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 29 events in Dorchester appear below.
27 June 2019
wicked wessex pop up talk: scold’s bridle
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum,
Dorchester, Dorset
Join us for a short 15 minute lunchtime talk on the harsh history of Scold’s Bridles.
FREE
Please book through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wicked-wessex-pop-up-talk-scolds-bridle-tickets-60267903923
Meet at Shire Hall front desk for 1pm.
29 June 2019
Dorset Art Market
Dorchester, Dorset
Talented Dorset artists selling originals, prints and handmade items. The perfect place to pick up something beautiful, unique and Dorset inspired.
Sat 29th June 2019, 10am-2pm
The Avenue Stadium, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester.
29 June 2019
jewellery making workshop with caroline parrott
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum,
Dorchester, Dorset
Course leader: Caroline Parrott
Caroline creates beautiful, colourful jewellery using hand printed and coloured aluminium.
This is an exciting opportunity join her and create your own unique jewellery, using anodised aluminium that you hand print and dye as part of the workshop. Students typically create 5 different pieces in a day including, earrings, bangles and pendants.
Suitable for beginners and those with experience of jewellery making.
Please bring and apron and wear old ...
29 June 2019
Weldmar Family Dog Show
Dorchester, Dorset
Our annual dog show is always great fun for the family and a huge success, with 2019 being our 7th one. The dog show will be held at Joseph Weld hospice on the 29th June from 11am – 4pm. There will be plenty to do for all the family including the dogs!
Throughout the day you can enter your dogs into the judging categories for £1; each category will have a first, second and third winner and they will all receive a rosette and certificate.
We will have lots of stalls selling unique ...
30 June 2019
The Rare Plant Fair
Dorchester, Dorset
Sculpture by the Lakes is extremely honoured to have been chosen to host the Rare Plant Fair during their 25th season.
The organisers carefully select the nurseries to ensure that they are genuine growers who produce most or all of the plants that they sell themselves. The nurseries that exhibit at each fair are chosen so that we can offer the widest possible range of plants to our visitors, including perennials, shrubs and trees, alpines, bulbs and exotic plants.
All of the nursery ...
06 July 2019
Dorchester Children's Carnival
Dorchester, Dorset
The Prince of Wales School Association (POWSA) and Boo’s Toy Shop, Poundbury have come together to deliver Dorchester’s first Children’s Carnival.
The carnival will take place on Saturday 6th July 2019, alongside the POWSA Summer Fayre at The Prince of Wales School which runs from 11:00am to 4:00pm on the same day.
We welcome participants from all children’s groups, schools, societies and organisations to join our parade.
Theme
This year’s theme is ‘Celebration of Uniforms’ making ...
06 July 2019
Dorset County Hospital Summer Spectacular
Dorchester, Dorset
DCH is hosting its first Summer Spectacular and it will be held on the former Damers School field next to the hospital on Saturday 6 July from 2pm until 5pm.
Expect a traditional fete with stalls and games, as well as a performance arena and a grand raffle - fun for all the family!
As a result of the success of the Cancer Appeal, the Trust now plans to upgrade the hospital's existing Chemotherapy Unit in line with the quality of outpatient and radiotherapy services now available in ...
05 Jul 2019 to 06 Jul 2019
Far From the Madding Crowd (The New Hardy Players)
Dorchester, Dorset
The New Hardy Players never fail to impress and this year is no exception with a dramatic outdoor production based on the well-loved novel that prompted Thomas Hardy to become a full time writer. With over 50 actors and musicians, the ever popular New Hardy Players bring to life the colourful local characters of Weatherbury. The story unfolds around the Maltster’s Arms, the Corn Exchange and Weatherbury Farm itself reflecting the full panoply of Wessex folk.
This new script tells the ...
06 Jul 2019 to 07 Jul 2019
Sculpture by the Lakes Summer Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
Come and celebrate the wonderful selection of Food, Art and Craft that is available in Dorset at our two-day Summer Festival held in association with DOMVS Enterprise Club. With over 40 stalls featuring Dorset and South West artists, craftsmen and local food producers, visitors can indulge in a spot of leisurely shopping as well as enjoying the park and sculptures, the lakes and the beautiful gardens bursting with colour.
• We have more music this year including the big band sound of Swing ...
12 July 2019
down gin lane
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum,
Dorchester, Dorset
Join Grey Bear Bar Co.’s Master Mixologist Lloyd Brown on a trip down Hogarth’s Gin Lane. Lloyd will lead us through an evening of social history and – you’ve got it – Gin!
From the Georgian period of Gin-fuelled debauchery to the modern craft Gin movement. All this against the atmospheric setting of Shire Hall’s Georgian courtroom and cells.
Includes a G&T on arrival followed by two cocktails and two Gin samples, and a smorgasbord of Dorset delights.
Tickets £30.00 pp.
Down Gin ...
11 Jul 2019 to 14 Jul 2019
Cerne Abbas Music Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
Cerne Abbas Music Festival features chamber music, performed in the beautiful Dorset village near Dorchester by The Gaudier Ensemble – a group of international musicians.
19 Jul 2019 to 21 Jul 2019
Moonbury Rings
Dorchester, Dorset
Dorset celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with a weekend of free lunar-themed events. Featuring Apollo - One Giant Leap!, a huge, free community performance on Friday, space-themed outdoor cinema on Saturday and a family science and arts festival day on Sunday. Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon will be on display throughout.
Venue: Maumbury Rings
19 Jul 2019 to 21 Jul 2019
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
Family festival celebrating the memory of the Tolpuddle Martyrs - Tolpuddle village near Dorchester.
27 July 2019
Dorset Art Market
Dorchester, Dorset
Talented Dorset artists selling originals, prints and handmade items. The perfect place to pick up something beautiful, unique and Dorset inspired.
Sat 27th July 2019, 10am-2pm
The Avenue Stadium, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester.
02 August 2019
Music by the Lake
Kingston Maurward Gardens & Animal Park,
Dorchester, Dorset
Set in the stunning surroundings of Kingston Maurward, Music by the Lake is a tribute event not to be missed. Featuring top UK tribute acts performing live on stage with the gorgeous grounds and lake as their backdrop, you’re guaranteed a night to remember. Plus Music by the Lake is in partnership and supported by Weldmar Hospicecare.
Elton John – ‘Absolutely Elton’ – The music of Elton John makes up the soundtrack of several generations with songs including ‘Crocodile Rock’, ‘I’m still ...
03 August 2019
Dorset Food & Arts Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
A free festival held in Queen Mother Square, Poundbury with chef demonstrations, live music, children's entertainment and, of course, plenty of delicious local food.
09 Aug 2019 to 10 Aug 2019
Duckfest19
Dorchester, Dorset
Family Music Festival - FREE CAMPING - Stalls - Refreshments.
Bands confirmed to date - Saturday Headliner - Kings of Lyon 'Europe's No.1 Tribute to Kings of Leon', Friday Headliner - Black Water County 'Festival Favourites'
Tequila Mockingbird - The Leggomen - Shelby's Elbows - The Million Dollar Bash - Scoot - Komakino (Joy Division Tribute) - Vanilla Radio and more TBA!
Tickets:
Adults: Fri £10, Sat £20, Weekend £30.
Children (5-17yrs): Fri £5, Sat £10,
Weekend £15, Under 5’s ...
17 August 2019
Dorchester Cider Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
The fifth annual Dorchester Cider Festival returns to Borough Gardens on Saturday 17th August at 15:00.
A FREE family-friendly celebration of the region's finest cider producers, special guests, great food and live music throughout the day.
Bands confirmed to date:
On the bandstand: Imprints | Cuba Libre | The Jimmy Hillbillies | The Million Dollar Bash.
On the acoustic stage: The Darwins | Edd Bleach | Owen Lister | Dorset Phil.
Meet and be served by our guest cider makers and ...
18 August 2019
Outdoor Theatre: The Legend of King Arthur
Dorchester, Dorset
Pack up a picnic and join us in the open air to enjoy this classic tale of Arthur, a sword and the Knights of the round table. With inventive staging, original songs and magical storytelling, you and your family will be talking about this experience for years to come!
Arthur is fed up! He is tired of his knuckles being rapped by his teacher, being ignored by his parents and bullied by his brother Kay. However, little does he know that there is prophecy of a hero, destined to pull the ...
30 August 2019
Outdoor Theatre: The Secret Garden
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
This summer, join young Mary Lennox on a journey of discovery as she is sent to her uncle’s house in the countryside, where mysteries and secrets lurk round every corner... As she makes new friends and encounters magical creatures, Mary has one burning question: where is the location of her uncle’s secret garden, and where has he hidden the key?
This enchanting story, loved by children and adults alike, is presented in some of the UK and Ireland’s most beautiful outdoor venues. Relive ...
31 August 2019
Dorset Art Market
Dorchester, Dorset
Talented Dorset artists selling originals, prints and handmade items. The perfect place to pick up something beautiful, unique and Dorset inspired.
Sat 31st August 2019, 10am-2pm
The Avenue Stadium, Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester.
01 September 2019
Autumn Plant Fair
Dorchester, Dorset
Athelhampton House will be hosting the second Plant Fair of the year, organised by Plant Heritage Dorset. The Fair will be open from 10am -3pm and will feature a large number of independent growers from across the South and South West. There will be a wide range of plants including grasses, alpines, herbs, perennials, climbers & shrubs plus some summer bedding and basket plants.. The great advantage is that you can buy direct from the growers at very competitive prices and get specialist ...
07 Sep 2019 to 08 Sep 2019
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 September 2019
Opera: La Boheme
Dorchester, Dorset
Opera Holloway are delighted to be performing Puccini’s La Boheme, a thrilling and passionate love story, as depicted by one of Opera’s true legends.
La Boheme depicts the ever-changing fortunes of the lives of four flatmates, reluctant to leave their student days behind them. Conducted by Lewis Gaston and directed by Fiona Williams, we follow the unfolding love story of Mimi and Rudolfo from its joyous beginnings to the bitter end. Opera Holloway’s production moves the action to a ...
14 September 2019
Weldmar Summer Fete
Dorchester, Dorset
Come and join us for our traditional Summer Fete on Saturday 14th September from 11am until 4pm at Joseph Weld Hospice and help us raise money for Weldmar Hospicecare
Entrance £2 per adult, children go free!
Over 40 stalls including:
Bric a Brac
Books
Hand Crafted Items
Hats and Handbags
Jigsaws and games
CDs & DVDs
Home Produce
Plus much more
Delicious food and drink including:
BBQ
Cream Teas
Delicious cakes
Licensed Bar
With Live Entertainment on the Wessex FM ...
19 Sep 2019 to 21 Sep 2019
Wellbeing by the Lakes
Dorchester, Dorset
Wellbeing by the Lakes is a 3-day festival exploring what it means to be mindful and live well in this fast-paced modern world. A curated blend of experts talks, meditation, movement sessions, art, live performance and healing therapies will open your eyes to fresh experiences for wellbeing.
Set in the picturesque sculpture park nestled in 26 acres of Dorset’s glorious countryside, the event brings together a wide-ranging programme to inspire and revitalise you. Broaden your knowledge, ...
20 Sep 2019 to 22 Sep 2019
Dorset Tango Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
Dorchester is a great place to spend the weekend, it's a historic market town with lots of shopping and restaurants available. Plus you have the added bonus of the beautiful countryside of Dorset with popular seaside resorts of Weymouth and Lulworth Cove just 10 miles away.
The Corn Exchange is a fantastic Victorian building in the middle of Dorchester Town Centre. It has 2 superb dancefloors. Upstairs is the Town Hall and downstairs is the Grand Hall with a capacity of 350. We will be ...
04 October 2019
Opera: Gilbert & Sullivan's Patience
Dorchester, Dorset
An approachable and inspired production featuring a cast of fine young singers.
Patience, a light opera by Gilbert and Sullivan is the duo’s extremely witty, infrequently performed little masterpiece about the Aesthetic Movement of the 1880s, with willowy poets, sighing maidens, hearty milkmaids and burly officers galore. Every tune is memorable, every word worth hearing, and the humour is as fresh as it was at the first performance.
Venue: The Corn Exchange
15 Oct 2019 to 20 Oct 2019
Dorchester Literary Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
We have started planning events for this year's festival and some we've confirmed are already on the website. There are more exciting events in the pipeline so keep in touch.
We'll also post the latest news on our Facebook page and keep Twitter updated with the latest news.
Events last approximately one hour. There will be enough time in between each event to enable you to attend consecutive events, although in some cases you may have to change venues. After every event Waterstones ...
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Latest Dorchester Features
The latest Dorchester articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
21 Jun 2019
We're celebrating National Cream Tea Day on 28th June - are you?
Here in Dorset, looking for places to go for a cream tea (or afternoon tea) isn't exactly difficult. You're likely to be able to get a top-notch cream tea at just about any town or village you visit in our delightful county. So, to help you cream tea lovers celebrate on the 28th, we've compiled a list of just some of the many places you can enjoy a delicious cream tea. But obviously, a cream tea in ... Read more...
8 Apr 2019
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...
27 Feb 2019
Get off the beaten track in Dorset, and explore some of these hidden locations. Dorset is well-known for some spectacular places to visit, but there’s much more just waiting to be discovered. Some of these are more secret than others, but most are free and well worth adding to any itinerary – there are lots of great hidden things to do here, especially if you’re looking to escape the crowds!
1. Chapman’s Pool
A pretty little hidden cove nestled in the ... Read more...
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