8) What’s on in August in Dorset

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Turn up the heat at the Great Dorset Chilli Festival 2026, taking place on 1-2 August at the beautiful Stock Gaylard Estate near Sturminster Newton. One of Dorset's favourite food festivals, the event features chilli eating competitions, over 125 artisan traders, cooking demonstrations, live music, family entertainment and delicious street food. Find event dates, ticket prices and everything you need to plan your visit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience Proms in the Park 2026 at Meyrick Park, Bournemouth, on 7-8 August. 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.

Experience Jurassic Fields Festival 2026 from 14–16 August at West Bay Fields near Bridport. One of Dorset's favourite family-friendly music festivals, Jurassic Fields features headline live music, DJs, tribute acts, camping, children's entertainment, street food and a fantastic atmosphere close to the Jurassic Coast. Find event dates, ticket information, camping options and everything you need to plan your visit.

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.

Dorchester Cider Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 15 August in Borough Gardens, bringing 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.

Discover the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show 2026, taking place on 19–20 August at the Turnpike Showground near Shaftesbury. One of Dorset's biggest agricultural shows, the event features champion livestock, equestrian competitions, medieval jousting, countryside demonstrations, over 350 trade stands, local food and drink, family entertainment and hands-on farming activities. Find event dates, ticket information and everything you need to plan your visit to this much-loved Dorset rural event.

Discover Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2026, taking place from 20–23 August at Purbeck Valley Farm near Corfe Castle. This award-winning Dorset festival brings together outstanding folk, roots and world music with family entertainment, creative workshops, camping and spectacular countryside views. Find event dates, ticket information, camping options and everything you need to plan your visit to one of Dorset's most welcoming summer 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.

Visit Melplash Show 2026 on Thursday 27 August at West Bay Showground near Bridport. One of Dorset's biggest agricultural events, the show features livestock and equestrian competitions, over 400 trade stands, local food and drink, countryside demonstrations, family activities and the popular Discover Farming marquee. Find event dates, ticket prices and everything you need to plan your visit to this much-loved West Dorset tradition.