Events and what's on in Dorchester
The historical town of Dorchester has built a range of strong communities over the years, and is now home to many fun and interesting events. Shows, fairs, music festivals and historical events regularly occur in Dorchester.
Dorchester welcomes the ever-popular Dorset County Show on an annual basis, an event certainly worth going to.
For most Dorset towns and villages, Dorchester is relatively easy to get to, so take a look at the upcoming events below.
View Dorchester Events by Date:
The next 9 events in Dorchester appear below.
31 January 2025
Dawn Photography by the Lakes
Dorchester, Dorset
Sunrise across the Lakes – Sunrise Photography with Sculptural Elements
31st January 2025 – 06:45 – 10:45
It is with great excitement the owners Simon & Monique, have given special access around the lakes to run Dawn & Dusk photography workshops. This will allow photographers an exclusive one-off opportunity, to capture a glorious sunrise and sunset amongst the incredible artistic sculptures within this beautiful landscape.
This workshop has been designed for beginners to ...
31 Jan 2025 to 01 Feb 2025
Dorchester Beerex
Dorchester, Dorset
Over the years, Dorchester Beerex has raised over £225,000 for local good causes.
Our 34th event will take place at the Corn Exchange where there’ll be seating for 100 upstairs at all four sessions. Tickets for the two Saturday sessions normally sell very quickly, so why not come on Friday? This year there will be an acoustic live music set on the Friday evening.
Friday 3rd February 2023
11:00 – 16:00 no music
18:30 – 23:30 with live acoustic music from Jack Daniels
Saturday ...
15 February 2025
Alastair's Knitting Workshop
Athelhampton House & Gardens,
Dorchester, Dorset
Come and try your hand at a new skill that is useful, historical and environmentally-friendly, and take away a practical product at the of the day. All materials will be provided, with tuition from a friendly and informative tutor.
14 Mar 2025 to 15 Mar 2025
Theatre: Pot Licker
Dorchester, Dorset
When teachers Rich, Kris and Zara discover a bag of drugs in school lost property, they should report this straight away. But as the school faces imminent closure, is there another way to deal with the bag?
This brilliant new dark comedy looks at what happens when worlds collide, and lines of responsibility get blurred.
Writer/director Ed Viney has worked with theatres across the South West and nationally, including the RSC, Bath Theatre Royal and Bristol Old Vic. He recently received ...
03 May 2025 to 04 May 2025
Dorset Spring Show
Dorchester, Dorset
Presented by the team behind the Dorset County Show, the Dorset Spring Show blooms to life on 3rd & 4th May 2025 near Puddletown.
Get ready to celebrate Food, Farming, Flowers, and everything rural life in Dorset at Spring! Whether you’re looking to savour local delicacies or discover how they are created. Experience captivating demonstrations, exhilarating entertainment, have-a-go sessions, indulge in local shopping, savour delicious treats, explore educational zones, and even make the ...
25 Jan 2025 to 11 May 2025
Gladiators of Britain
Dorchester, Dorset
A British Museum Partnership Exhibition with Colchester + Ipswich Museums will delve into the lesser-known history of gladiatorial contests in Roman Britain. Launching at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on 25th January - 11th May, the exhibition will tour four UK venues, tracing the footsteps of gladiators who once fought in Britain’s amphitheatres.
The exhibition showcases iconic objects like the Colchester Vase, depicting a real gladiatorial battle, and the Hawkedon Helmet, the only ...
10 May 2025 to 18 May 2025
Dorchester Walking Festival
Dorchester, Dorset
Dorchester Walking Festival, 10 – 18th May 2025
Experience the beauty of Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast at the Dorchester Walking Festival, 10 – 18th May 2025.
Lace up your boots and get ready to explore stunning landscapes and rich history. An exciting programme of varied walks led by experienced and knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders will soon be available to book.
Held during National Walking Month, this friendly and inclusive festival promises a week of unforgettable walks ...
06 Sep 2025 to 07 Sep 2025
Dorset County Show
Dorchester, Dorset
A celebration of all things Dorset and the countryside.
Dedicated to superb family entertainment, showcasing agriculture, great shopping and so much more!
14 Jun 2025 to 14 Sep 2025
Jane Austen: Down to the Sea
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery,
Dorchester, Dorset
14 June – 14 September 2025
‘A little sea-bathing would set me up forever.’ Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice
Celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth in 1775 this exhibition will explore the sea as a setting for her fictional worlds and its influence on her. She loved a dip in the sea, often went there on holiday and had two brothers in the navy. Focussing on the Dorset coastal towns Jane visited or wrote about it will explore leisure, fashion, entertainment and ...
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13 Jan 2025
So, it’s the half term and you may be wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained!
Well don’t worry, whether you are local resident or are staying in Dorset on a break, there’s lots to do throughout the seasons. If you're looking for things to do in Dorset we have found lots of Dorset events to keep you entertained. Our Resort family has children of different ages, here are some of the things we plan to enjoy; perhaps you will too. Scroll ... Read more...
11 Nov 2024
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For families looking for sen-friendly christmas events, we have compiled a list of what's on in Dorset from attractions and businesses who are hosting sensory-friendly events.
Read more...
6 Nov 2024
Whether you call him Santa Claus, Father Christmas, St Nicks or simply Santa, your little one will want to meet the real Santa in Dorset this year. Lucky for you, many of Dorset's businesses have arranged magical experiences and Santa's Grottos throughout Dorset for you and your family to do just that.
Maybe you're looking for breakfast with Santa, a winter wonderland, a meet and greet Santa, or a SEN Santa visit.
We are building up all the best local events, so ... Read more...
6 Nov 2024
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and you will be when you discover the fantastic selection of Christmas markets and festive fairs that are set to be held around Dorset in the coming weeks.
If you’re getting organised with your shopping, these events are a great way to find those perfect gifts. If delicious food and drink is on your wish list, then you’ll love the tasty selection available from local producers; or maybe you’d like a day out to get you in the ... Read more...
29 Sep 2024
The October half-term is now synonymous with Halloween and the themed fun that takes place. If you’re out and about in Dorset, you’ll find many a Halloween event happening, so grab your broomsticks, sharpen those fangs, and prepare to have one hell of a good time!
It's scary how much there is to choose from...
Halloween Events
Read more...
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