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.
11 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Dewlock Farm Pumpkins
Dorchester, Dorset
Weekends in October - 11th &12th 18th & 19th, 25th & 26th and 30th & 31st!
Pumpkins and Fun on the Farm.
Lots to do and the ticket includes bouncy castle, face painting, maze, the animal barn, also available landies to drive, BBQ to munch and cafe is open.
28 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Frights & Fun at Brewery Square
Dorchester, Dorset
Half term just got a whole lot spookier! Tuesday 28th - Friday 31st October, bring the family to Brewery Square for our Halloween Trick or Treat Trail.
Grab your map from the Concierge Office, follow the clues around the Square and collect treats along the way.
The excitement continues on Friday 31st October:
Spooky Face Painting - Become a witch, ghost, monster, or your favourite Halloween character.
Halloween Crafts - Make creepy masks and accessories to take home.
All activities are ...
17 Oct 2025 to 31 Oct 2025
Halloween Trails at Minterne Gardens
Dorchester, Dorset
Surprises will be lurking around every corner as you encounter giant bats, eerie spiders, and countless other spooky delights!
After your thrill filled journey, unwind at the Tea Terrace, where delicious seasonal treats will be on hand. 👻
The Halloween Trail will run from October 17th to October 31st - don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Last years prices held!
Adults - £10
Children - £5 (Includes Halloween pack)
Infants (2 and under) - Free
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 ...
27 Oct 2025 to 01 Nov 2025
Shire Hall Halloween Trail
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum,
Dorchester, Dorset
Get ready for frightful fun on our Halloween Trail, packed with creepy clues, spooky surprises, and ghostly giggles for the whole family! Then, unleash your inner monster with our Monster Mask Making activity — craft your own terrifying (or silly!) mask to take home.
Perfect for little ghouls and goblins of all ages. Costumes encouraged!
🕷️ When: from 27th October to 1st of November
🦇 Where: Shire Hall Museum
Don’t miss out — it’s going to be a scream!
25 Oct 2025 to 02 Nov 2025
Halloween at Dorset Museum
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery,
Dorchester, Dorset
Something wicked this way comes… Halloween at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!
We’ve got some frightfully good activities and events planned, including:
🍂 Autumnal Arts & Crafts - get creative with drop-in workshops and self-guided sessions throughout half term.
👻 Spooky Ghost Trail - spot the ghosts hidden around the museum.
🕵️ Haunted History Hunt - solve the riddles, discover mysterious objects, and meet a few ghosts along the way.
All activities are free with entry. Kids aged 0-15 go ...
04 November 2025
The Barnado's Christmas Fair
Dorchester, Dorset
The Barnardo's Christmas Fair, taking place on 4th November from 10.00 am to 2.30 pm at Cerne Abbas Village Hall, featuring many exciting stalls, selling a wide selection of Christmas presents, large and small, for the whole family.
A choice of delicious homemade soups will be available at lunchtime.
The £5.00 entry includes coffee or tea and biscuits.
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!
29 November 2025
Poundbury Christmas Market
Dorchester, Dorset
The Christmas market is all about supporting small businesses across Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire.
Last year we welcomed 100 small businesses to the square and we can't wait to welcome them back.
I am so proud of what we have achieved over the last 8 years, the market is non profit and all monies raised through pitch fees are invested back into the market for insurances, hire equipment, marketing and much more.
We can't wait to welcome you to this years Christmas Market.
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.
24 Oct 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...
8 Oct 2025
So, it’s the October 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...
1 Oct 2025
Over 60 Spooktacular Halloween Events!
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 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 ... Read more...
10 Sep 2025
When autumn arrives, Dorset transforms into a picture-perfect countryside filled with crisp air, golden leaves, and of course – pumpkins! Whether you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve, cook, or simply snap some seasonal photos with, pumpkin picking in Dorset has become a must-do family tradition.
With charming pick-your-own farms packed with activities, there are a number of places to explore across the county.
Why Go Pumpkin Picking in ... 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...
More articles available in the features section.
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