Seasonal Events in Dorset

Discover the best Dorset events in 2026 with our month-by-month calendar featuring music festivals, food festivals, country shows, carnivals, literary events, sporting events and family-friendly days out across the county. From Bournemouth and Poole to Weymouth, Swanage, Bridport and beyond, explore what's on throughout the year and find inspiration for your next Dorset adventure. Bookmark this page as we'll keep it updated with the latest 2026 event announcements and new events as they're confirmed.

The Museum of East Dorset in Wimborne welcomes visitors to its new Winter Garden Marquee from 6 November to 19 December 2026. Set within the museum’s historic walled garden, the festive space offers Christmas lights, seasonal refreshments and special evening events. From live acoustic music and mulled cider to wine tasting and family bingo, discover a cosy new place to enjoy the festive season in Wimborne.

Discover Tree of Strings Festival in Abbotsbury, where world-class musicians, emerging talent and a passion for music education come together for a unique weekend of live performances, creativity and community in the heart of Dorset.

Discover firework displays and Bonfire Night events across Dorset for 2026, from free waterfront celebrations in Poole, Weymouth, West Bay and Lyme Regis to large family events at Littledown and Broadstone. This guide brings together confirmed dates, display times, ticket information and quieter alternatives without traditional fireworks. Find events across Bournemouth, Poole, West Dorset and rural Dorset, with links to our detailed local guides to help you plan your evening.

Discover the best Christmas events in Dorset for 2026, including festive markets, illuminated attractions, steam-train experiences, pantomimes and family days out. From Christmas in Bournemouth and Poole to celebrations in Christchurch, Swanage, Dorchester, Sherborne and Weymouth, this guide will help you plan a magical festive season across the county.

Find places to go pumpkin picking in Dorset during autumn 2026, including pick-your-own fields, family pumpkin festivals and farms near Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester, Wimborne and Blandford. This guide includes confirmed opening dates, admission details, booking information and practical advice for visiting Dorset’s pumpkin patches. Several farms are still preparing their October programmes, so we will continue adding dates and prices as they are officially announced.

Discover Halloween events across Dorset for 2026, from illuminated forest trails and pumpkin picking to ghost trains, castle quests, family activities and terrifying experiences for adults. Our county-wide guide covers Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch alongside Purbeck, Weymouth, Dorchester, Sherborne, Bridport and rural Dorset. Find confirmed dates, ticket prices, age guidance and booking information for Halloween and October half-term events, with further activities added as organisers announce them.