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.

  • Jumble Sale

    Durweston Village Hall Church Road, Durweston

    Super jumble sake at Durweston Village Hall (DT11 0QA) on Sunday 11th October 2025 at midday. All proceeds go towards the care of Stoyr Valley Dog Rescue dogs.

    £1.00
  • A Noise Annoys – Jude Simpson

    Dorchester Corn Exchange High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom

    “A Noise Annoys” is a poetry show for all the senses!  It features rhymes, noises, songs, surprises and lots of audience interaction.  Bursting with joyful humour and witty wordplay, Jude takes the audience on a mind-bending journey through the sounds of language and the language of sounds.  There is lots of joy, a healthy dose […]

    £8.00 – £28.00
  • Blandford u3a Dance group

    Charlton Marshall Village Hall Green Close, Charlton Marshall, United Kingdom

    Come and join us swing jive / stroll dancing . Beginners welcome.

    £1.00
  • Quiet Afternoon at the Fleet Air Arm Museum

    The Fleet Air Arm Museum RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester

    Need a bit of calm to enjoy your visit? Don't miss our Quiet Afternoon in October. Thursday 16 October 2pm until 4:30pm Included with a standard museum ticket. Our Quiet […]

  • Sherborne International Film Festival – Your chance to catch up with some of the best foreign films. There is a mixture of drama, action, comedy, thriller and tragedy, sometimes many found in one movie. The Festival not only provides the community of Sherborne with the opportunity to see foreign films which would not otherwise be shown locally, but also to raise funds for charity.

    Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne

    We are really looking forward to presenting four days of excellent foreign language films and hope that you will join us. The 14th International Film Festival will be held from Thu 16 to Sun 19 October 2025. Funds raised will be donated to the HALO Trust All films will be shown at The Powell Theatre, […]

    £8.00 – £12.00
  • Sherborne International Film Festival – in aid of The HALO Trust

    Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne

    Your chance to catch up with some of the best foreign films. There is a mixture of drama, action, comedy, thriller and tragedy, sometimes many found in one movie. The Festival not only provides the community of Sherborne with the opportunity to see foreign films which would not otherwise be shown locally, but also to […]

    £8.00
  • Green Carpets and Hidden Worlds: Discovering Mosses and Liverworts

    Kingcombe Visitor Centre Lower Kingcombe, Toller Porcorum, Dorchester

    Mosses and liverworts are non-vascular plants which reproduce by releasing spores. Every tree at Kingcombe has a rich bryophyte cover, a reflection of Kingcombe’s moist climate and sensitive management. In this one-day introductory workshop you'll learn about mosses and liverworts and how to identify them. Most of the day will be spent in the field, […]

    £40.00
  • Natural History Watercolour Workshop at Chesil

    The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre Portland

    Join us for this two-day natural history art workshop based at the Wild Chesil Centre. This friendly course is suitable for all levels from beginners to burgeoning artists, in fact anyone who would like to improve their watercolour illustrating technique. Lead by two local artists there will plenty of time to ask questions, learn as […]

    £150.00
  • Sherborne International Film Festival – in aid of The HALO Trust

    Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne

    Tonights Films are: 17:00 Cinema Paradiso   (Italy) (12) 1988 Synopsis :  A Young Salvatore Di Vita discovers the perfect escape from life in his war-torn Sicilian village: the Cinema Paradiso movie house, where projectionist Alfredo instils in the boy a deep love of films. When Salvatore grows up, falls in love with a beautiful local […]

    £8.00
  • Live Laugh Love Ladies Club – Poundbury, Dorchester – Afternoon Tea & Talk at Athelhampton House & Gardens

    Athelhampton House & Gardens Athelhampton, Dorchester

    Afternoon Tea will be taken in The Long Hall situated within The Coach House that is in the beautiful grounds of Athelhampton House and Gardens, a Tudor House which is a popular Dorset attraction.  It was quoted by Sir Frederick Treves “that it was without question the most picturesque house in the county.”  Afternoon tea will consist of scones, with Dorset clotted cream and […]

    £27.00 – £29.00