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.

  • Artists in the Dorset Landscape

    Godmanstone Village Hall Church Lane, Godmanstone, Dorchester, United Kingdom

    Godmanstone Village Hall6.30pm for 7pm Wed 29t April 2026Three Short Talks onArtists in the Dorset LandscapeTickets £7 inc a wine or soft drink from Cerne Abbas Shop; email [email protected] Eventbrite

    £7.00
  • The Effortless Spring Table: Live Cookery & Dinner at Studio Sherborne

    Studio Sherborne Unit 15, The Old Yarn Mills, Westbury, Sherborne, Dorset, United Kingdom

    A Live Cookery Evening & Shared Dinner Thursday 30 April | 5.30–8.30pm | Studio Sherborne, Unit 15, The Old Yarn Mills, Sherborne DT9 3RQ Spring deserves an unforgettable evening table. […]

    £60.00
  • Teddy Rocks Festival

    Charisworth Farm Blandford Forum

    Teddy Rocks Festival is a multi-award winning 3 day family-friendly charity music event in Dorset, UK. Tickets - Teddy Rocks Festival - 1st May to 3rd May - Charisworth Farm, […]

  • The Big Dorset May Day Family Ceilidh

    Hardye Theatre, Thomas Hardye School Queen's Avenue, Dorchester

    Come and celebrate May Day in traditional style with a modern twist with this popular ceilidh band and experienced caller. Join Tatterdemalion, the band of the New Hardy Players, who […]

    £5 – £13
  • The Glorious Assembly Jazz Orchestra

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

    Join us At Messums WEST TO CELEBRATE ALL THAT IS GREAT ABOUT JAZZ IN BRITAIN today. David Mitcham will direct The Glorious Assembly Jazz Orchestra in a world premiere live concert, […]

    £10 – £70
  • Murder at Villa Madeira: The Story of the Rattenburys Talk by Hattie Miles

    East Dorset Heritgae Trust Hanham Rd,, Wimborne Minster, dorset, United Kingdom

    In March 1935 Bournemouth was shaken by a sensational murder. Retired architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury, aged 67, was found dead at his home, Villa Madeira, on Manor Road. This fascinating […]

    £6.00
  • Dawn Chorus Walk with Breakfast

    Bere Marsh Farm Shillingstone DT11 0QY Newmans Drove, Shillingstone, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines

    Dawn Chorus Walk with Breakfast on Saturday 9 May, from 4.30am to 6.30am. Led by birding expert John Lockwood, the early morning walk offers a chance to experience the dawn […]

    £8 – £10
  • Seaside Scramble 2026 – Dorset Charity 5K Obstacle Run

    Baiter Park Catalina Drive, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom

    Get ready for an unforgettable coastal challenge at the Seaside Scramble 2026, a 5km charity obstacle course run set against the stunning Dorset seaside. Perfect for runners, families, friends, and […]

    £20
  • Seaside Scramble 2026 – Dorset Charity 5K Obstacle Run

    Baiter Park Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset

    Get ready for an unforgettable coastal challenge at the Seaside Scramble 2026, a 5km charity obstacle course run set against the stunning Dorset seaside. Perfect for runners, families, friends, and […]

    £20
  • Card Collectors Show

    The Bridge Littledown, Chaseside,, Bournemouth,, dorset, United Kingdom

    Our monthly trading card collectors show in Bournemouth takes place on 9th May 2026. Meet fellow TGC collectors interested in Pokémon and other popular card ranges. We are at The […]

    £6
  • Milborne Port: Community Matters

    Church House Bathwell Lane, Milborne Port

    Community groups, voluntary organisations and businesses showcase what is on offer in this great village!

    Free
  • RURAL FUTURES: LOCAL SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL PROBLEMS

    Messums West Place Farm, Court Street, Tisbury, Salisbury.

    JOIN US AT MESSUMS WEST TO ENGAGE IN THE DEBATE - RURAL FUTURES: LOCAL SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL PROBLEMS Rural Futures: Local Solutions to Global Problems is a weekend of talks and […]

    £5 – £60