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 11 events in Dorset appear below.
12 May 2021 to 16 May 2021
Dorset Garden Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
An exhibition of indoor and outdoor sculpture by over 30 of the UK's top sculptors will be on display around the sculpture park, in The Gallery by the Lakes and The Retreat.
Apart from our very own Simon Gudgeon, sculptor and founder of Sculpture by the Lakes, we have a whole host of world-famous sculptors exhibiting.
Among the breath-taking works to be displayed will be pieces by globally celebrated artist Philip Jackson, known in particular for his many public commissions such as the ...
03 Jul 2021 to 04 Jul 2021
Bournemouth Pier to Pier Swim (BHF)
Bournemouth, Dorset
We're back for our 30th anniversary! Take part on Saturday or Sunday and swim 1.4 miles between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers in one of Europe's biggest charity swimming events.
Your willpower has never been more important to support the lives of those living with heart and circulatory diseases.
To support social distancing at the event, we have introduced start waves so we can safely guide people through the start line. You’ll be able to choose your start time as part of the ...
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 Aug 2021 to 19 Aug 2021
Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show
Shaftesbury, Dorset
One of the largest agricultural shows in the south, and held on the Turnpike Showground in North Dorset, usually held on the third Wednesday in August, will this year be spread over two days to comply with social distancing if required.
To manage our safe return there will be a number of changes, these include a strict capacity plan meaning that for now there will be a limited number of pre-purchased tickets with none available to purchase on the day.
26 August 2021
Melplash Show
Bridport, Dorset
The Melplash Agricultural Society Show is one of the South West’s premier agricultural exhibitions and is held at The West Bay Show grounds, Bridport, Dorset on the last Thursday before the August Bank holiday. There really will be something for everyone at our show. The show is packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture. There are over 350 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors….and plenty in between!
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.
11 Sep 2021 to 12 Sep 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, or simply relax with a bottle of chilled sparkling wine.
Be ...
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.
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.
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Shops & ServicesLatest Dorset Features
The latest Dorset articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
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...
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...
More articles available in the features section.
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