What’s On Monthly in Dorset

Christchurch Market brings a varied selection of stalls to the town centre every Monday. Held along the traffic-free High Street and in Saxon Square, this traditional weekly market is a convenient place to browse fresh produce, plants, clothing, accessories, gifts and household products. Its central location also makes it easy to combine a visit with Christchurch’s independent shops, cafés and historic attractions.

Christmas in Christchurch returns on Saturday 28 November 2026, bringing festive entertainment, artisan market stalls, seasonal food and family activities to the historic High Street. Running from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, the free celebration features live music, street performers, Christmas characters and a musical laser show at 5.30pm, followed by the official Christmas lights switch-on at 5.45pm. With free parking available at participating council-run car parks, it promises a festive afternoon for the whole family.

Stewarts Santa’s Winter Wonderland returns to Christchurch and Broomhill from 21 November to 24 December 2026. Tickets cost £19.95 for children aged seven months to 12 years, including a present, while babies and adults cost £3.95 each. Find booking information, locations, SEN session dates and what families can expect from this popular Dorset Christmas experience.

Experience Camp Bestival Dorset 2027, 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.

Celebrate the Poole Harbour Festival 2027 from 30 July to 1 August at Baiter Park. One of Dorset's biggest family-friendly music festivals, the weekend features over 60 live acts 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.

Experience Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week, 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.

Enjoy Swanage Carnival 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.

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.

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.

Dorset Food & Arts Festival takes place 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.

Enjoy Stompin' on the Quomps 2027, Christchurch's much-loved free smooth jazz festival at The Quomps. Celebrate 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.

The Poole Bay 100 returns in June 2027 for a high-speed day of offshore powerboat racing across Poole Bay and Bournemouth’s coastline. Forming Round 2 of the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Racing Championship, the event brought powerful racing boats, professional crews and multiple racing classes to the south coast. Spectators could watch the fleet leave Poole Quay before racing began offshore, with Bournemouth seafront offering some of the best views of the action throughout the afternoon.

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.

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.

Dorset Mela Festival returns to Poole Park for one of Dorset’s largest multicultural celebrations. The free festival brought communities together for a full day of South Asian music, dance, food, arts and entertainment, with live performances, cultural showcases, international food stalls, handicrafts, henna and family activities. Designed as an inclusive celebration for all backgrounds and ages, Dorset Mela offered visitors the chance to experience different traditions, flavours and performances in the heart of Poole.

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.

Christchurch Carnival returns to Christchurch Quay in 2027 for a free, family-friendly celebration featuring live entertainment, fairground rides, food and drink, community activities, a colourful street parade and spectacular fireworks over the water. The official dates and programme have not yet been announced, so we will update this guide with confirmed event times, parade information and visitor details as soon as they are released.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Car Nights on Poole Quay returns for summer 2026, bringing a different collection of cars to Poole’s waterfront every Friday evening throughout July and August. From British classics and supercars to American hot rods, Minis, Japanese cars and air-cooled Volkswagens, each week has its own theme. Visitors can wander along the Quay, admire the vehicles and enjoy the atmosphere alongside Poole Harbour, with plenty of nearby pubs, restaurants and cafés for an evening out.

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.

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.

Park Yoga Poole is expected to return from May to September 2027, offering free outdoor yoga sessions in the beautiful surroundings of Poole Park. Traditionally held every Sunday from 9.30am to 10.30am, the friendly one-hour classes welcome people of all ages and abilities, including complete beginners. No booking is normally required, so bring a mat or towel, some water and enjoy a relaxed morning of movement, mindfulness and community wellbeing.

Poole Goes Vintage is set to return in 2027 after organisers confirmed a planned gap year for 2026. This popular free Dorset festival transforms Poole High Street, Old Town and Poole Quay into a celebration of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, featuring live music, vintage fashion, classic vehicles, dancing, family entertainment and independent traders. Full details for the 2027 event are still to be announced, and this page will be updated as soon as organisers release the official programme and timings.

Dorchester Cider Festival brings 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.

Purbeck Film Festival: Cinema Under the Stars runs on selected evenings in the Summer, 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.

Experience We Out Here Festival 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.

Experience Dorset County Show at Dorchester Showground on the first weekend of September. 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.

Join the Dorset WALX Festival 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.

Classic Cars on the Quay returns to Christchurch Quay in September 2027, bringing an impressive collection of historic cars, motorcycles and other vehicles to The Quomps. Visitors can wander among the displays, meet fellow motoring enthusiasts and enjoy the riverside setting free of charge. Eligible exhibitors can arrive without registering in advance, although weather and ground conditions may affect whether the event can proceed.

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 brings 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.