Festivals & Events in Dorset

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.

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.

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.

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 Literary Festival 2026 takes place from 17-24 October, bringing a week of author talks, literary discussions and special events to Dorchester. The programme features leading writers and thinkers covering history, memoir, politics, nature, travel, wellbeing and more, alongside literary walks and community events. With individual tickets available across the week, the festival offers book lovers the chance to hear from some of today’s most interesting voices.

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.

The Bridport Literary Festival 2026 takes place from 7-14 November, bringing a week of inspiring author talks, workshops and literary events to venues across Bridport. Featuring fiction, history, poetry, politics, nature writing and more, BridLit is one of Dorset's leading cultural festivals, welcoming readers of all ages to celebrate books, ideas and creativity.

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.

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 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.

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.

Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival returns on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 June 2027 for two days of food, drink, creativity and family entertainment. Taking over Highcliffe High Street and Recreation Ground, this free community festival traditionally brings together artisan producers, street-food traders, artists, makers, live musicians, cookery demonstrations and children’s activities. The full 2027 programme is still to be announced.

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.

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.

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.