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.

  • A Folk Song Walk

    John's Pond nr. Hangman's Cottage, Dorchester

    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
  • ‘The Sound of Music’ – A Music & Drama Group event at Shaftesbury Arts Centre

    Shaftesbury Arts Centre 13 Bell St, Shaftesbury, Dorset, United Kingdom

    Join Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s Music & Drama Group this summer, as they transport you to Austria in 1938 – where Maria brings back music and joy to the von Trapp family as the Nazi’s tighten their hold on Europe. The Sound of Music is the most beloved musical of the stage and screen and a […]

    £15
  • Hawaii Boogie Bingo

    The Udder Farm Shop Manor Farm, Back Street, East Stour

    ALOHA. 🌺 The Udder Farm Shop’s ever-popular Old Skool Boogie Bingo is going on holiday to Hawaii. Join us for a night of disco and bingo with a flavour of the Pacific Islands. Fancy dress is encouraged for the night which will feature tropical cocktails, a delicious meal and of course bingo. The fun evening […]

    £20
  • Semley Music Festival

    Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS Church Green, Semley

    Bringing you the very best music, arts, crafts, food and drink from around the world to your doorstep.From dubstep and DJ sets to ceilidh and blues rock, we have it […]

  • Semley Music Festival

    Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS Church Green, Semley

    A not-for-profit community music festival in rural Dorset, bringing together talented and innovative musicians from a range of genres. We have musicians - both local and global, emerging and established. […]

  • Semley Music Festival

    Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS Church Green, Semley

    Semley Music Festival returns for its 4th year and the small festival with big ideas just got even bigger! We've extended the event on to an additional day, Sunday July […]

    £10 – £25
  • Yewstock Summer Bingo

    yewstock school Honeymead lane, Sturminster Newton

    Join us at Yewstock School for a night of numbers. Doors open at 6pm eyes down at 7pm.  We are cash only. Plus raffle and refreshments. Raising money for Friends […]

    £10.00
  • An evening at Elsie’s Bistro Milborne Port

    Welcome to Something Else Fishy 1 The High Street, Milborne Port, Dorset

    Enjoy a fantastic evening of great food and laughter, A delicious three-course meal • Choose from fish and non-fish options A complimentary glass of I Prosecco on arrival Sit with […]

    £45
  • Swanage Jazz Festival

    The Mowlem Shore Road, Swanage

    The 34th Swanage Jazz Festival with 35 top quality bands in the ticketed programme from New Orleans to Contemporary Jazz plus a FREE Festival Fringe. Headline acts this year include […]

    £45 – £145
  • Spetisbury Station Project Summer Tea Party

    Spetisbury Spetisbury Station Project, off A350, Spetisbury, United Kingdom

    ‘Railway 200’ Summer Tea Party Sunday 13th July 2025 Join us at the old railway station in Spetisbury, Dorset, from 10am to 2pm to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of modern railways. Pimms, teas & coffees, scones, cakes and other tasty treats available. Second hand gifts for sale, and a range of […]

  • Spetisbury Station Project Summer Tea Party

    Spetisbury Station Project off A350, Spetisbury, United Kingdom

    Join us at the old railway station in Spetisbury, Dorset, from 10am to 2pm to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of modern railways. Explore this beautifully-kept station site, learn about its history, and maybe enjoy a picnic. Pimms, teas & coffees, scones, cakes and other tasty treats will be available. Good quality […]