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.

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

Events

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Today

  • National Marine Week: Rockpool Ramble at Kimmeridge

    The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge

    This National Marine Week, join us for a guided walk along the beach at low tide to discover what fascinating seashore wildlife can be spotted in Kimmeridge Bay, the best […]

    £6.00

  • Ballet Under the Stars 2025

    Hatch House West Hatch, Tisbury, United Kingdom

    Ballet Under the Stars, held from July 25th to 27th 2025 at Hatch House in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, is a truly unforgettable event. This annual ballet gathering has captivated many audiences, offering a blend of classical, neo-classical, and contemporary ballet in an extraordinary setting. The performances take place in a stunning 17th-century two tier walled […]

    £185

  • National Marine Week: Kimmeridge Seashore Challenge

    The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge

    Are you a crab or a starfish? This National Marine Week come along to Kimmeridge Bay and complete a series of seashore challenges to achieve your starfish, octopus or crab award. Challenges are a range of tasks and activities to help you discover the wildlife of Kimmeridge Bay. In order to complete the challenge you […]

    £6.00

  • National Marine Week: Seashore Safari along the Fleet Lagoon

    The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre Portland

    This National Marine Weeks join us for a guided walk along the edge of the Fleet Lagoon at low tide. We'll be searching for the marine wildlife which calls these […]

    £6.00

  • A Folk Song Walk

    John's Pond and Watermeadow Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom

    Join local folk singer Alastair Braidwood for walks in the countryside close to Dorchester, accompanied by traditional folk songs from Dorset and further afield. Explore a beautiful part of the county, and hear songs relating to nature and rural ways from years before. Walks are about 3 miles and take roughly 2 hours. Bring your […]

    £10

  • National Marine Week: National Whale and Dolphin Watch at Portland Bill

    Portland Bill Portland Bill Road

    Join us at Portland Bill to look out for dolphins and other marine animals as part of the 2025 National Whale and Dolphin Watch. Help with our survey, learn what signs to look for, how to spot and identify them and find out more about the types of whale and dolphin that can be seen […]

    Free

  • National Marine Week: National Whale and Dolphin Watch at Kimmeridge

    The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge Kimmeridge Bay, Kimmeridge

    Join us on the Kimmeridge cliffs to keep a look out for dolphins and other marine animals as part of the 2025 National Whale and Dolphin Watch survey. Learn what signs to look for, how to spot and identify them, and find out more about the types of whales and dolphins that can be seen […]

    Free

  • Great Dorset Chilli Festival

    Stock Gaylard Deer Park Stock Gaylard Deer Park, Sturminster Newton, United Kingdom

    This is a real foodies festival, with over 110 artisan food producers from around the region and beyond, with some added HEAT! This is a great day out for chilli lovers and chilli haters, with enough chilli sauces to make steam come out of your ears (disclaimer: if this actually happens, please contact our onsite […]

  • Artsreach Event Twelfth Night Miracle Theatre

    Ibberton, Belchalwell & Woolland Village Hall Ibberton, Blandford Forum, United Kingdom

    Artsreach Event Twelfth Night Miracle Theatre @ Ibberton, Belchalwell & Woolland Village Hall DT11 0EL Thursday 31st July, 2025 7:00pm Site open for Bar & BBQ from 5:30pm (cash/card). Bring a chair and a torch! Assistance dogs only Standard Ticket £16 Under 18s £8 Family ticket £40 Bar BBQ £6 each with a vegetarian option […]

    £8 – £40

  • Charity Auction & Cat Walk show

    The Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary Hinton St Mary Estate, Sturminster Newton, United Kingdom

    On Saturday 2nd August I am hosting a Charity Auction and Preloved Fashions Cat Walk show, with a Wedding feature, at The Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary The evening is a ticketed event ( tickets available from 1855 , The Emporium and by email to me) and will include:- A Dorset Deluxe grazing supper from […]

    £35.00

  • eat:Shaftesbury

    Park Walk, Shaftesbury Park Walk, Shaftesbury

    eat:Shaftesbury will take place on Sunday 3rd August 10am-4pm - on Park Walk by kind permission of Shaftesbury Town Council. Join us for a one day celebration of local and regional food and drink, free to attend, accessible for all (even the dog!) organised by multi-award winning eat:Festivals. You can expect to find over 70 […]

    Free

  • National Marine Week: Wild Science!

    The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre Portland

    Have you ever wondered how marine creatures float or how some are able to dive deep underwater? In this interactive, hands-on session we’ll discover more about some of the amazing creatures that live in our oceans by carrying out fun and exciting scientific investigations. Suitable for the whole family. Children must be accompanied by an […]

    Free

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