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 16 events in Dorchester appear below.
30 Mar 2025 to 14 Jun 2025
Arthur Neal Exhibition in the East Wing Gallery
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
Arthur Neal Exhibition in the East Wing Gallery at Athelhampton House and Gardens. 30th March - 14th June 2025.
Ultramarine rippling at the edge of the strand fades to dusky twilight meetings and partings; red folds of the linen dress resonate to the ivory of the Ukrainian pianist’s hands; infinite shades of green and ochre span the seasons of his garden.
Across fifty years Arthur Neal has progressively reimagined the use of colour to interpret reality, and this exhibition takes us on ...
11 Jun 2025 to 14 Jun 2025
The Harmony Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
A festival of flowers, art & music at St Mary's Church, Edward Road, from June 11th to 14th. Open daily from 10.30am – 4.30pm.
Evening concerts to be announced.
21 June 2025
Wind in the Willows
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
Pack your picnics and join Ratty, Mole, Badger, and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime culminating in a colourful battle to save Toad Hall from the mischievous weasels!
Multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre proudly bring their trademark style and energy to the riverbank with heaps of interaction, stunning costumes, toe-tapping music, and larger-than-life characters,
A TOAD-ally terrific treat whether you’re 4 or 104!
Genre: Musical / ...
28 June 2025
Summer Market - Sat 28 June 2025
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
We 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 Jul 2025 to 20 Jul 2025
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
There has been an annual gathering to mark the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs since 1930s. It began as a Sunday afternoon event with wreaths laid on the grave of James Hammett, followed by a procession of banners and speeches. Today, the annual event sees thousands of trade unionists from around the UK and the world descends on the small village of Tolpuddle in Dorset to celebrate the memory of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and the legacy they left behind.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival ...
26 Jul 2025 to 27 Jul 2025
Frampton Arms Ale and Cider Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
This July, mark your calendar for a weekend packed with live music, great food, and a buzzing festival atmosphere. Taking place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July, this two-day event promises to be one of the highlights of the summer!
Over the weekend, enjoy a carefully curated lineup of local and regional bands performing throughout the day. Whether you're into upbeat folk, rock, or soulful acoustic sets, there’s something for everyone.
Saturday 26th July
Milk & Two – 1:00 PM to ...
02 August 2025
Jane Eyre - Chapter House Theatre Company
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
Young governess Jane Eyre arrives at the mysterious Thornfield Hall deep in the Yorkshire Moors and meets her enigmatic new employer Mr Rochester. Sparks fly between the pair, but when a terrifying secret from the past returns to haunt them, can Jane and Rochester’s passion survive the forces that might tear them apart forever? Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company as we bring the windswept moorland of Brontë’s masterpiece to life in Athelhampton's stunning gardens.
Running time: Approx. 120 ...
16 August 2025
The Big Bad Wolf
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
Come 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 ...
06 September 2025
ABBA by Moonlight
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
ABBA by Moonlight’s 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 before ...
06 Sep 2025 to 07 Sep 2025
Dorset County Show
Dorchester, Dorset
A celebration of all things Dorset and the countryside.
Dedicated to superb family entertainment, showcasing agriculture, great shopping and so much more!
14 Jun 2025 to 14 Sep 2025
Jane Austen: Down to the Sea
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery,
Dorchester, Dorset
‘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
Langham & The Sea
Dorchester, Dorset
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
Langham & The Sea - from Dorset Seafood Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
Exciting 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 ...
11 October 2025
Autumn Market - Saturday 11th October 2025
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
We 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 ...
27 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Tudor Week - Living History at Athelhampton
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
Step 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
Dorset Food & Drink Winter Fair 2025
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
Our annual Winter organised by Dorset Food and Drink - Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th November 10am until 3pm. Tickets go on sale 1st September 2025!
Attractions
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The latest Dorchester articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
9 Jun 2025
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
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
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...
7 Apr 2025
Dorset’s Egg-stravaganza of Easter Activities!
The Easter holidays are upon us! Whether you’re visiting Dorset for a holiday or live here and want to explore more of your county, there’s never a shortage of places to go and activities for the kids – and big kids! – to get involved in. But what’s on?
Dorset is chock full of family-friendly attractions, and many will be hosting Easter Egg Hunts or other fun activities for kids to enjoy over ... Read more...
2 Apr 2025
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.
Rainy Day Attractions & Activities in Dorset
What else ... Read more...
More articles available in the features section.
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