Festival Guide in Dorset

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Welcome to Bournemouth’s newest festival: Kings Park Festival. This two-day, multi-arena, multi-genre music festival located in the heart of Bournemouth will be held on Sat 4th & 5th May 2025.

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.

Visit the Dorset Wine Festival for a day of sipping, swirling, and savoring the best wines from the region!

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.

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.

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.