September Events in Dorset

September in Dorset: Events here, there and everywhere!

Image credit - Wave, Squidsoup. Dusk til Dark, Weymouth.

The children may have returned to school, but September’s events diary is jam-packed. From the county's biggest agricultural show to an island-wide art trail and a seafood-and-music takeover of Poole Quay, and from an eccentric hat-throwing tradition to an illuminated art trail after dark, there's a real mix of the traditional and the experimental. Here are the key events to plan your month around.

Dorset County Show: 5^th & 6th September, Dorchester

One of Dorset's biggest annual events closes kicks September off in style. Held at the Dorchester Showground, it's a full-blown celebration of the county's farming and rural heritage, with livestock competitions, equestrian displays, food and drink stalls, countryside demonstrations, and over 450 trade stands. A proper day out for the whole family, with entertainment running throughout both days.

Bridport Hat Festival: 5th September, Bridport

Nicknamed "Haturday," this free festival takes over the streets of Bridport for a day dedicated entirely to headwear. Expect a Fun Hat Competition open to all ages, live entertainment, and market stalls, an eccentric slice of Dorset charm and a great excuse to dig out your most outlandish hat. More info here

b-side Festival: "That Other Place": 10^th to 13th September (launch night 9 September), Isle of Portland

A free contemporary arts festival that transforms Portland's streets, quarries and coastline into a strange, parallel version of the island. This year's theme draws on the memory of the long-lost Portland Fair, with commissioned installations, an after-dark trail on 11^th & 12th September, an island-wide closing parade, and a Fringe programme of more than 40 events run by local artists and community groups. For more info follow this link.

Heritage Open Days: 11^th to 20th September, county-wide

For ten days, a range of historic sites and hidden gems across Dorset open their doors for free as part of this national scheme. It's an excellent chance to explore local heritage that's normally ticketed or off-limits, some venues require advance booking, so it's worth checking ahead on their website.

Seafood & Sounds: 12^th & 13th September, Poole Quay

Now in its fourth year, this free, festival celebrates Poole's maritime heritage with a colourful opening parade, over 24 live music acts across multiple stages and venues (from Custom House to the Fish Shambles), a fisherman's market, and fresh local seafood served up along the waterside. In 2026 the festival is expanding further up the High Street, so there's more of Poole to explore than ever.

Wimborne Food Festival: 19th September, Wimborne

A free, family-friendly celebration of local food and drink running from 11am to 4pm across the town centre, including Willow Walk, Wimborne Square, Minster Green, Church Street and East Street (the latter two closed to traffic for the day). Expect producer stalls, pop-up tastings, live cookery demonstrations from local chefs, and street entertainment, for the full details visit their website.

Dusk Til Dark: 24^th to 26th September, Weymouth

Now in its sixth year, this free performing-arts event lights up Weymouth after dark. The centrepiece is "Wave," a touring installation of 500 glowing, sound-emitting orbs suspended over Westham Bridge, alongside yoga and drawing sessions and dance performances from local youth groups. A striking, family-friendly way to enjoy Weymouth as autumn draws in, further info on what's happening right here.

Arts by the Sea: 25^th & 26th September, Bournemouth

The South West's biggest free arts festival returns to transform Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre into a hub of light, performance and installation. This year's theme, ELEMENTAL, explores water, earth, fire and air, with large-scale installations, live music, dance, street theatre, and a family concert from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The main festival weekend is followed by a fortnight-long fringe programme running to 11 October.

Weymouth Pavilion: Shows throughout September

Weymouth's Esplanade theatre keeps up a packed programme all month, with something for most tastes. Highlights include the BSO's "From Darkness to Light" concert (10 September), the Dorset Guitar Show (13 September), a tribute night from The Drifters (19 September), and true-crime talk show "Makings of a Murderer: The Undercover Detective" with former undercover detective Peter Bleksley (24 September), plus tribute shows for Bon Jovi and the Bee Gees rounding out the month. There's also a strong cinema programme, including anniversary screenings of Taxi Driver and Terminator 2. Well worth checking the full listings for something to suit your evening on their website.

Coastal Vibes Cruises: Themed trips, Weymouth Harbour

Weymouth's newest attraction on the water, this 250-seat vessel sails from Weymouth Harbour with a varied programme beyond any standard sightseeing cruise. Alongside relaxed daytime trips along the Jurassic Coast towards Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, September brings a steady run of themed evenings — think sunset cruises with live music, fizz & chips sailings, and lively themed party nights, all with a licensed bar on board. It's a fun, slightly different way to see Dorset's coastline, whether you fancy a relaxed daytime sail or a night out on the water, check out their sailing timetable here.

Planning your visit

Dates and details for local events can shift, so it's always worth double-checking directly with organisers before you travel. For the full, up-to-date what's-on calendar across Dorset, head to Resort Dorset's events page.