Dorset Festival Calendar 2025

Beyond its breathtaking coastline and undulating countryside, Dorset is a year-round festival destination that is teeming with local flavour, creativity, and life. These festivals highlight Dorset's unique local customs, literary celebrations, and top-notch music and culinary events. With so many annual festivals, Dorset has something to offer everyone, whether you're planning a cosy winter retreat or a summer seaside escape.

April 2025

SHERBOURNE TRAVEL WRITING FESTIVAL (11-13th April)

The Sherborne Travel Writing Festival, held annually in the historic town of Sherborne, Dorset, stands as the UK's premier event dedicated exclusively to travel literature. The festival, which is organised by renowned travel writer Rory MacLean, brings together a stellar cast of writers, journalists, and adventurers who will take part in talks, panel discussions, and private sessions. 

DORCHESTER ROMAN FESTIVAL (11-13th April)

The Dorchester Roman Festival is a vibrant annual celebration of Dorchester’s rich Roman heritage which turns contemporary Dorchester into a bustling Roman settlement for a day. Explore Roman military camps, watch exhilarating gladiator fights, and participate in interactive archaeology workshops that explore the area's prehistoric past.

FROM PAGE TO SCREEN FESTIVAL (23-27th April)

Celebrate the rich and intricate journey from literature to cinema with the UK's only film festival devoted solely to the art of adaptation, the From Page to Screen Festival, which takes place every year in Bridport, Dorset. The festival, which takes place at the historic Electric Palace Cinema, includes screenings of both modern and classic adaptations, panel discussions with authors, directors, screenwriters, and literary critics, and fascinating Q&A sessions.

May 2025

SHERBORNE ABBEY FESTIVAL (1-8th May)

The Sherborne Abbey Festival is an esteemed annual music event held in the historic town of Sherborne, Dorset.  More than £300,000 has been raised over the years for scholarships, charitable causes, and Sherborne Abbey's music support. Opera, choral, classical, jazz, and swing are just a few of the musical genres that are featured in the festival's varied program each year. With a number of free performances and reasonably priced tickets, the festival is dedicated to making music accessible to everyone.

TEDDY ROCKS MUSIC FESTIVAL (2-4th May)

The Teddy Rocks Music Festival is a prestigious yearly charity music event that supports children with cancer and is held at Charisworth Farm, near Blandford, Dorset. Teddy Rocks was founded in 2011 by Tom Newton in honour of his younger brother Ted, who died at the age of 10 from Ewing's Sarcoma. The company donates all of its earnings to different charities that support children with cancer. With more than 100 acts spread across several stages, the multi-award winning festival offers a diverse lineup that includes pop, rock, alternative, and tribute acts. 

B SHARP BUSKING FESTIVAL (10th May 2025)

Every year, the charming waterfront of Lyme Regis, Dorset, hosts the B Sharp Busking Festival, a celebration of musical prowess and community spirit. The festival, which is organised by the youth music charity B Sharp, gives musicians of all ages and abilities a chance to perform at different busking locations around the town. A range of interactive workshops and activities are available to attendees, along with open-mic opportunities that encourage aspiring musicians to perform under the guidance of seasoned music leaders. 

DORCHESTER WALKING FESTIVAL (10-18th May)

In the centre of Dorset, the nine-day Dorchester Walking Festival is a lively celebration of walking, history, and camaraderie. This all-inclusive festival, which takes place during National Walking Month, offers more than 50 self-guided and guided walks suitable for people of all ages, interests, and fitness levels. Between the 50-mile walking challenge, and the nature trails and scavenger hunts for younger walkers, all participants will be able to take in the stunning scenery of the Jurassic Coast and Dorchester. 

CHRISTCHURCH CHEESE AND CHILLI FESTIVAL (17-18th May)

The Christchurch Cheese and Chilli Festival celebrates local producers of cheese and chilli related products, hosts a variety of musical and theatrical entertainment, and supports local charities with it's profits. Be it live cooking demonstrations, circus-style performances, live music, taste tents, or chilli eating competitions, the festival is filled with delightful activities for adults and kids alike.

MAGIC OF THAILAND FESTIVAL IN POOLE (17-18th May)

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. 

BOURNEMOUTH 7S FESTIVAL (23-25th May)

The Bournemouth 7s Festival, often dubbed the "Sporting Glastonbury," is a dynamic three-day event that seamlessly blends competitive sports with vibrant live entertainment, attracting over 30,000 attendees annually. Held at the Bournemouth University Sports Campus in Christchurch, the festival features a diverse array of sports, including rugby, netball, dodgeball, hockey, and CrossFit, with over 400 teams competing across various tournaments. Beyond the sports fields, the festival features 12 arenas with unique themes, each featuring a different genre of music, ranging from drum and bass to hip-hop and house, and featuring over 100 live acts and DJs.

CURSUS MUSIC AND CIDER FESTIVAL (23-25th May)

Located at Mycen Farm in Dorset's scenic Cranborne Chase, the Cursus Cider & Music Festival is a beloved grassroots event. This small festival, which was founded more than ten years ago, offers a special fusion of live music, handcrafted ciders, and community spirit. The festival's musical lineup includes both well-known performers and up-and-coming artists from a wide range of genres. One of the highlights is the culinary selection, which includes a well-stocked cider bar with reasonably priced local ciders, ales and other drinks. 

CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FESTIVAL (24-26th May)

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.

June 2025

FAMILY FEST DORSET (30th May-1st June)

Since its founding in 2018, Family Fest Dorset has grown to become a mainstay of Wimborne, Dorset's family entertainment scene. The event, which takes place at The Meadows (Julians Field) on 12 acres of working farmland, includes interactive family activities, live music performances, children's shows and visits from cherished mascots. Visitors can peruse a range of booths featuring regional handicrafts, mouthwatering cuisine, and goods from small companies. Notably, the event raises money for community projects and supports nearby charities. 

WIMBORNE MINSTER FOLK FESTIVAL (6-8th June)

Held annually in the charming market town of Wimborne Minster, Dorset, the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival is a lively celebration of traditional folk music and dance. Concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, dance performances, street markets, and family-friendly events are all part of the festival's diverse schedule. The Saturday afternoon procession, in which dozens of dance teams march through the town centre, is a highlight. Live music and performances fill the streets. 

DORSETFEST (27-28th June)

With a blend of live music, arts and crafts, regional cuisine, and family-friendly events, DorsetFest is a lively, community-driven celebration that perfectly encapsulates Dorset's natural beauty and creative spirit. With a focus on promoting musicians, artists, and food producers from Dorset, DorsetFest is a celebration of everything that makes Dorset a unique and friendly destination. Whether you're sipping a local craft beer, perusing the artisan booths, or tapping your feet to folk, rock, or acoustic performances, DorsetFest is the perfect weekend getaway.

July 2025

THE WILD SWIMMING FESTIVAL (19th July)

Every year, Swanage, Dorset hosts the Wild Swimming Festival, a lively celebration of open-water swimming that draws swimmers from all over the United Kingdom. The festival features guided swims to famous sites like Old Harry Rocks, Dancing Ledge, and Swanage's Victorian Piers, along with a range of swimming challenges, such as the 4km and 2km Jurassic Swim Challenges. In addition to swimming, Swanage's breathtaking coastal scenery serves as the backdrop for the festival's live music, local food and drink vendors, and water safety seminars. 

SWANAGE CARNIVAL (26th July-2nd August)

The Swanage Carnival & Regatta is a vibrant eight-day celebration that combines a historic sailing regatta with a lively carnival. Originating in the mid-1800s as a sailing regatta, the festival has evolved to include over 100 activities, such as live music performances across multiple genres, traditional sporting events like the Swanage 12 road race, and unique competitions including sand sculpture contests and the whimsical wheelbarrow race. The breathtaking fireworks show over Swanage Bay is one of the week's highlights, as is the grand procession to close. 

CAMP BESTIVAL (31st July-3rd August)

Camp Bestival is a unique and vibrant family-friendly music and arts festival held annually at Lulworth Castle, set against the stunning backdrop of Dorset’s rolling countryside. Along with a varied program of arts and cultural events, the festival boasts an impressive lineup of live music performances, including well-known headliners and up-and-coming musicians from pop, indie, rock, and electronic genres. Festival-goers can enjoy family-friendly comedy, film screenings, and even wellbeing experiences, ensuring everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, has a memorable time. 

August 2025

PURBECK VALLEY FOLK FESTIVAL (14-17th August)

​The Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is an intimate, family-friendly event nestled on a picturesque farm along Dorset's Jurassic Coastline. Renowned for its eclectic blend of folk, roots, and world music, the festival features performances from both emerging talents and established artists across five stages. Beyond music, attendees can engage in a variety of activities, including music and dance workshops, storytelling, circus skills, and a dedicated children's area with crafts and puppet shows. The festival also hosts original competitions such as the Purbeck Poetry Slam and the Beard Off. 

DORSET FOOD AND ARTS FESTIVAL (2nd August)

The Dorset Food & Arts Festival, which takes place in the charming town of Poundbury, Dorchester, offers a wide range of more than 60 stalls with locally sourced food, handcrafted crafts, and visual art exhibits. Discover the stories and craftsmanship that characterise Dorset's cultural landscape by meeting the producers, bakers, farmers, and artists who make the products. 

September 2025

DORSET COUNTY SHOW (6-7th September)

The county's rich farming customs, livestock, and regional produce are all on display at the Dorset County Show. Expert judges assess the best animals in each of the show's impressive lineup of livestock competitions, which includes cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses. Along with the livestock exhibits, guests can examine a variety of agricultural equipment, antique tractors, and displays of traditional rural skills like ploughing competitions and sheepdog trials. Additionally, there is a sizable food and beverage area where regional producers display Dorset's well-known artisan goods, ranging from cheeses and meats to handcrafted beers and ciders.

October 2025

BOURNEMOUTH ARTS BY THE SEA FESTIVAL (26-28th September)

Every autumn, Bournemouth is transformed into a thriving centre of creativity by the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival, an annual celebration of art, culture, and community. Large-scale installations, varied musical performances, eye-catching spectacles, dance, street theatre, and interactive experiences are just a few of the varied activities it offers, all of which are set against the stunning coastal scenery of Bournemouth. 

November 2025

THE BRIDPORT LITERARY FESTIVAL (2-8th November)

The renowned annual Bridport Literary Festival, also referred to as BridLit, turns the charming West Dorset market town of Bridport into a thriving centre for book lovers. With author talks, panel discussions, workshops, performances, and special events, the events are carefully planned to cater to a wide audience. The festival has its roots in the prestigious Bridport Prize, an international creative writing contest that was established in 1973, and it remains a cornerstone of the event.