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 3 events in Dorchester appear below.
28 Mar 2026 to 06 Apr 2026
Helios
Dorchester, Dorset
In partnership with Dorchester Town Council
Helios is a new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features 72dpi detailed imagery of the Sun’s surface – at an approximate scale of 1:200 million, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical artwork represents 2000km of the Sun’s surface. The installation is a fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially created surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson. ...
02 May 2026 to 10 May 2026
Dorchester Walking Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
Save the Date: Dorchester Walking Festival Returns in May 2026
Following the outstanding success of the 2025 Dorchester Walking Festival, organisers are delighted to announce that the Festival will return from 2–10 May 2026, welcoming walkers from across the UK and beyond.
Taking place during National Walking Month, the 2026 Festival promises a memorable week of guided walks designed for all abilities. The programme will once again feature a diverse and inspiring range of routes, led by ...
06 June 2026
Let's Go Fly - Dorchester Kite Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
A new festival is coming to Dorchester on Saturday 6th June 2026. Let’s Go Fly! Kite Festival is being hosted on The Great Field between 10 am and 4:30 pm.
It is being organised by Dorchester Town Council with White Horse Kite Flyers. They are very professional organisation with public liability insurance and experience of organising events. They are members of the British Kite Flying Association so you can rest assured that this will be a well organised, safe and spectacular ...
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The latest Dorchester articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
24 Jan 2026
Dorset is blessed with countless scenic locations to explore in the summer months, from Durdle Door to Portland Bill there are plenty of beauty spots and outdoor activities to enjoy. But what about those rainy days in Dorset when the number one priority is keeping dry?
We’ve compiled a list of fantastic Dorset attractions and activities to keep you and your family entertained when the rain takes hold. Please note: opening times may vary. We recommend checking individual ... Read more...
20 Jan 2026
So, it’s the February 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...
3 Jan 2026
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Snowdrops: The First Flowers to Herald Spring in Dorset
Belinda Fewings, Unsplash
Whilst meteorological spring doesn’t start until 1st March this year, the first sight of snowdrops, which bravely push their way up through the cold ground in January and February, can certainly put a spring in our step! Determined to put on one of the first flower shows of the year, these hardy white blooms are a welcome reminder that warmer days are just around the corner.
Galanthus ... Read more...
17 Nov 2025
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and you will be when you discover the fantastic selection of Christmas markets and festive fairs that are set to be held around Dorset in the coming weeks.
If you’re getting organised with your Christmas shopping, these events are a great way to find those perfect gifts. If delicious Dorset food and drink is on your wish list, then you’ll love the tasty selection available from local producers; or maybe you’d like a day out to ... Read more...
11 Nov 2025
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For families looking for sen-friendly christmas events, we have compiled a list of what's on in Dorset from attractions and businesses who are hosting sensory-friendly events.
Read more...
More articles available in the features section.
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