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Events and what's on in Dorchester

The historical town of Dorchester has built a range of strong communities over the years, and is now home to many fun and interesting events. Shows, fairs, music festivals and historical events regularly occur in Dorchester.

Dorchester welcomes the ever-popular Dorset County Show on an annual basis, an event certainly worth going to.

For most Dorset towns and villages, Dorchester is relatively easy to get to, so take a look at the upcoming events below.

 

View Dorchester Events by Date:

 

The next 15 events in Dorchester appear below.

02 August 2025

Dorchester, Dorset
Dorset Food & Arts Festival MarketThe Dorset Food and Arts Festival is back on the menu, and ready to champion the best of Dorset and showcase a great line up of local food, drink, art, craft and community talent. Join us on Saturday 2nd August from 10 – 4 on the Great Field in Poundbury, as we bring together a FREE mini ‘pop-up’ festival market! It’s the perfect opportunity to shop for a wide selection of delicious products and artisan crafts. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy a tipple as you shop with local stallholders, ...
16 August 2025

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
The Big Bad WolfCome with The Big Bad Wolf on a musical journey of plotting and scheming, and find out whether he really is as bad as he would have you believe! The Big Bad Wolf has been banished from Fairy Tale Land after years of causing nothing but trouble. Living in exile in the forest, he parties every night with his villainous cronies, playing rock music and sticking his claw up at the goody goody townspeople. Until one day he hears that his arch nemesis, Little Red Riding Hood, is organising a ...
25 August 2025

Dorchester, Dorset
Anonymous FestivalAnonymous Festival is back with a fun-filled day of incredible live music from local young bands, amazing food, and stalls. More details will be on their website in due course. Venue: Borough Gardens, 11am to 5pm.
06 September 2025

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
ABBA by Abba's AngelsABBA by Abba's Angels is a faithful recreation of ABBA’s signature harmonies and iconic looks makes for one electrifying live performance. Expect to hear all of ABBA’s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo and many more! Decked out in full disco costume, ABBA by Moonlight combines stunning vocals, talented live musicians, and a uniquely beautiful outdoor setting to make one unforgettable concert. Come along with family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings ...
06 Sep 2025 to 07 Sep 2025

Dorchester, Dorset
Dorset County ShowA celebration of all things Dorset and the countryside. Dedicated to superb family entertainment, showcasing agriculture, great shopping and so much more!
13 September 2025

Dorchester, Dorset
Weldmar Summer FeteWeldmar Hospicecare’s popular Summer Fete returns on Saturday 13th September, with lots of family fun, attractions, entertainment, games, and more! For latest information, check out their website.
14 Jun 2025 to 14 Sep 2025

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester, Dorset
Jane Austen: Down to the Sea‘A little sea-bathing would set me up forever.’ Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in 1775, this exhibition at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery will explore the sea as a setting for her fictional worlds and its influence on her. She loved a dip in the sea, often went there on holiday and had two brothers in the navy. Focussing on the Dorset coastal towns Jane visited or wrote about it will explore leisure, fashion, entertainment and ...
13 Sep 2025 to 14 Sep 2025

Dorchester, Dorset
Langham & The Sea A NEW KIND OF FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE From the team behind the award-winning Dorset Seafood Festival comes a brand new, intimate event designed for those who savour the finer things in life. Set in the stunning surrounds of Langham Wine Estate, Langham & The Sea is a weekend of relaxed luxury where exceptional seafood meets world-class English sparkling wine. This is not your average food festival. It’s a carefully curated celebration of flavour, craftsmanship and countryside charm.
13 Sep 2025 to 14 Sep 2025

Dorchester, Dorset
Langham & The Sea - from Dorset Seafood FestivalExciting news from the team behind the award-winning Dorset Seafood Festival! We’re thrilled to announce an all-new, intimate festival celebrating the finest English sparkling wine and sensational seafood – hosted at the beautiful Langham Wine Estate, one of England’s most prestigious vineyards. This elegant countryside event is brought to you by the same award-winning team behind the Dorset Seafood Festival, and promises a truly memorable day of wine tastings, seafood dishes, artisan ...
01 October 2025

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
To Yollow Autumn Turn’d - Local folk singers, musicians and actors Tim Laycock and Alastair Braidwood return to the majestic Great Hall at Athelhampton for an evening of words and music from Dorset and beyond about the countryside, Autumn, apples, and - most importantly - cider! Expect stories, songs, poems and traditional folk tunes all tied into the season. Thomas Hardy and William Barnes will be in attendance, and fine harmony singing. Supper from 6pm (Pre Bookings only) Pork, Apple & Cider Casserole washed ...
11 October 2025

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
Autumn Market - Saturday 11th October 2025We have invited a host of Dorset producers, growers and makers to sell their produce on Athelhampton's West lawn. The market is free to attend and is open to all to allow everyone the chance to purchase the finest products Dorset has to offer. Athelhampton House & Gardens will be open as well (normal admission charges apply). It’s the perfect opportunity to shop for a wide selection of delicious products and artisan crafts. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy a tipple as you shop with local ...
18 October 2025

Dorchester, Dorset
Geofest!A festival celebrating Geoscience: Fossils, Rocks and Earth Science.
27 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
Tudor Week - Living History at AthelhamptonStep back in time to 1580, and meet the Martyn family of Athelhampton, as our living history specialists take on the characters of the 16th-century Martyn family of Athelhampton Hall All levels of society from gentlefolk to servants will be around the house and gardens to talk with and learn from. Activities throughout the day range from trying Tudor food, dancing, and clothing; to writing with a quill or kicking a Tudor football. Come and see demonstrations of how a whole host of crafts ...
08 Nov 2025 to 09 Nov 2025

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
Dorset Food & Drink Winter Fair 2025Our annual Winter organised by Dorset Food and Drink - Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th November 10am until 3pm. Tickets go on sale 1st September 2025!
05 December 2025

Athelhampton House & Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset
Welcome or Welcome NotOnce again Athelhampton House plays host to a seasonal celebration of words and music from and about Dorset, performed in the stunning Christmassy-lit Tudor Great Hall, in what is quickly becoming an annual tradition. Local actor and folk singer Alastair Braidwood is joined by his mentor, esteemed and respected singer and folk musician Tim Laycock, for an evening full of festive cheer, including humorous stories read and acted, traditional songs and carols to be sung along to, poems ...

Latest Dorchester Features

The latest Dorchester articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.

23 Jun 2025
Dorset's Ultimate Summer Holiday! 18 Family-Friendly Dorset Attractions for 2025 From sandy beaches to historical hideouts, animal encounters to adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Dorset is packed with places to make this summer unforgettable. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, teens, or grandparents in tow, there’s something for everyone on this list. Dorset Museum & Art Gallery Here are 18 top Dorset attractions that deserve a place on your summer must-visit list! 1. Dorset ... Read more...
23 Jun 2025
The Great Garden Trail of Dorset The Great Garden Trail of Dorset — showcasing the very best in English garden design, planting and history. World famous for its camellia groves and magnolias and with its own micro climate, Abbotsbury Sub Tropical Gardens cover more than 30 acres and has a plant collection of over 6,000 species from around the world. Highlights include the Mediterranean bank and lily ponds, the Burma Rope Bridge and stunning views of the Jurassic Coast. Situated close to Dorchester, ... Read more...
9 Jun 2025
Dog-Friendly Dorset A fully-fledged member of the family, your four-legged friend doesn’t need to feel left out of the holiday loop and will be well-catered for when you come to dog-friendly Dorset. Dog-Friendly Accommodation When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of dog and pet friendly accommodation to choose from. Whether it’s camping, a caravan, cottage or lodge you’re after, Dorset has plenty of dog-friendly options to choose from to make the ... Read more...
3 Jun 2025
What's New Summer 2025 Fresh Faces on the Local Scene Dorset is buzzing with new beginnings. From foodie spots to attractions and summer events, the county is welcoming a wave of fresh ventures. Whether you're a local looking for your next favourite spot or a visitor curious about Dorset, here’s a round-up of the latest businesses making their mark, each bringing something unique to the table. Back in March, The Quay Inn on Poole Quay, formerly a JD Wetherspoon pub- closed its doors. Never ... Read more...
15 May 2025
Half-term Events in Dorset So, it’s the May half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained! Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the half term holidays. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy during the ... Read more...

More articles available in the features section.

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