Events Guide | What’s On in Dorset

Join the Dorset WALX Festival 2026 from 17-20 September 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Come and enjoy a lovely festive day out with a Christmas Market, live Reindeer in Saxon Square, Santa's Parade, Santa's Grotto & the Christmas lights switch on!!!

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 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.

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.

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.

The Bournemouth Writing Festival 2027 is set to return to Bournemouth from 23–25 April 2027, bringing together writers, authors and publishing professionals for a weekend of talks, workshops and networking events. While the full programme is still to be announced, visitors can expect over 100 free and ticketed activities across Bournemouth town centre. This page will be updated as soon as organisers release further details.

Bournevaria Oktoberfest is the biggest Oktoberfest celebration on the South Coast. Located in the Windsor Hall at the Bournemouth International Centre in Bournemouth, the event is held every September. The event is a chance to enjoy German tradition and is set in the Bavarian-themed beer hall at the BIC. Book tickets to this event to enjoy several fun evenings of live entertainment, great food, and fantastic German beers.

Experience Dorset County Show 2026 on 5-6 September at Dorchester Showground. 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.

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 Wild Swimming Festival 2027 returns to Swanage on 17-18 July for a weekend of guided coastal swims, water-safety talks, live music and outdoor adventure. The festival village is free to attend, while visitors can separately book experiences including beginner swimming sessions, paddleboarding, snorkelling, seafront sauna visits and guided swims around some of Dorset’s most recognisable coastal landmarks.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Visit the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival 2026 on 12-13 September for one of Dorset's favourite food festivals. Discover artisan cheeses, local food and drink, craft stalls, live music and family entertainment in the heart of the Blackmore Vale. Celebrating the area's rich dairy heritage, it's a must-visit event for food lovers and one of the tastiest weekends on the Dorset events calendar.

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.

Run Bournemouth is a fun sporting festival involving a series of running races on the Bournemouth seafront on 8th / 9th October. This is a popular event for the whole family with running options of a half-marathon, 10km, 5km as well as Junior event categories.

Experience We Out Here Festival 2026 from 20-23 August 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.

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.

Located at Christchurch Quay, XChurch Music Festival celebrates the vibrant local community while welcoming visitors from near and far. Join for an unforgettable weekend of live music, great food, and entertainment for all ages.

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.

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.

Fireworks at Poole Quay 2026 takes place on Thursday 5 November, bringing one of Dorset's favourite Bonfire Night celebrations back to the waterfront. Enjoy free live entertainment, family activities and a spectacular fireworks display over Poole Harbour, with the festivities starting at 5pm before the much-anticipated 8pm firework finale lights up the historic quayside.

Join Bournemouth Parkrun at Kings Park every Saturday morning. Discover the 5k route, what to expect, parking and why this free, friendly event is loved by runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities.

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.

On Sunday, 17 May 2026, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride will occur in cities worldwide, uniting riders to support Movember’s efforts in raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Bournemouth-Poole ride, one of the largest globally and the biggest in the UK, attracts approximately 1,000 riders and ranks among the top fundraisers.

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.

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.

Whether you're drawn by the promise of exceptional seafood, the lure of local music, or simply the prospect of a gorgeously relaxed time by the harbour, Poole's Seafood and Sounds Festival delivers in the most satisfying way possible. This free community event brings together Poole's heritage of seafood and music for an amazing weekend.

The Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival takes place every June - its is a two-day celebration of local food & drink. The event is organised and run by a committee of unpaid volunteers who want to ensure the festival promotes local food producers, independent restaurants and retailers in Highcliffe. The objective of the festival is also to increase the profile of Highcliffe as a tourist destination, and to encourage people to eat healthy, homemade and locally sourced food through educations & fun workshops, plus cookery demonstrations.