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.

  • Choral Evensong

    St Peter's Church Dorchester 26 High East Street, Dorchester

    You are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 26th July at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes Parsons’s ‘Ave Maria’, the […]

    Free
  • 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 […]

    £185
  • 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 […]

    £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 […]

    £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 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 […]

  • 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