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Dorset > Events > Dorchester

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.

No events were found in Dorchester, but please check out these other events nearby.

25 Jun 2021 to 27 Jun 2021

TANKFEST 2021

Wareham, Dorset

Don’t miss the world’s biggest display of historic moving armour – TANKFEST 2021, sponsored by World of Tanks. See tanks roar round the arena, explore Living History encampments, meet your favourite YouTube stars and historians, and discover the best collection of military vehicles.

10 Jul 2021 to 11 Jul 2021

Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival

Weymouth, Dorset

A fabulous weekend of seafood, delicious English Sparkling Wines from Nyetimber, celebrity chefs and a great atmosphere around Weymouth harbour. The Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival brings together sparkling wine and seafood, family entertainment and a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the superb seafood available to us just off our wonderful shores. Taste fresh seafood dishes from nearly 100 stalls around the beautiful harbour, or simply relax with a bottle of ...

29 Jul 2021 to 01 Aug 2021

Camp Bestival

Lulworth, Dorset

We're excited to announce the dates for Camp Bestival 2021 - we'll be returning to Lulworth Castle, on Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast for more award-winning family fun from Thursday July 29th to Sunday August 1st next summer and look forward to seeing you all there! Camp Bestival 2021 tickets will go on sale later this year with a payment plan available to help spread the total cost over multiple payments.

31 Jul 2021 to 07 Aug 2021

Swanage Carnival

Swanage, Dorset

For one week at the end of July and the beginning of August, Swanage will be radiating to the sound, fun and excitement of the annual carnival, the South Coast’s Premier event. This ‘must do’ attraction has so much to offer everyone, from the magnificent two-mile carnival procession, vibrant with dance, sound and colour, to the beat of live bands playing on the Main Stage and in the carnival marquee.

18 August 2021

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

Shaftesbury, Dorset

One of the largest one-day agricultural shows in the south, and held on the Turnpike Showground in North Dorset, this traditional show is always held on the third Wednesday in August and regularly has an attendance of over 24,000 people.

26 Aug 2021 to 30 Aug 2021

Great Dorset Steam Fair

Blandford, Dorset

If you’re looking for an excellent fun and action-packed day out for all the family, you’ll love the Great Dorset Steam Fair. This English fair is held at the village of Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford Forum in the heart of the beautiful Dorset countryside. Further directions are superfluous. Just find the village on the map, head in that direction and follow everyone else to the show. From small beginnings this annual event has become one of the favoured places for those interested in ...

27 Aug 2021 to 30 Aug 2021

Lyme Folk Weekend

Lyme Regis, Dorset

Lyme Folk Weekend 2020 has been cancelled but is scheduled to go ahead in 2021. We are, though, thrilled to say that all the headline acts that we had booked have agreed to return next summer, so the festival will look exactly the same as it would have done this August. The new dates are Friday August 27 to Monday August 30 2021, when we will be delighted to bring you an amazing line-up for our first four-day festival - kicking off with the brilliant Gigspanner Big Band, followed by ...

02 Sep 2021 to 05 Sep 2021

Bournemouth Air Festival

Bournemouth, Dorset

Huge free air festival with international aircraft, beach assault and air display teams. The Festival site is open daily from 10am with displays starting late morning/ early afternoon . See website for latest information.

Latest Dorchester Features

The latest Dorchester articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.

16 Nov 2020

Shop for Dorset this Christmas

Shop Dorset and it’s a win, win – not only will your gift please the recipient but by shopping locally online in these difficult times you’ll be helping our Dorset businesses. Below are just a few ideas for Christmas gifts and goodies. Cheesed off? – Well check out Delicious, the Weymouth deli that will deliver cheeses and wines to your Dorset door. Craig’s Dairy Farm Shop and Chalbury Food & Wine are open and well-stocked with tasty local ... Read more...

21 Oct 2020

Half-term Fun in Dorset

So, it’s the October half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained in these restricted times! Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the seasons. Our Resort family has children of different ages and here are some of the things we plan to enjoy; perhaps you will too! Fossil Hunting – you may just discover the next big thing! Do be aware ... Read more...

28 Sep 2020

Halloween Events in Dorset

The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and the themed fun that takes place. If you’re out and about in Dorset, you’ll find many a Halloween event happening, so grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time! Dorset Halloween events and activities include everything from Monster Minions to Ghost Tours and more besides. It's scary how much there is to choose from... Halloween Events Read more...

3 Jul 2020

We've missed you too

Firstly, thank you for staying away during lockdown; but now, here at Resort Dorset, we can’t wait to welcome you back. If you are looking for inspiration for this year’s staycation then look no further, Dorset has it all – beautiful beaches, rolling hills, rugged coastline, stunning coastal walks, and countryside rambles – breathe in the fresh air and leave your troubles behind. Dorset is a county of beauty and tranquillity, and although you will ... Read more...

21 Feb 2020

Dorset History

Dorset’s past influences much of what we do here today, the many places we visit, and a great number of the photos we take as our own mementos. A county with a rich heritage, there’s plenty of Dorset history to be explored. From a Victorian sea-defence fort to centuries-old castles, via preserved steam trains and a wartime abandoned village, and through a variety of award-winning museums, Dorset’s past is brilliantly brought to life. Take a trip back in time with a visit ... Read more...