Festivals & Events in Dorset

Bournemouth 7s Festival returns 28-30 May 2027 for its 20th anniversary. Find dates, tickets, sports, live music, camping and visitor information.

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.

Experience Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week, 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.

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 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.

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.

Step back in time at the Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival 2027, taking place at Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne in June. This year’s special Armed Forces Weekender combines live vintage music, swing and jive dancing, military heritage displays, an Armed Forces parade, family entertainment and independent traders. With free admission and activities for all ages, Shake & Stir is one of Southbourne’s most distinctive community events.

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.

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.

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.

Dorset Food & Arts Festival takes place 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.

Dorset Mela Festival returns to Poole Park 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival returns to Dorset in July 2027, bringing together history, live music, inspiring speakers and family-friendly entertainment in the historic village of Tolpuddle. With a packed programme of talks, workshops, camping and the iconic Sunday march and rally, it's one of Dorset's most unique summer festivals celebrating the legacy of the Tolpuddle Martyrs.

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.

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.

Enjoy Stompin' on the Quomps 2027, Christchurch's much-loved free smooth jazz festival at The Quomps. Celebrate 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.

Every year, Poole hosts the two-day Magic of Thailand Festival, which introduces the lively customs and culture of Thailand to Dorset's Harbourside Park. Over the course of the weekend, guests can savour real Thai food, peruse a vibrant Thai market with produce, arts, and crafts, and take in cultural activities like Muay Thai boxing demonstrations and traditional performance. Traditional Thai massages are offered for relaxation, and family-friendly entertainment is guaranteed in the dedicated children's play area.

Launched in 2000, Christchurch Food Festival continues to bring people together in one of the most beautiful spots on the South Coast to share great food and drink. With chef demos, live entertainment, and a delicious selection of local produce, the festival celebrates the pleasure of food while also helping to support small producers and independent food businesses.

Experience Proms in the Park at Meyrick Park, Bournemouth. Hosted by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, this popular Dorset summer event features two spectacular evenings of live orchestral music, from timeless classical favourites and film scores to the biggest hits of the 1990s, all ending with a breathtaking fireworks display. Find event dates, ticket information and everything you need to plan your visit.

Purbeck Film Festival: Cinema Under the Stars runs on selected evenings in the Summer, 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.

Dorchester Cider Festival brings together award-winning cider producers, live music, delicious food and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere. With free entry, opportunities to meet local cider makers and all profits supporting local good causes through Dorchester Round Table, it has become one of Dorset's most popular summer food and drink festivals.

Experience We Out Here Festival at the stunning St Giles House Estate near Wimborne St Giles. One of the UK's leading music festivals, We Out Here combines world-class jazz, soul, hip-hop, house and electronic music with arts, wellness, family activities and camping in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Find event dates, ticket information, camping options and everything you need to plan your visit.

Experience Dorset County Show at Dorchester Showground on the first weekend of September. 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.

Join the Dorset WALX Festival 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.

Classic Cars on the Quay returns to Christchurch Quay in September 2027, bringing an impressive collection of historic cars, motorcycles and other vehicles to The Quomps. Visitors can wander among the displays, meet fellow motoring enthusiasts and enjoy the riverside setting free of charge. Eligible exhibitors can arrive without registering in advance, although weather and ground conditions may affect whether the event can proceed.

Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival in Bournemouth. 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.

Join the Romance Writing Festival 2026 in Bournemouth for a day of inspiring talks, writing workshops, expert masterclasses and networking with bestselling romance authors, literary agents and publishing professionals. Taking place at the Marsham Court Hotel on 3 October 2026, this unique Dorset literary event is ideal for aspiring and established romance writers looking to improve their craft, connect with the writing community and take the next step towards publication.

Purbeck Film Festival 2026 takes place from 16 October to 1 November, bringing independent, international, classic and contemporary films to cinemas and unusual venues across Purbeck and wider Dorset. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the UK’s longest-running rural film festival is expected to feature special guests, filmmaker events, themed screenings and community cinema experiences. The complete programme and ticket prices will be announced nearer the festival.

Dorchester Literary Festival brings a week of author talks, literary discussions and special events to Dorchester. The programme features leading writers and thinkers covering history, memoir, politics, nature, travel, wellbeing and more, alongside literary walks and community events. With individual tickets available across the week, the festival offers book lovers the chance to hear from some of today’s most interesting voices.

Welcome to Poole Beer Festival, where autumn afternoons become an art form and the humble pint is elevated to something rather special indeed. The festival showcases 85+ carefully selected real ales and craft beers alongside a great range of real ciders, perries and international bottled beers, making it a proper treasure trove for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

The Bridport Literary Festival 2026 takes place from 7-14 November, bringing a week of inspiring author talks, workshops and literary events to venues across Bridport. Featuring fiction, history, poetry, politics, nature writing and more, BridLit is one of Dorset's leading cultural festivals, welcoming readers of all ages to celebrate books, ideas and creativity.

Sherborne Abbey Festival 2027 is expected to return to Sherborne from Thu 29th Apr to Thu 6th May 2027, celebrating world-class music in the beautiful surroundings of Sherborne Abbey and venues across the town. While the 2027 programme is yet to be announced, visitors can look forward to a week of classical, choral, opera and jazz performances. This page will be updated as soon as official festival details are released.

The Shaftesbury Food Festival 2027 returns on Sunday 2 May 2027, celebrating the very best of Dorset food and drink in the heart of historic Shaftesbury. Expect artisan food stalls, local producers, live chef demonstrations, family entertainment and the famous Gold Hill Cheese Race. The full programme is still to be announced, and this page will be updated as soon as organisers release further information.

Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival will return 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.

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival 2027 returns to Dorset from 11-13 June 2027, bringing a weekend of live folk music, Morris dancing, concerts and family entertainment to the heart of historic Wimborne. While the full programme is still to be announced, visitors can look forward to one of Dorset's most popular annual music festivals. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further details.

The Lyme Regis Fossil and Earth Science Festival 2027 returns on 12–13 June 2027, bringing two days of fossils, science and family fun to Dorset's Jurassic Coast. Enjoy expert talks, guided fossil walks, interactive exhibits, live entertainment and hands-on activities in the home of Mary Anning. With free entry and events for all ages, it's one of Dorset's most fascinating annual festivals.

DorsetFest 2027 takes place on 18-19 June 2027 at Warren Farm, Bulbarrow, bringing a weekend of live music, camping and family entertainment to the heart of Dorset. With performances, children's activities, food stalls and local traders, this volunteer-run festival raises money for local charities and community projects. The full 2027 line-up and ticket details will be added as soon as organisers release further information.

Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival returns on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June 2027 for two days of food, drink, creativity and family entertainment. Taking over Highcliffe High Street and Recreation Ground, this free community festival traditionally brings together artisan producers, street-food traders, artists, makers, live musicians, cookery demonstrations and children’s activities. The full 2027 programme is still to be announced.

Whether you're a local looking for something special on your doorstep or planning a summer pilgrimage to Dorset, SandFest offers an experience that's as unique as the stunning location it calls home. This Poole-based beach festival transforms the already glamorous Sandbanks into a playground for music lovers and sun-seekers alike.