Welcome to Our Events Guide: What's On
See details of our events guide: What’s on in Dorset UK.
Whether you are looking to visit local Food festivals, live music, Theatre, Cinema, below are just some of the great events that take place in the area of Dorset UK throughout the year.
Experience Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week 2026 from 31 July to 8 August, one of Dorset's biggest free summer events. Enjoy nine days of family entertainment, spectacular fireworks, the Torchlight Procession, beach games, live music, quirky competitions, Candles Down the River and the colourful Grand Carnival Procession. Find event dates, visitor information and everything you need to plan your visit to this much-loved Jurassic Coast tradition.
March in Dorset heralds the arrival of spring, with blooming landscapes, milder weather, and a fresh vibrancy that makes it an ideal time to explore this stunning county. From coastal wonders to countryside gems, here are the five best activities to enjoy in Dorset this March, each offering unique experiences tailored to different tastes. We’ll compare their locations, ambience, atmosphere, and suitability for children and pets, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Discover the best cinemas in Dorset, including the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area - essential knowledge for any local film buff. With a variety of excellent films displayed in these venues weekly, movie-goers are bound to enjoy the immersive experiences these locations offer.
Bournemouth International Film Festival 2026 returns to Bournemouth in October for two days of independent cinema, emerging talent and creative industry events. Visitors can expect feature films, shorts, documentaries and animation alongside workshops, industry panels, networking and a black-tie awards night.
We Out Here Festival has announced its 2027 dates at Wimborne St Giles in Dorset following a sell-out 2026 event. Find out when it returns and how to register for tickets.
Westbourne Farmers’ and Makers Market brings local producers, bakers, artists and independent traders to Landseer Road on the first Saturday of every month. Visitors can shop for artisan bread, vegetables, meat, cheese, preserves, cakes, plants and handmade products while supporting businesses from Dorset and the surrounding area. The outdoor market is free to visit, welcomes dogs on leads and is close to Westbourne’s shops, cafés, bus stops and public parking.
Discover the best Dorset events in 2026 with our month-by-month calendar featuring music festivals, food festivals, country shows, carnivals, literary events, sporting events and family-friendly days out across the county. From Bournemouth and Poole to Weymouth, Swanage, Bridport and beyond, explore what's on throughout the year and find inspiration for your next Dorset adventure. Bookmark this page as we'll keep it updated with the latest 2026 event announcements and new events as they're confirmed.
Plan a visit to Buzz Bingo Poole at Tower Park with essential information on bingo sessions, opening times, food and drink, accessibility, age restrictions and parking. The club offers paper and electronic bingo, slots and regular promotions alongside a licensed bar and food menu. Open late throughout the week and located within the wider Tower Park leisure complex, Buzz Bingo Poole is suited to solo players, couples and groups looking for an adults-only entertainment option in Poole.
Parkruns are free, weekly 5k events that bring local communities together every Saturday morning. Across Bournemouth and Poole, parkruns take place in parks, woodland and coastal landscapes, offering something for everyone, whether you prefer flat routes, trail paths or scenic challenges. Here’s our guide...
Plan a visit to Vue Poole at Tower Park with essential information on cinema screens, seating, tickets, accessibility, family screenings and free parking. The 14-screen cinema offers laser projection throughout, 2D and 3D films, Dolby Surround Sound and premium Lux and Ultra Lux seating. Visitors can watch new releases alongside concerts, theatre, opera, sport and other Big Screen Events, then combine their cinema trip with the restaurants and entertainment venues around Tower Park.
Discover Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury, where world-class musicians, emerging talent and a passion for music education come together for a unique weekend of live performances, creativity and community in the heart of Dorset.
Discover Conker Distillery in Southbourne, where we enjoyed an evening of cocktails, comedy and community while learning more about Dorset's first gin distillery and its local story.
Christchurch Market brings a varied selection of stalls to the town centre every Monday. Held along the traffic-free High Street and in Saxon Square, this traditional weekly market is a convenient place to browse fresh produce, plants, clothing, accessories, gifts and household products. Its central location also makes it easy to combine a visit with Christchurch’s independent shops, cafés and historic attractions.
The Regent in Christchurch is a historic 505-seat cinema and theatre presenting new films, live music, comedy, stage productions, event cinema and accessible performances throughout the year. Situated on Christchurch High Street, the venue also has a daytime café, performance bars and a programme ranging from major touring shows to local productions. Discover what’s on, how to book tickets and the practical information you need before visiting The Regent Centre Christchurch.
Highcliffe Castle hosts a varied programme of exhibitions, live performances, family activities, heritage experiences and seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Upcoming highlights include Dorset Architectural Heritage Week, autumn concerts, October half-term crafts, a community poppy installation and two festive events. Our regularly updated guide brings together the main events taking place at this historic clifftop attraction near Christchurch.
Information on car boot sales in Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole & Dorset.
Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival is expected to return in 2027 for another weekend filled with artisan cheese, fiery chilli products, street food and family entertainment. Official dates, tickets and programme details have not yet been announced, but the previous festival featured live music, cooking demonstrations, chilli-eating competitions, children’s activities and specialist traders at Parley Lane in Hurn. We will update this preview when the organiser releases confirmed information for 2027.
Bournemouth Writing Festival is a festival celebrating creativity and talent in Bournemouth's local writing scene. Talks, seminars, panels, and performances are all available over a weekend in April, with something for anyone - from young children to published authors.
Poole Market brings independent traders to the pedestrianised section of Poole High Street every Thursday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year. Visitors can browse stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables, flowers and plants to clothing, books, children’s toys and takeaway food, all alongside the High Street’s existing shops and cafés. Free to visit and running from 9am until 3pm, the market is an easy way to support local traders while exploring Poole town centre.
The largest music and sport festival in the world, Bournemouth 7s has come around once again! Buy tickets here: https://bournemouth7s.com/tickets/
Experience Camp Bestival Dorset 2027, at Lulworth Castle. One of the UK's leading family festivals, Camp Bestival combines headline live music, family entertainment, comedy, wellness, camping and children's activities in a spectacular Dorset setting. Find event dates, ticket information, camping options and everything you need to plan your visit to this award-winning Dorset festival.
Celebrate the Poole Harbour Festival 2027 from 30 July to 1 August at Baiter Park. One of Dorset's biggest family-friendly music festivals, the weekend features over 60 live acts alongside family entertainment, camping, street food, craft stalls and funfair attractions. Find event dates, tickets, venue information and everything you need to plan your visit.
Enjoy Swanage Carnival 2026, taking place from 25 July to 1 August on Dorset's stunning Jurassic Coast. One of the county's most popular free summer events, the carnival features over 100 family-friendly activities, including the famous carnival procession, spectacular fireworks, air displays, live music, beach events and sporting competitions. Find event dates, visitor information and everything you need to plan your visit to this much-loved Dorset tradition.
The B Sharp Busking Festival 2027 is expected to return to Lyme Regis in late June, bringing a day of free live music, street performances and family-friendly entertainment to Dorset's Jurassic Coast. While the 2027 date and programme are yet to be confirmed, visitors can look forward to talented young musicians, interactive workshops and a vibrant festival atmosphere. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further details.
Enjoy Stompin' on the Quomps 2026, Christchurch's much-loved free smooth jazz festival, taking place on Saturday 1 August at The Quomps. Celebrate 30 years of live music with talented jazz performers, delicious food and drink, a welcoming family atmosphere and stunning riverside views. Find event dates, admission details, opening times and everything you need to plan your visit to one of Dorset's most relaxing summer music events.
Run Bournemouth is a fun sporting festival involving a series of running races on the Bournemouth seafront on 8th / 9th October. This is a popular event for the whole family with running options of a half-marathon, 10km, 5km as well as Junior event categories.
Christmas in Christchurch returns on Saturday 28 November 2026 with a festive town-centre celebration and the official Christmas lights switch-on. The full programme is still to be announced, but local artisan traders are being recruited for the event and visitors can expect seasonal shopping, food, entertainment and activities for families. We will update this guide with confirmed times, performers and attractions as soon as the organisers release further information.
Discover Halloween events across Dorset for 2026, from illuminated forest trails and pumpkin picking to ghost trains, castle quests, family activities and terrifying experiences for adults. Our county-wide guide covers Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch alongside Purbeck, Weymouth, Dorchester, Sherborne, Bridport and rural Dorset. Find confirmed dates, ticket prices, age guidance and booking information for Halloween and October half-term events, with further activities added as organisers announce them.
Celebrate Bourne Free Pride Festival 2027 in Bournemouth, with three days of live entertainment, community celebrations and family-friendly activities at Meyrick Park. Featuring the annual Pride Parade, live music, market stalls and a free Family Fun Day, it's one of Dorset's biggest and most colourful summer festivals.
Visit the Mudeford Arts Festival in July 2027 at Mudeford Quay, Christchurch. This free Dorset arts festival celebrates local creativity with artists, handmade crafts, live music, demonstrations, food and family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful harbourside setting. It's one of Christchurch's most popular summer events and a wonderful weekend for visitors of all ages.
Illuminate 2027 is expected to return to The Blue Pool near Wareham, bringing one of Dorset's most enchanting winter light trails back to the county. While official dates and ticket details are yet to be announced, visitors can look forward to illuminated woodland walks, colourful light displays and a magical evening experience. This page will be updated as soon as the organisers release further information for Illuminate 2027.
The Dorset Seafood Festival 2027 is expected to return to Weymouth Harbour in early July, celebrating the very best of Dorset's seafood, local food and coastal culture. While the 2027 dates and programme are yet to be confirmed, visitors can look forward to fresh seafood, chef demonstrations, artisan stalls and live entertainment at one of Dorset's most popular free festivals. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further information.
Cliff Top Music Festival 2026 takes place in Highcliffe on 5-6 September, bringing two days of live music, family entertainment and food and drink to one of Dorset’s most scenic coastal settings. With Robert Arkins & The Commitments Live headlining Soul Saturday and the Fleetwood Mac Experience closing Pop & Glam Sunday, visitors can expect a lively seaside festival with headline performances, artisan stalls and panoramic Isle of Wight views.
Dancing Terraces returns to Pavilion Dance South West for summer 2026, bringing free outdoor dance sessions to the Garden Terrace beside Bournemouth’s seafront. Every Friday and Saturday evening in August, visitors can join professional dancers, musicians and DJs for styles ranging from Commercial and African dance to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz, Hip Hop, Ceilidh and Salsa. No booking or previous dance experience is required, making this a relaxed, family-friendly way to enjoy a summer evening in Bournemouth.
Visit the Cattistock Countryside Show 2026 on Sunday 19 July for one of Dorset's best-loved agricultural events. Enjoy livestock competitions, equestrian displays, the famous Dorset Knob Throwing Championship, vintage vehicles, local food, shopping and family entertainment in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Advance tickets are available, making this a fantastic summer day out for all ages.
The Cerne Abbas Music Festival 2027 will take place in July in the beautiful village of Cerne Abbas. Enjoy three evenings of exceptional chamber music performed by internationally renowned musicians in the stunning surroundings of St Mary's Church. Featuring works by celebrated classical composers, this much-loved Dorset music festival offers an intimate concert experience and advance booking is recommended.
The Dorset Spring Show 2027 is expected to return to Puddletown near Dorchester in early May, celebrating the very best of Dorset's farming, food and countryside. While official dates and ticket details are yet to be announced, visitors can look forward to livestock displays, family entertainment, local food, rural demonstrations and much more. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further information.
The Poole Bay 100 returns in June 2027 for a high-speed day of offshore powerboat racing across Poole Bay and Bournemouth’s coastline. Forming Round 2 of the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Racing Championship, the event brought powerful racing boats, professional crews and multiple racing classes to the south coast. Spectators could watch the fleet leave Poole Quay before racing began offshore, with Bournemouth seafront offering some of the best views of the action throughout the afternoon.
The Dorset Blind Association Motor Show 2027 is expected to return to Lulworth Castle in May, bringing together an impressive display of classic cars, supercars and family entertainment in support of a fantastic local charity. While the 2027 date and programme are yet to be confirmed, visitors can look forward to one of Dorset's favourite motoring events. This page will be updated as soon as official details are released.
Bridport Folk Festival 2027 returns in July with three days of live folk music, traditional dance and family entertainment across Bridport. Featuring headline concerts, Morris dancing, workshops, storytelling and performances in venues throughout the town, the festival is one of Dorset's best-loved summer celebrations of folk culture. Whether you're a lifelong folk fan or simply looking for a vibrant weekend atmosphere, there's something for all ages to enjoy.
Grooves on the Green is expected to return to Ashley Cross, Poole, in 2027 for another family-friendly celebration of live music, entertainment, food and community spirit. Official dates, tickets and performers have not yet been announced, but previous festivals have featured music across two stages, children’s activities, independent traders and a wide selection of food and drink. This listing will be updated when the organisers confirm the full Grooves on the Green 2027 programme.
Seafood & Sounds is held every September, bringing two days of live music, fresh seafood, family entertainment and maritime heritage to Poole Quay, the Old Town and town centre. Expect performances across multiple stages, seafood stalls, an opening parade, artisan markets, children’s activities, heritage shows and interactive trails, making it one of Poole’s biggest free events of the September calendar.
Car Nights on Poole Quay returns for summer 2026, bringing a different collection of cars to Poole’s waterfront every Friday evening throughout July and August. From British classics and supercars to American hot rods, Minis, Japanese cars and air-cooled Volkswagens, each week has its own theme. Visitors can wander along the Quay, admire the vehicles and enjoy the atmosphere alongside Poole Harbour, with plenty of nearby pubs, restaurants and cafés for an evening out.
Calling yarn lovers and hand stitchers to Stitch Night! Bring along your current WIP for a laidback, social craft sesh with like-minded creatives.
Dorset Mela Festival returned to Poole Park in June 2026 for one of Dorset’s largest multicultural celebrations. The free festival brought communities together for a full day of South Asian music, dance, food, arts and entertainment, with live performances, cultural showcases, international food stalls, handicrafts, henna and family activities. Designed as an inclusive celebration for all backgrounds and ages, Dorset Mela offered visitors the chance to experience different traditions, flavours and performances in the heart of Poole.
Find places to go pumpkin picking in Dorset during autumn 2026, including pick-your-own fields, family pumpkin festivals and farms near Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, Wimborne and Blandford. This guide includes confirmed opening dates, admission details, booking information and practical advice for visiting Dorset’s pumpkin patches. Several farms are still preparing their October programmes, so we will continue adding dates and prices as they are officially announced.
Christchurch Carnival returns to Christchurch Quay in 2027 for a free, family-friendly celebration featuring live entertainment, fairground rides, food and drink, community activities, a colourful street parade and spectacular fireworks over the water. The official dates and programme have not yet been announced, so we will update this guide with confirmed event times, parade information and visitor details as soon as they are released.
Southbourne Food & Fun Festival 2027 is expected to return to Fisherman’s Walk for another free celebration of local food, independent businesses and community life. While the 2027 date and programme are yet to be announced, visitors can expect local food and drink producers, live music, workshops, family activities and handmade goods. This page will be updated as soon as Stir Events CIC releases further information.
Dorset Food & Arts Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 1 August at The Great Field in Poundbury, bringing together more than 80 local food producers, artists, craftspeople and artisan makers for a free community festival. Visitors can enjoy award-winning Dorset food and drink, live music, handmade gifts, local artwork and street food while celebrating the very best of the county's independent businesses in a relaxed outdoor setting.
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.
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