ...
18 Jul 2020 to 02 Sep 2020
Summer Holidays at The Tank Museum!
Wareham, Dorset
This Summer Holiday explore The Tank Museum and experience the biggest day out in history…
Activities running 20 July – 2 September 2020
Open daily 10am-5pm
300 tanks from around the world
9 Powerful Exhibitions
Tanks in Action Displays, weekdays at 1pm
Vehicle Rides every day
Allow 4-5hrs for your visit
This summer there's a limit on daily visitors, but you can guarantee space by booking a slot in advance via the Museum website.
19 September 2020
Tiger Day 14
Wareham, Dorset
TIGER DAY 14, 19 SEPT 2020, IS DEDICATED TO THE WORLD'S MOST INFAMOUS TANK - TIGER 131
•SEE TIGER 131 IN ACTION - THE WORLD'S ONLY RUNNING TIGER I
•WWII-THEMED TANKS IN ACTION - INCLUDING GERMAN AND ALLIED VEHICLES
•LIVING HISTORY AROUND THE SITE
•EXPLORE THE TANK MUSEUM AND GET A FREE ANNUAL PASS FOR RETURN VISITS
•PLUS GET UP CLOSE WITH PREMIUM TICKETS, AVAILABLE ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ON STANDARD TICKETS 15% OFF UNTIL 25 APRIL 2020
BOOK YOUR ...
25 Jun 2021 to 27 Jun 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.
10 Jul 2021 to 11 Jul 2021
Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival
Weymouth, Dorset
A fabulous weekend of seafood, delicious English Sparkling Wines from Nyetimber, celebrity chefs and a great atmosphere around Weymouth harbour.
The Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival brings together sparkling wine and seafood, family entertainment and a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the superb seafood available to us just off our wonderful shores.
Taste fresh seafood dishes from nearly 100 stalls around the beautiful harbour, or simply relax with a bottle of ...
29 Jul 2021 to 01 Aug 2021
Camp Bestival
Lulworth, Dorset
We're excited to announce the dates for Camp Bestival 2021 - we'll be returning to Lulworth Castle, on Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast for more award-winning family fun from Thursday July 29th to Sunday August 1st next summer and look forward to seeing you all there!
Camp Bestival 2021 tickets will go on sale later this year with a payment plan available to help spread the total cost over multiple payments.
31 Jul 2021 to 07 Aug 2021
Swanage Carnival
Swanage, Dorset
For one week at the end of July and the beginning of August, Swanage will be radiating to the sound, fun and excitement of the annual carnival, the South Coast’s Premier event.
This ‘must do’ attraction has so much to offer everyone, from the magnificent two-mile carnival procession, vibrant with dance, sound and colour, to the beat of live bands playing on the Main Stage and in the carnival marquee.
18 August 2021
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show
Shaftesbury, Dorset
One of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the south, and held on the Turnpike Showground in North Dorset, this traditional show is always held on the third Wednesday in August and regularly has an attendance of over 24,000 people.
26 Aug 2021 to 30 Aug 2021
Great Dorset Steam Fair
Blandford, Dorset
If you’re looking for an excellent fun and action-packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair.
This English fair is held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside. Further directions are superfluous. Just find the village on the map, head in that direction and follow everyone else to the show.
From small beginnings this annual event has become one of the favoured places for those interested in ...
27 Aug 2021 to 30 Aug 2021
Lyme Folk Weekend
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Lyme Folk Weekend 2020 has been cancelled but is scheduled to go ahead in 2021.
We are, though, thrilled to say that all the headline acts that we had booked have agreed to return next summer, so the festival will look exactly the same as it would have done this August.
The new dates are Friday August 27 to Monday August 30 2021, when we will be delighted to bring you an amazing line-up for our first four-day festival - kicking off with the brilliant Gigspanner Big Band, followed by ...
02 Sep 2021 to 05 Sep 2021
Bournemouth Air Festival
Bournemouth, Dorset
Huge free air festival with international aircraft, beach assault and air display teams.
The Festival site is open daily from 10am with displays starting late morning/ early afternoon .
See website for latest information.
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Vouchers & OffersLatest Dorset Features
The latest Dorset articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
3 Jul 2020
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Firstly, thank you for staying away during lockdown; but now, here at Resort Dorset, we can’t wait to welcome you back.
If you are looking for inspiration for this year’s staycation then look no further, Dorset has it all – beautiful beaches, rolling hills, rugged coastline, stunning coastal walks, and countryside rambles – breathe in the fresh air and leave your troubles behind. Dorset is a county of beauty and tranquillity, and although you will ... Read more...
3 Mar 2020
Resort Dorset’s second ‘photos of the month’ feature is here! We’ve selected some of our favourite photos from Instagram that either mention @resortdorset or use the tag #resortdorset. Additionally, we select a featured photo of the month (above). Let’s get stuck in!
Shots We Love
River Stour
View this post on Instagram
... Read more...
21 Feb 2020
Dorset’s past influences much of what we do here today, the many places we visit, and a great number of the photos we take as our own mementos. A county with a rich heritage, there’s plenty of Dorset history to be explored. From a Victorian sea-defence fort to centuries-old castles, via preserved steam trains and a wartime abandoned village, and through a variety of award-winning museums, Dorset’s past is brilliantly brought to life. Take a trip back in time with a visit ... Read more...
14 Feb 2020
Monday 17th February marks the start of half-term. Dorset always has so much to offer whenever half-term comes around, whether that involves exploring the countryside and coastline, visiting some of Dorset’s best attractions, or attending local events, you won’t be let down.
We’ve compiled a list of events, including some amazing offers followed by some features that we think can inspire your half-term fun. From visiting the cheeky monkeys at Monkey World or getting ... Read more...
31 Jan 2020
Welcome to Resort Dorset's first 'photos of the month' feature. We collect photos that we love from Instagram each month. To be in with a chance of being featured in next month's feature, just tag @resortdorset or use #resortdorset on any of your Instagram photos! Each month, there will be a feautured photo.
Shots We Love
Portland Bill
View this post on ... Read more...
More articles available in the features section.
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