Find events in Dorset, from village fêtes and jumble sales to the county’s biggest shows, alongside theatre, live music, exhibitions, markets, talks, walks and family days out. The Dorset Life What’s On calendar brings together things to do across the county, with dates, locations and details to help you plan.

Hosting an event in Dorset? Add it to the calendar for free and share it with Dorset Life readers.

Please note: inclusion in the online calendar does not guarantee inclusion in the magazine, though a selection of events is featured each month.

  • TURNWORTH DAY – Sunday 24 May

    st Marys Church Turnworth Turnworth, Blandford Forum, dorset, United Kingdom

    Please come & join us for a relaxing & enjoyable time in the large Old Rectory garden. Plenty of activities for all the family. Delicious Teas/ Varied Plants/ Family fun/ Live Music/ Produce/ Crafts etc. Free entry/parking & dogs welcome on leads. Cash preferred please. Funds being raised for ongoing repairs to Grade 2* St […]

    Free
  • Art Talk at Messums West

    Messums west Place Farm, Court St,, Tisbury, Salisbury, wiltshire, United Kingdom

    “NOT SO SILENT!” EXPLORING PLACES OF DELIGHT A series of talks to be given by art historian Sara Radice. In her first talk Sara will be looking at works of art across the ages, making connections between them and sharing her thoughts on how artists convey their stories. It will also consider works of art […]

    £8 – £15
  • Heritage Textile Weekend Experience

    The Ancient Technology Centre Damerham Road, Cranborne, Wimborne, dorset, United Kingdom

    Join Castle Hill Heritage Skills CIC at the Ancient Technology Centre, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5RP for a whole weekend of heritage textile skills. Our experts are: Vanessa Bunton -Puku B Historic Experiences Sally Pointer - Sally Pointer Heritage Education Nicole De Rushie - Grounded History Jalea Ward - Slightly Warped Looms You will have 4 […]

    £215.00
  • Woodlands Flower and Arts Festival

    Woodlands Village Hall Verwood Road, Woodlands

    Flower and Arts Festival across 3 venues in Woodlands, Dorset BH21 8LJ and BH21 8LN. Flowers, arts and crafts at Church of the Ascension. Stalls and teas at Village Hall. Art and stalls at Methodist Church. Free event.

  • Choral Evensong

    st peters church

    You are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 30th may at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes Gibbons’s ‘Come, Holy Ghost’, the ‘Preces & Responses’ by Martin Neary, Blair’s ‘Evening Service in B minor’ and Elgar’s ‘The spirit of the Lord’. Admission is free and there […]

    Free
  • Annual Fair & Fun Dog Show

    Upper Leigh Farm, East Knoyle East Knoyle, dorset, United Kingdom

    The Shaftesbury Branch of Save the Children will be holding its 25th Anniversary Fun Fair & Fun Dog Show on Sunday, 31st May at Upper Leigh Farm, East Knoyle, SP3 6AP. The Fair is open from 11am to 5pm, with the Dog Show starting at 2.30pm.  Come and browse our Local Artisan Stalls as well […]

    Free
  • An Impressionist at the Piano

    Dinton Hall Bratch Ln, Dinton, Salisbury, wiltshire, United Kingdom

    Alistair McGowan – Thursday 4 June 7.30pm – Dinton Hall, Wilts. SP3 5EB – £30/45 www.cherubimtrust.org/events   TV’s Impressionist Alistair McGowan is one of the country’s top comedy geniuses, long been known for his pin-sharp characterisations. Recently he branched out as a pianist with a #1 hit in the classical charts on Sony, founded the […]

    £30 – £45
  • Dorset Tractor Fest 2026

    Turnpike Showground, Shaftesbury Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, United Kingdom

    A new music festival featuring The Wurzels, Hayseed Dixie, Foo Farmers plus guest appearances from Kaleb Cooper, Olly Harrison and the Red Shepherdess alongside a large tractor and steam vehicle […]

    Free
  • Open Gardens Motcombe

    St Mary’s Church, motcombe Motcombe, Shaftesbury, dorset, United Kingdom

    St Mary’s Church, Motcombe is organising an Open Gardens event on Saturday 6th June from 12.30-6pm as their latest fundraiser.  Villagers from Motcombe and North End have been encouraged to participate, with a minimum of ten gardens to view.  Entry is by ticket available on the day from St Mary’s Church, Motcombe at a cost […]

    £10
  • Tarrant Gunville Church Fete

    Gunville Manor Tarrant Gunville, Blandford Forum

    This year's Tarrant Gunville Fete will take place on Saturday 6th June at 2.15pm in the glorious gardens of historic Gunville Manor.  There will be tea and homemade cakes, produce stall, Pimm's station, bric-a-brac, books, bottle tombola, games and lots more.  Izi Styles and Back to the Shack will performing live too!  Family fun for […]

    £2.50
  • The Sacred Showcase

    The Exchange, Sturminster Newton Sturminster Newton

    Step into a world of calm, connection, and community at The Sacred Showcase, a brand new annual fundraising event hosted by The Strange Apothecary Foundation CIC. Discover a vibrant mix of holistic stalls, crystal dealers, wellness practitioners, and spiritual readers, alongside natural products, herbal remedies, and handmade gifts, all under one roof. Enjoy a soothing […]

    Free
  • Lunchtime Concert Sherborne Abbey

    Sherborne Abbey The Abbey Close, SHERBORNE, United Kingdom

    Wimborne-based award-winning choir, Vivamente Voices, are delighted to be performing a lunchtime concert in the glorious setting of Sherborne Abbey on Saturday 13th June at 12.30pm.  The choir love to […]

    Free