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: 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 […]

    £10

  • 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 […]

    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 […]

    £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 […]

    £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 […]

    Free

  • National Marine Week: Marine Protected Areas cruise on the Fleet Explorer

    Fleet Explorer Jetty Ferrymans Way, Wyke Regis, Weymouth

    Join us for a boat trip on the Fleet Explorer to find out about Marine Protected Areas in Dorset. Discover the incredible wildlife of the Fleet Lagoon and what we can do to help protect our seas. BOOKING ESSENTIAL, call 01305 206191. The Fleet Explorer also operates regular daytime sailings. For more information please visit: https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/fleet-explorer or […]

    £10.00

  • Nature Detectives at Kingcombe

    Kingcombe Visitor Centre Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester

    Join the Nature Detectives - a guided family walk on the surrounding nature reserve to explore the purple route and look for wildflowers on your spotter sheet, plus enjoying the abundance of nature. Arriving back to Kingcombe Visitor Centre to make your own rustic pencil (materials provided). This event is suitable for families. Please be […]

    £4.00

  • National Marine Week: Shells, Snails and Slime Trails

    The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre Portland

    Come along to the Wild Chesil Centre to discover the wonderful world of slugs and snails. Learn fascinating facts about the slimy world of our garden neighbours and coastal cousins. Take a close up view and hunt for evidence along the seashore before making your own colourful creation. BOOKING ESSENTIAL. £4 per child. Accompanying adults […]

    £4.00

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