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.
14 Dec 2019 to 15 Dec 2019
Festive Frolics with the New Hardy Players
Dorchester, Dorset
The cast of New Hardy Players visit Max Gate to perform a seasonal selection of poetry readings, carols and a mummers play. The Mummers play featured in Hardy’s novel, 'The Return of the Native'. Hardy was fascinated by rural traditions and had Mummers perform at Max Gate one Christmas. The New Hardy Players join us to continue this tradition at Hardy's home.
14 December 2019: 11:30 - 12:15, 12:30 - 13:15, 14:15 - 15:00.
15 December 2019: 11:30 - 12:15, 12:30 - 13:15, 14:15 - ...
15 December 2019
The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmas
Dorchester, Dorset
Dorchester favourites Squashbox Theatre’s are back with their spectacular celebration of everything Christmassy, from fir trees, fairy lights, sleigh bells and snowflakes to crackers, carols, presents and puddings!
Meet a snowman who lives in the fridge, try and spot some naughty elves, play hunt the brussel sprout, endure the world’s worst Christmas jumper and gaze at the “beautiful” Christmas fairy…
Learn about Yuletide traditions old and new, hear the story of the first Christmas ...
15 December 2019
The Frosty 5K
Dorchester, Dorset
If you enjoyed Weldmar’s Colour Run and Bubble Rush in the summer, then you will love our new family event this Christmas! Get everyone together for a day of frosty fun as you run, jog, hop or dance your way around the most festive 5k you’ll ever do!
After your warm up you’ll set off on a snowy start before passing through 4 exciting themed zones!
Fog – a tunnel with plumes of ‘icy’ fog coming from the floor
Fire – a cosy fire tunnel with the sounds and smell of a real crackling ...
18 December 2019
A Christmas Carol: In Concert
Dorchester, Dorset
A heart-warming retelling of Dickens’ classic tale uses an array of traditional and modern instruments and authentic musical arrangements. It brims with warmth, wit and wonder.
Modern-day balladeers GreenMatthews take the well-loved festive adventure back to its Victorian fireside roots, painting a vivid and evocative picture of Dickens’ world.
Chris Green (voice, guitar, mandocello, piano), Sophie Matthews (voice, flute, English border bagpipes) and special guest Jude Rees (voice, ...
18 December 2019
Carols at Hardy's Cottage
Dorchester, Dorset
Visit nineteenth-century Dorset with traditional West Gallery Christmas carols in Hardy's Cottage. Members of the Ridgeway Singers will be returning to Hardy's Cottage to revive the old carols sung in Hardy's childhood, as immortalized in 'Under the Greenwood Tree'.
Time: 1pm to 4pm.
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
19 December 2019
Musical Comedy: Christmas. Time.
Dorchester, Dorset
A musical comedy for all the family! Charlie and Toby are feeling low, and why wouldn’t they? It’s Christmas Day and they’re serving time at Her Majesty’s pleasure. But why shouldn’t they be having a Merry Christmas in spite of their incarceration? What’s stopping them from creating Christmas around them? Absolutely nothing! And so they set off on their festival of carols, Claus, Christ and custody…
Join them on a fantastical adventure through Dickens, pantomime, musical, Christmas dinner ...
22 December 2019
Producers' Market
Brewery Square,
Dorchester, Dorset
A NEW outdoor Producers Market, with the chance to taste and buy a variety of local food and drink. Held in the heart of Brewery Square, the buzzing atmosphere will be the perfect setting to discover what Dorset has to offer just in time for Christmas!
31 December 2019
Brew Year's Eve - Dorchester
Dorchester, Dorset
The best New Year's Eve party is happening here at the Brewhouse & Kitchen! With Live music playing acoustic, canapés, bubbles and beer it's got the makings of a great party - all it needs now is you and a group of your friends to make it a night to remember!
Get your tickets early as spaces are limited (Ticket price includes: Entry, canapés, a glass of bubbles or a pint of B&K beer)
Limited tickets will be available on the door on the night itself for £10 (if not fully booked).
We ...
30 Nov 2019 to 05 Jan 2020
Skating in the Square
Brewery Square,
Dorchester, Dorset
Skating in the Square is open from Saturday November 30th 2019 until Sunday the 5th of January 2020. The rink is a great festive addition to the county town, bringing a delightful, Christmassy atmosphere to the heart of Dorchester.
So get your skates on and get ready for the return of the rink! Skating in the Square is now open for online bookings, So why not book online today and prepare to slip on your skates and really get in to the Christmas spirit at Brewery Square this year!
Head ...
10 January 2020
The Big Midwinter Ceilidh
Dorchester, Dorset
Tatterdemalion are the band of The New Hardy Players. As well as providing music for their productions, ‘The TatterBand’ play as an energetic and colourful ceilidh band, performing traditional tunes from the Hardy family and Ben Rose tune collections in a modern and fun style.
Tatterdemalion welcomes everyone to dance to their music, no experience necessary. Expert caller Angela Laycock is on hand to teach everyone, so come and have a good time and beat the cold of January.
Venue: The ...
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The latest Dorchester articles from Resort Dorset are previewed below.
4 Dec 2019
New Year’s Eve is a time for celebration. We raise a glass to the year that’s gone by, everything we’ve achieved, and that glass is also raised to the year ahead.
It is often spent with family and friends, the ones who have been by our side for last 12 months, and the ones we look to spend the next 12 months with.
For many of us, a change is about to happen. We step into the New Year with a fresh vision of exciting things to come.
Whatever you’re ... Read more...
3 Dec 2019
Christmas is nearly here and there’s a fun way to get you in the festive spirit — by ice skating in Dorset!
Nothing beats wrapping up, getting your skates on and heading out to glide (or stumble) across the ice, before treating yourself to a delicious hot chocolate afterwards. Whether you’re a cling-to-the-side kind of skater or have a Torville and Dean style, ice skating is a fab activity for all and a great way to get together with friends and family to have ... Read more...
26 Nov 2019
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.
Accommodation
When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, there’s no shortage of 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 perfect holiday for you and your ... Read more...
8 Nov 2019
‘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 shopping, these events are a great way to find those perfect gifts; if delicious 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 get you in the ... Read more...
23 Sep 2019
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 include everything from zombie fests and enchanted illuminations, to pumpkin carving and the Sea Life Ascarium! It's scary how much there is to choose from...
Halloween ... Read more...