"That Other Place" Comes to Portland

This September, Portland transforms into an open-air gallery of art, performance and pure island oddness for b-side Arts Festival, running 10th–13th September 2026. Quarries, gardens, car parks and community halls across the island all become part of the show.

This year's theme, That Other Place, draws on Portland's famously proud oddness, the long-lost Portland Fair, and local resident David Palmer's remarkable archive of Fair memorabilia. It's a festival about island-ness and otherness as creative forces, a chance to see the world (and Portland) a little differently.

Here's our pick of what's on, with dates so you can plan your visit, plus some of our favourite Portland attractions to explore in between.

Festival Highlights

Image credit - Pete Millson

b-side Launch Party

9th September – Out Out on the Island, Masonic Hall. Kick the celebrations off early at b-side's official launch party.

Ghosts of the Fair

10th–13th September, multiple locations (Bakers Ground, Brandy Row Car Park, Clements Lane, Masonic Hall, Royal Manor Theatre) An immersive audio trail bringing the spirit of the old Portland Fair back to life.

Siren Song

10th–13th September, The Cove House Inn A playful and poignant promenade performance inspired by Portland's folklore.

Ball Run Palace

10th–13th September, Victoria Gardens Help build b-side's ever-growing marble run sculpture — a festival favourite for all ages.

Sea of Flags

10th–13th September, Jubilee Gateway A vibrant installation of handmade flags, with flag-making workshops running alongside it (also on 12th–13th September at Victoria Gardens).

The Island Beneath the Skin

Dancer Jamal Sterrett's pop-up performances appear at a different spot each day:

• 10th September – Quiddles
• 11th September – Victoria Gardens
• 12th September – Jubilee Gateway
• 13th September – Church Ope Viewing Platform

Image credit: Fred Macgregor

And So Our Shadows Dance 

Everyday materials transformed into giant moving shadow figures:

• 11th September (evening) – Chiswell Community Garden
• 12th September (evening) – Masonic Car Park
• 12th–13th September (daytime) – High Angle Battery
• A related workshop, exploring memories of the Portland Fair, runs 23rd August at St Georges Centre.

Invocations

12th September, Masonic Hall A large-scale projection piece by artist Jim Chuchu.

Portland's Peculiar Arcana

10th–13th September, b-side 77 Step into a tarot-inspired world where Portland's past, present and future collide.

Films, Talks and Walks at the Royal Manor Theatre

• 10th–13th September – Films at b-side, a rolling programme of short films
• 11th September – Royal Mannerisms (evening performance) and How To Build a Library (documentary)
• 12th September – The Land Remains, film screening with director Boris Thompson-Roylance
• 13th September – Iris on the Move and Developing Creative Ideas talk

Also worth a look: guided Heritage Walks with Dorset Council's Senior Archaeologist on 11th September, and the St Pauls and The Marbled White guided walk with artist Simon Lee Dicker on 12th September.

Portland Parade 2026

13th September, Easton Gardens The festival closes in style with what's billed as "the weirdest and most joyful Portland Parade yet." A parade headwear-making workshop runs beforehand at Easton Methodist Church Hall, same day.

Family-Friendly and Free Events

• Make an Arty Light-Up Hat – 21st August, Islanders — free, all ages
• Make a Flag for Sea of Flags – 11th–25th August, b-side 77 — free workshops
• Trishaw Rides – 12th–13th September, Old Engine Shed & The Beehive Cafe — free tours with Cycling Without Age
• Electric Bike Festival Tour – 13th September, Masonic Car Park

While You're on the Island

B-Side's venues are scattered right across Portland, so a festival visit is the perfect excuse to explore more of what the island has to offer between events. From dramatic coastal walks to climbing Portland Bill Lighthouse and exploring the Castletown D-Day Centre. Find independent pubs and cafes dotted all over the island to enjoy. 

Read our full guide to the island here: Explore Portland with Resort Dorset

Plan Ahead

With venues spread across Chiswell, Fortuneswell, Easton and beyond, it's worth mapping out which days suit you best — some installations run all weekend, while performances and workshops pop up on specific dates only. Check the full programme and event times on the B-Side website before you go.