9) What’s on in September in Dorset

Experience the Swanage Folk Festival 2026 from 11–13 September, when the Dorset seaside town comes alive with folk music, Morris dancing, workshops and family entertainment. With free street performances, ticketed concerts, a lively ceilidh and a bustling craft fair, it's one of Dorset's most popular annual music festivals and a fantastic weekend for visitors of all ages.

The Art & Makers Market Bournemouth is located in Westover Gardens, next to the new Aviary. The market was established over 60 years ago and is one of the largest, and longest running, open air art displays in the country. This is a free attraction run as not for profit by local artists & creatives.

Bike Nights on Poole Quay 2026 takes place every Tuesday from 7 April to 29 September, bringing hundreds of motorcycles and thousands of visitors to Poole's historic waterfront. From classic and custom bikes to modern superbikes, this free weekly event is one of Dorset's best-loved motoring attractions, offering a fantastic atmosphere alongside the many pubs, restaurants and cafés that line Poole Quay.

Park Yoga Poole 2026 takes place every Sunday from 3 May to 13 September, offering free outdoor yoga sessions in the beautiful surroundings of Poole Park. Open to all ages and abilities, the friendly one-hour classes are ideal for beginners and experienced participants alike. No booking is required, so simply bring a mat or towel, some water and enjoy a relaxed morning of movement, mindfulness and community wellbeing.

Purbeck Film Festival: Cinema Under the Stars 2026 runs on selected evenings from 15 August to 5 September, bringing outdoor film screenings to Corfe Castle, The Blue Pool, Knoll House Hotel, Careys Secret Garden and Langham Wine Estate. The programme includes family favourites, musicals, cult classics and thrillers, with tickets from £6.50. Visitors can bring blankets and seating for a memorable evening of open-air cinema in some of Dorset’s most atmospheric locations.

Experience Dorset County Show 2026 on 5-6 September at Dorchester Showground. One of the county's biggest annual events, the show celebrates Dorset's farming, food and countryside with livestock competitions, equestrian displays, local food and drink, family entertainment, shopping, rural demonstrations and over 450 trade stands. Find event dates, ticket information and everything you need to plan your visit to this much-loved Dorset tradition.

Celebrate Bridport Hat Festival 2026 on Saturday 5 September, one of Dorset's most colourful and quirky free events. Expect creative hats, live music, family entertainment, fun competitions, the famous mass hat photo, delicious food and a fantastic community atmosphere throughout Bridport. Find event dates, visitor information and everything you need to enjoy one of the county's most unique annual festivals.

Whether you're drawn by the promise of exceptional seafood, the lure of local music, or simply the prospect of a gorgeously relaxed time by the harbour, Poole's Seafood and Sounds Festival delivers in the most satisfying way possible. This free community event brings together Poole's heritage of seafood and music for an amazing weekend.

Visit the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival 2026 on 12-13 September for one of Dorset's favourite food festivals. Discover artisan cheeses, local food and drink, craft stalls, live music and family entertainment in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. Celebrating the area's rich dairy heritage, it's a must-visit event for food lovers and one of the tastiest weekends on the Dorset events calendar.

Join the Dorset WALX Festival 2026 from 17-20 September for four days of guided walks, workshops and outdoor adventures across the Jurassic Coast and Purbeck. Discover iconic Dorset locations including Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle and Dancing Ledge, with walks for all abilities, wellbeing sessions and a friendly festival atmosphere. Advance booking is required with festival passes available online.

Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival 2026 in Bournemouth. Taking place on 25-26 September, this award-winning festival fills Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre with spectacular outdoor performances, live music, street theatre, art installations, dance and interactive experiences. With its 2026 ELEMENTAL theme celebrating creativity, sustainability and community, Arts by the Sea is one of the highlights of the Dorset events calendar.

Bournevaria Oktoberfest is the biggest Oktoberfest celebration on the South Coast. Located in the Windsor Hall at the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, the event is held every September. The event is a chance to enjoy German tradition and is set in the Bavarian-themed beer hall at the BIC. Book tickets to this event to enjoy several fun evenings of live entertainment, great food, and fantastic German beers.