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.
Westover Gardens Art and Makers Market brings local artists, designers and independent makers to Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens between May and October. Visitors can browse original artwork, jewellery, ceramics, homeware, accessories and handmade gifts in an attractive outdoor setting close to The Square and seafront. The market is free to visit and normally operates on weekends and advertised bank holidays, although visitors should check the organiser’s latest dates before travelling.
October brings festivals, traditional fairs, illuminated gardens and colourful community celebrations to Dorset. Listen to live blues in Swanage, browse independent makers in Wimborne, experience Shaftesbury Carnival or explore cinema and literature through two of the county’s major cultural festivals. From historic street markets to an after-dark garden trail, here are seven brilliant things to see, do and enjoy across Dorset in October 2026.
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.
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.
Discover firework displays and Bonfire Night events across Dorset for 2026, from free waterfront celebrations in Poole, Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis to large family events at Littledown and Broadstone. This guide brings together confirmed dates, display times, ticket information and quieter alternatives without traditional fireworks. Find events across Bournemouth, Poole, West Dorset and rural Dorset, with links to our detailed local guides to help you plan your evening.
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.
Take on one of Dorset's most popular running weekends at Run Bournemouth 2026. Held on 10 and 11 October, the festival features the Bournemouth Half Marathon, Supersonic 10K, Supernova 5K and junior races along Bournemouth's stunning coastline. With spectacular sea views, a lively event atmosphere and distances for all abilities, Run Bournemouth is a highlight of the Dorset sporting calendar and attracts thousands of runners and supporters each year.
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 2026 takes place from 17-24 October, bringing 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.
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