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 10 events in Dorchester appear below.
13 September 2025
Weldmar Summer Fete
Dorchester, Dorset
Weldmar Hospicecare’s popular Summer Fete returns on Saturday 13th September, with lots of family fun, attractions, live entertainment, games, and more – and we’re also going to be joined by long-term friend and supporter of Weldmar, Martin Clunes!
Set in the beautiful grounds of our hospice this much-loved annual event brings together local talent, family-friendly entertainment, and a whole host of activities for all ages, from live music and dancing to food stalls, games, crafts, and ...
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.
01 October 2025
To Yollow Autumn Turn’d -
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
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
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 ...
18 October 2025
Geofest!
Dorchester, Dorset
A festival celebrating Geoscience: Fossils, Rocks and Earth Science.
18 Oct 2025 to 25 Oct 2025
Dorchester Literary Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
The Dorchester Literary Festival is an exciting cultural event for a town rich in literary associations. Picturesque Dorchester and the unspoiled countryside and dramatic coastal scenery surrounding it has inspired many of Britain’s best loved writers, including Thomas Hardy, T E Lawrence, William Barnes, Ian McEwan and Tracy Chevalier.
With a programme of events highlighting the latest books by today’s most original authors our festival warmly welcomes book-lovers to this beautiful ...
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!
05 December 2025
Welcome or Welcome Not
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
Once 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 ...
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The latest Dorchester articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
7 Sep 2025
The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and all the spooky fun that comes with it. If you’re planning to celebrate Halloween in Dorset, you’re in for a treat! From ghostly adventures to pumpkin-filled family fun, the county is bursting with Halloween events for all ages. Grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time!
It's scary how much there is to choose from. Whether you’re after family-friendly ... Read more...
2 Sep 2025
Stunts, Sheep & Showtime in Dorset!
Get ready for one of the biggest weekends in the county calendar – the Dorset County Show is back on 6th & 7th September, and is shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and more action-packed than ever.
From stunt bikes and action horses to livestock parades, foodie treats, live music, and hands-on fun for all ages, this is a weekend that truly has something for everyone.
Main Ring Thrills
Paul Hannam Stunt Show ... Read more...
23 Jun 2025
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 — 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
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...
More articles available in the features section.
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