Events Guide | What’s On 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.

Situated in the centre of Christchurch High Street, the Regent Centre is the cinema, Theatre, concert Hall, art Gallery and entertainment centre that serves Christchurch, Dorset and the surrounding area.

Held weekly on Christchurch High Street, Christchurch Market offers an excellent selection of local produce and products. The market takes place every Monday 9am-4pm, and is a great way to indulge in some retail therapy.

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.

Celebrate the Poole Harbour Festival 2026 from 31 July to 2 August at Baiter Park. One of Dorset's biggest family-friendly music festivals, the weekend features over 60 live acts, including Kaiser Chiefs, Groove Armada, The Fratellis and Scouting For Girls, 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.

Guide to events at Highcliffe Castle, near Christchurch in Dorset.

Experience Camp Bestival Dorset 2026, taking place from 30 July to 2 August 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.

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.

Information on car boot sales in Christchurch, Bournemouth, Poole & Dorset.

For the 11th year, the Cheese and Chilli Festival is returning to Christchurch in 2025! The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration filled with incredible flavours, colours, and experiences—you won’t want to miss it! Whether the sun is shining or it’s a bit rainy, it will be an amazing time for everyone! 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.

Find information about 2025 Festival Events in Christchurch, Dorset, including food, music and car festivals.

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.

Visit the Westbourne Farmers & Makers Market to explore locally produced bakes, homegrown vegetables, handmade preserves, cold pressed coffee - meet our wonderful makers and support your market community!

Bournemouth Bay Run is held in March and offers a race for all the family, whatever your running ability. The races are held on Bournemouth’s seven-mile coastline - choose your distance and enjoy amazing views as you walk, jog or run along the seafront.

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.

The largest music and sport festival in the world, Bournemouth 7s has come around once again! Buy tickets here: https://bournemouth7s.com/tickets/

Experience the Bournemouth Reggae Weekender 2027 at King's Park. One of Dorset's biggest summer music festivals, the event features live reggae, ska and dancehall performances, Caribbean food, family entertainment and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Find event dates, ticket information, opening times, venue details and everything you need to plan your visit to this popular Bournemouth festival.

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.

Experience one of Dorset's biggest cultural weekends at the free Arts by the Sea Festival 2026 in Bournemouth. Taking place on 25-26 September, 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. With its 2026 ELEMENTAL theme celebrating creativity, sustainability and community, Arts by the Sea is one of the highlights of the Dorset events calendar.

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.

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.

Celebrate the beginning of 2027 with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Day Viennese Gala at Lighthouse, Poole. Taking place on Friday 1 January, this uplifting afternoon concert features sweeping Strauss waltzes, lively polkas, orchestral favourites and vocal performances from soprano Claudia Boyle. Expect famous pieces including The Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz and Offenbach’s Can-Can during an elegant musical celebration inspired by Vienna’s traditional New Year concerts.

Come and join in the fun for free! The Christchurch Carnival promises a fun weekend which includes a float parade, fireworks, stalls and more! The event takes place every August.

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.

Celebrate Bridport Hat Festival 2026 on Saturday 5 September, one of Dorset's most colourful and quirky free events. Expect creative hats, live music, family entertainment, fun competitions, the famous mass hat photo, delicious food and a fantastic community atmosphere throughout Bridport. Find event dates, visitor information and everything you need to enjoy one of the county's most unique annual festivals.

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.

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.

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.

Celebrate summer at the Christchurch Music Festival, one of Dorset's biggest live music weekends. Taking place in July at the beautiful Christchurch Quay, the festival features live music, tribute acts, chart-topping performers, street food, bars and family-friendly entertainment. Find event dates, ticket information, opening times, venue details and everything you need to plan your visit to this popular Dorset music festival.

Swanage Jazz Festival 2027 returns to the Dorset coast from 9-11 July, bringing three days of outstanding live music to venues across Swanage. While the full programme is still to be announced, visitors can expect a varied celebration of traditional, contemporary, funk and fusion jazz featuring established performers and emerging talent. Limited super-advance weekend and day tickets are available, and this page will be updated when further details are released.

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.

Calling yarn lovers and hand stitchers to Stitch Night! Bring along your current WIP for a laidback, social craft sesh with like-minded creatives.

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.

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.

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.

Dedicated to preserving vintage vehicles, Christchurch's Classic Cars on the Quay allows new generations to experience the past. The array of cars from yesteryear is a must-see for any vintage enthusiast, and a lovely experience for any casual visitors.

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.

Arts by the Sea Festival is Bournemouth's annual celebration of art, culture and people, normally held at the end of September. Enjoy a weekend of festivity in the centre of Bournemouth including amazing parades, colourful live music, imaginative installations and fun for all ages! Find out more about this year’s artists, performances and events.

Take on one of the South Coast’s most scenic running events when the Bournemouth Bay Run returns in 2027. Starting near Pier Approach, the annual event is expected to offer a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K Kids Fun Run along Bournemouth’s famous seafront. The official 2027 date, entry fees and race schedule have not yet been announced. Find the latest event information and what runners can expect from the next Bournemouth Bay Run.

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 Art & Makers Market Bournemouth is located in Westover Gardens, next to the new Aviary. The market was established over 60 years ago and is one of the largest, and longest running, open air art displays in the country. This is a free attraction run as not for profit by local artists & creatives.

Christchurch Priory hold their annual Music and Arts Festival every June. All tickets can be bought from the Christchurch Priory Box Office. Details of the 2026 festival are still due to be published.

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.