What's On in Dorset

Bourne Free - Pride 2026

Venue: Meyrick Park in Bournemouth

Website: www.bournefree.co.uk

See the website for line-up for activities. Friday is Over 18s

Pilford Heath Transport and Hertiage Show

Venue: Pilford Heath Farm, Colehill, Wimborne

Website: www.pilfordheathtransportheritagegroup.org

Event with vintage vehicles, interactive displays, traditional crafts and family-friendly activities

Swanage Jazz Festival

Venue: Swanage

Website: www.swanagejazz.co.uk

See the website for full-lineup

Weymouth Beach Rugby Festival

Venue: Weymouth

Website: www.weymouthbeachrugbyfest.co.uk

Men's, women's and family teams - see the website for the schedule

Food and Drink Festival at Corfe Castle

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle

Celebrate the best of local food and drink with producers and makers from across the area

The Wizard of Oz

Venue: Allendale Centre

Website: www.theallendale.org

Production of the classic story presented by Dorset Drama Academy

Home Educators Self-led Sessions (all ages)

Venue: Studland Bay

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-bay

Outdoor meet-up with other home educators with a mix of nature themed activities for different ages - all ages are welcome

Harman's Cross Residents Summer Picnic

Venue: Harman's Cross Village Hall

Website: www.harmanscrosshall.co.uk

See the website for details

Royal Navy Beach Rugby Tournament

Venue: Weymouth Beach

Website: www.navyrugbyunion.co.uk

See the website for details of the schedule

Broadway Showtunes

Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion

Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Full-scale musical theatre celebration with more than 160 performers and a live West End orchestra

Home Education Days 2026

Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Website: www.monkeyworld.org

Sessions for home educated children and their families. May session is Primate Society, July is Different Diets

Home Education Days 2026

Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Website: www.monkeyworld.org

Session for home educated children and their families - theme is Different Diets

Lyme Eats Boutique

Venue: Gun Cliff Walk, Lyme Regis

Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk

Pop-up evening street food market

Porsches on the Prom

Venue: Weymouth Prom

Website: www.porscheclubgb.com

See the website for details

Roaring On

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

End-of-year showcase from LEAF Studio and Sixth Form

The Big Music Campout

Venue: East Fleet Farm, Weymouth

Website: www.awayresort.co.uk/discover/events/big-music-camp-out

See the website for details

Wareham Carnival

Venue: Wareham

Website: www.warehamcarnival.co.uk

This year's theme is 'Your Natural World.' See the website for the full line-up of activities

Weymouth Harbour Nights Market

Venue: Weymouth

Website: www.love-weymouth.co.uk

Local traders, artisan food, craft stalls, live music

Big Butterfly Count

Venue: Everywhere

Website: www.bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

UK wide survey to help monitor butterfly populations

Madam Chandalier's Grand Theft Opera

Venue: Shaftesbury Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture

Family show reimagining elements of Mozart's opera The Magic Flute as a video game

Summer of Play

Venue: Kingston Lacy

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Summer with fun for all ages - see the website for activities

The Wild Swimming Festival

Venue: Prince Albert Gardens Ampitheatre, Swanage

Wimborne Repair Café

Venue: Wimborne Methodist Church

Website: www.planetwimborne.org

Take along your items that are need in repair

Gigs in the Garden

Venue: The Red House Museum

Website: www.visit-christchurch.co.uk

See the website for details

K-Pop Fantasy

Venue: The Regent Theatre

Website: www.theregent.co.uk

K-Pop themed musical show

Romeo and Juliet

Venue: Holme for Gardens

Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk

Outdoor theatre production of the Shakespeare tragedy

Taylor Unplugged

Venue: St Peter's Church

Website: www.stpetersparkstone.org.uk

Taylor Swift acoustic tribute show featuring an exceptional quartet

The Cattistock Countryside Show

Venue: See website for location

Website: www.cattistockshow.co.uk

See the website for full list of activities and schedule. Home to the Dorset Knob Throwing gardnes

Children's Storytime Party

Venue: Martins Bar and Restaurant

Website: www.martinsbarandrestaurant.co.uk

Interactive story-party event

Family fungi growing lab

Venue: Alpha Farm, Wareham

Website: www.happyriver.co.uk

Families can drill and plug their own mushroom logs, make up Oyster mushroom fruiting bags and learn how to grow mushrooms as well as craft spore prints to take home

Somers Day Parade

Venue: Lyme Regis

Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk

See the website for schedule

Summer Holidays at Farmer Palmers

Venue: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk

Daily activities, outdoor play and more including foam parties, live music and Western Trailer Ride on selected dates - see the website for details

Love Parks Day

Venue: Dorchester Borough Gardens

Website: www.discoverdorchester.co.uk

Check online for details of activities

Weymouth Beach Classic

Venue: Weymouth

Website: www.weymouthbeachvolleyball.co.uk

Volleyball matches - see website for the game schedule

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

Venue: King's Park, Bournemouth

Website: www.bournemouthreggaeweekender.co.uk

Family friendly reggae for the full line-up

Bridport Folk Festival

Venue: Bridport

Website: www.bridportfolkfestival.com

See the website for the full line-up

Summer Nights in the Castle

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.loveitlocalevents.co.uk/series/summer-nights-in-the-castle

Musical events. 24th July - West End to Hollywood, 25th July - Symphonic Smash Hits - the 80s. 26th July - 'Curious Creatures and Adventurous Animals'

American Car and Hot Rod Day

Venue: Jubilee Clock, Weymouth

Website: www.facebook.com/events/weymouth-esplanade

See the websie for details

BSO Curious Creatures and Adventurous Animals

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

Family-friendly evening of music inspired by the natural world, performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra against the ruins of Corfe Castle

BSO Smash Hits 80s

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

Evening of the 80s pop classics performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, set against the ruins of Corfe Castle

Cephalopod Tile Clay Modelling Workshop

Venue: Lyme Regis Museum

Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Drop in session - see website for details

Christchurch River Pageant

Venue: Christchurch Quay

Website: www.christchurchrotary.org.uk/christchurch-river-pageant

Stalls, activities, water safety demonstrations and presentations about the history of Christchurch

Fairy Door Trail

Venue: Sherborne Castle and Gardens

Website: www.sherbornecastle.com

Trails winding through the peaceful gardens with prizes avaialbe at the end

Family Fairy Door Trail

Venue: Sherborne Castle and Gardens

Website: www.sherbornecastle.com

Family fun trail - follow the clues and discover fairy doors along the way

Fox and Cubs' dads and kids' activity sessions

Venue: Upton Country Park

Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com

Find out more about the nature on your doorstep by getting active and creative at these monthly sessions - see the website for details

Moth Mania

Venue: Careys Secret Garden

Website: www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk

One hour workshop aimed at getting children up close and face-to-face with nature focusing on finding out all about the marvellous moths and identifying different moth speices

Mudeford Arts Festival

Venue: Mudeford

Website: www.mudefordartsfestival.org.uk

See the website for details

Summer of Play Activity Trail

Venue: Brownsea Island

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island

Discover a world of adventure with activities for kids big and small

Summer of Play at corfe Castle

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle with games and activities for all the family

Summer of Play: Make a magnetic photo frame

Venue: Kingston Lacy

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Create your own colourful photo frame magnet

Swanage Carnival and Regatta

Venue: Swanage

Website: www.swanagecarnival.com

See the website for the full line-up of activities

The Pickwick Papers

Venue: Holme for Gardens

Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk

Outdoor production adapted from Dickens' classic

Repair Café Netherbury

Venue: Netherbury

Website: www.repaircafeneterbury.org

Free community group for Netherbury and surrounding villages and towns where visitors can bring their broken items and see if a member of the team can fix them

Sherborne Castle Classic and Supercars

Venue: Sherborne Castle

Website: www.sherbornecastle.com

Historic line-up of race and road cars with more than 2000 classic, supercars, veteran, race, rally, American, custom, hot red and special vehicles alongside 500+ car clubs across the showground

Family Show in the Event Dome

Venue: Upton Country Park

Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com

Join Jamie Jigsaw and DJ Phil in the Walled Garden and expect comedy, magic, music, compettiions, special effects and more

Family Weekend 2026

Venue: Monkton Wyld court

Website: www.monktonwyldcourt.org

Exploring, creating, learning, playing and quality time in nature

Peter Pan Jr Course

Venue: Dorchester Corn Exchange

Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Week-long musical theatre course for children aged 10 to 18 to work together and perform a full length perfromance of Peter Pan Junior

Summer Musical Theatre Workshop

Venue: Weymouth Pavilion

Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com

Week-long series of workshops aimed at improving musical theatre skills for ages 8 to 18

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Musical play based on the classic book by Judith Kerr with magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos

Rude Science

Venue: Weymouth Pavilion

Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com

Science show with new outrageous experiments for 2026

camp Bestival

Venue: Lulworth Castle

Website: www.dorset.campbestival.net

Family-friendly music festival - see the website for the full line-up

Legally Blonde The Musical

Venue: The Regent Theatre

Website: www.brownsea-theatre.co.uk

Production of Shakespeare's final play

Plesiosaur 3D Modelling

Venue: Lyme Regis Museum

Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Drop in session -free with admission

Body percussion workshop

Venue: Shaftesbury Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture

As part of the Summer Reading Challenge theme - explore the different sounds you can make with your body

Dorset Arts and Crafts Association Showcase

Venue: Purbeck School

Website: www.dorsetartsandcrafts.org

See the website for details

Love Parks Week Family Event

Venue: Littlemoor Park, Weymouth

Website: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk

Details to be confirmed

Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival

Venue: Lyme Regis

Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk

See the website for the full schedule of events and activities

Lyme Regis Summer Fireworks Display

Venue: Lyme Regis

Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk

See the website for details

Poole Harbour Festival

Venue: Baiter Park, Poole Harbour

Website: www.pooleharbourfestival.com

Music and kids' entertainment and activities - see the website for full details of the line-up

Bridport Clothes Bank Giveaway

Venue: BYCC Hall, Gundry Lane, Bridport

Free clothing, bedding, shoes and more

Dorset Food and Arts Festival

Venue: Poundbury

Website: www.dorsetfoodanddrink.org

Popular one day event supporting Dorset producers with stalls and live music

Great Dorset Chilli Festival

Venue: Stock Gaylard Estate

Website: www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk

Artisan food, drink, bands, demonstrations, competitions and more

Hillside Parishes Fete, Dog and Flower Show

Venue: Village in Ibberton

Website: www.ibbertonvillagehall.co.uk

BBQ, music, flower and dog show and more

Inflatable 5K Bournemouth

Venue: Littledown Centre

Website: www.ukrunningevents.co.uk

Inflatable obstacle course event

Loders Village Fete

Venue: Loders Court

Website: www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk

Traditional stalls, games, dog show, children's entertainer, Lyme Regis Town Band, classic vehicle display, rea tend, Punch and Judy

Stomping On The Quomps

Venue: Christchurch Quay

Website: dgspirits.sumupstore.com

Day and night of jazz entertainment at this independent non-profit family-friendly festival

The Sword in the Stone

Venue: Dorchester Arts (Maumbury Rings)

Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Outdoor performance based on the well-loved legend

West Bay Weekend

Venue: West Bay

Website: www.westbay.co.uk/events

Celebrating West Bay's rich history, heritage, quality of food, local businesses and fun activities and entertainemnt

Colour Trail event

Venue: Dorset Adventure park

Website: www.dorsetadventurepark.com

Muddy 2km trail with over 50 fun obstacles

Quiet at the Aquarium

Venue: Sea Life Weymouth

Website: www.visitsealife.com/weymouth

Discover a range of fascinating creatures from sharks to seahorses while the centre is quieter to create a more enjoyable experience for those with sensory senitivites

Summer of Play: Make a spinning top

Venue: Kingston Lacy

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Make your own colourful version of this much loved traditional toy

Circus Wonderland

Venue: Askers Meadows Bridport

Website: www.bridportandwestbay.co.uk

Circus show

Dino Jaws 3D Modelling

Venue: Lyme Regis Museum

Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Drop in session, free with admission - see website for details

Family fungi growing lab

Venue: Alpha Farm, Wareham

Website: www.happyriver.co.uk

Families can drill and plug their own mushroom logs, make up Oyster mushroom fruiting bags and learn how to grow mushrooms as well as craft spore prints to take home

Peer Gynt

Venue: Ibberton Village Hall

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Outdoor production from Miracle Theatre

Alice in Wonderland

Venue: Red House Museum and Gardens

Website: www.hampshireculture.org.uk

Colourful and interactive play with excitement, laughter and live music

Bluey's Big Play

Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion

Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Theatrical adaptation of the much-loved television series

Matilda The Musical Jr

Venue: The Barrington Centre

Website: www.barringtoncentre.co.uk

Performance by the Little Dahlings Theatre School

Outdoor Theatre: Pinocchio

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

Adaptation of the classic story from Illyria

Peer Gynt

Venue: Sandford Orcas Higher Orchard, Sherborne

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Outdoor production from Miracle Theatre

Rotary Summer Fete

Venue: Sandpit Field in Swanage

Website: www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs

Annual summer event featuring stalls, food, drink and enteratinment

Swanage Lifeboat Week

Venue: Swanage

Website: www.facebook.com/swanagelifeboat

See the website for full details of the line-up

Evim (My Home)

Venue: Bridport Arts Centre

Website: www.bridport-arts.com

Magical and interactive performance for children aged 2 to 7

Now that's What I Call Symphonic Music

Venue: Meyrick Park, Bournemouth

Website: www.bsolive.com

Music performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

Pinocchio

Venue: Kingston Lacy

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Outdoor perfromance of the classic story from Illyria

Purbeck Rally

Venue: Worgret Road, Weymouth

Website: www.purbeckrailly.com

Arena events, trade stalls, craft tent, entertainment and much more - see website for full line-up

Summer of Play: Make a wooden keyring

Venue: Kingston Lacy

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Get creative and design your own wooden keyring

Weymouth Lifeboat Week 2026

Venue: Weymouth

Website: www.facebook.com/weymouthlifeboatfundraising

See the website for the full line-up

Big League Wrestling: Beach Brawl

Venue: Weymouth Pavilion

Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com

Wrestling show

Buzzfest 2026

Venue: Careys Secret Garden

Website: www.careyssecretgarden.co.uk

Apiary tours, plant sales, workshops, talks and demos, live music and more

Ellingham Show

Venue: Somerley, Ringwood

Website: www.ellinghamshow.co.uk

Exciting main ring attractions, animals, food and shopping

One World Festival

Venue: Borough Gardens, Dorchester

Website: www.discoverdorchester.co.uk

Free local event to celebrate the diversity of cultures in Dorchester through music, dance, food and activities

Roots n' Boots Country Music Festival

Venue: The Spring Head, Sutton Poyntz

Day of country music, line dancing, family fun and Wild West vibes

St George's Church Fete

Venue: St George's Church, Langton Matravers

Website: www.swanage.events

Entertainment, cream teas, refreshments, raffle, tombola, books

Swanage Lifeboat Week

Venue: Swanage

Website: www.facebook.com/swanagelifeboat

See the website for details of events

Symphonic Smash Hits: The 90s

Venue: Meyrick Park, Bournemouth

Website: www.bsolive.com

Outdoor concert featuring 90s hits performed by Bournemouth Symphonic Orchestra

The Isle of Purbeck Model Railway Exhibition

Venue: Harman's Cross Village Hall

Website: www.swanage.events

See the website for details

Wonderland Weekend at Nothe Fort

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Weekend of events inspired by the classic novel with themed games, performances, dress up, trail, party games and more

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Venue: Holme for Gardens

Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk

Open air performance of Shakespeare's comedy from Folksy

country Fayre and Dog Show

Venue: Church Knowle Centre, Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Website: www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk

Fun dog classes, family entertainment in aid of Margaret Green Animal Rescue

Ichtyosaur Clay Modelling Workshop

Venue: Lyme Regis Museum

Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Drop in session - free with Museum admission

Creative Summer Camp 2026

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Joyful, hands-on art experience for ages 7 to 12 working alongside a vibrant team of artists

Harvest Scarecrow Week

Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens

Website: www.wimborne-modeltown.com/events

See the website for details

Summer of Play

Venue: Kingston Lacy

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Create a stained-glass style suncatcher with designs inspired by traditional Indian decorations

Ammonite Graveyard 3D Modelling

Venue: Lyme Regis Museum

Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Drop in session - free with Museum admission

Summer of Play: Make a flower magnet

Venue: Kingston Lacy

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Get creative and design a wooden flower magnet

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

Enchanting new adaptation of Beatrix Potter's books

Christchurch Carnival

Venue: Christchurch

Website: www.christchurchcarnival.co.uk

Free community event raising money for local non-profit organisations and charities

Jurassic Fields Festival

Venue: Bridport

Website: www.jurassicfestival.com

Full line-up of music and kids' entertainment and activities every day

Lil Giant Fest

Venue: Cerne Abbas Brewery

Website: www.southcoastfamilyevents.co.uk

Fun-packed camping party of music, food, family fun and camping

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

Venue: Dorchester Arts (Maumbury Rings)

Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Open air production of two of Beatrix Potter's best-loved tales

Wimborne Art Club Summer Exhbition

Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens

Website: www.wimborneartclub.org.uk

Exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of its members with crafts and paitings

Canford Summer Fair

Venue: Canford School

Website: www.thewessexeventcompany.co.uk/canford-summer-fair

Over 100 stalls, food, drink, home and garden, live music and kids'entertainers

Cruise from Poole Quayt to the Jurassic Coast with the Wareham Wailers Shanty Band

Venue: Sailing from Poole Quay

Website: www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk

See the website for details

Family Fun Flower Show

Venue: Radipole Park

Website: www.radipolepark.co.uk

See the website for details

Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week

Venue: Lyme Regis

Website: www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/events

Week of fun, games, entertainment, music and more - see the website for the full schedule of events

The Red Arrows at Lyme Regis

Venue: Marine Parade, Lyme Regis

Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk

Aerobatic display as part of Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week

Bridport Carnival Week

Venue: Bridport

Website: www.bridportcarnival.co.uk

See the website for details

Taylormania

Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion

Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Taylor Swift tribute show

The Pickwick Papers

Venue: Dorchester Arts (Maumbury Rings)

Website: www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Open air production of the Dickens' classic

Toto the Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape

Venue: Weymouth Pavilion

Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com

Brand new family musical

Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show

Venue: Turnpike Showground near Motcombe

Website: www.gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk

Event with livestock competitions, live ring entertainment, local food and drink, practical demonstrations, trade stands and hands-on activities

3D Modelling

Venue: Lyme Regis Museum

Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Drop in session - free with Museum admission

King Arthur and the Holy Fail

Venue: Kimmeridge Bay

Website: www.artsreach.co.uk

Comedic interpretation of the classic story from The Three Inch Fools recommended for ages 8+

Outdoor Theatre: As You Like It

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

Adaptation of the Shakespeare classic from Illyria

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

Venue: Purbeck Valley Farm

Website: www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk

Folk festival with full music line-up, workshops and kids' activities

Summer of Play: Badge Making

Venue: Kingston Lacy

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Create your own colourful scratch art badge to wear

Taylormania

Venue: Weymouth Pavilion

Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com

Taylor Swift tribute show

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

Venue: Bournemouth Pvilion

Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

Outdoor performance adapted from Beatrix Potter's classic tales

We Out Here Festival

Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens

Website: www.weoutherefestival.com

Festival celebrating world-class music, alongside wellness, family and cultural activities

Lyme Eats Boutique

Venue: Gun Cliff Walk, Lyme Regis

Website: www.lovelymeregis.co.uk

Pop-up evening street food market

Pied Piper story and craft

Venue: Shaftesbury Library

Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture

Find out what happened when the Pied Piper played his tunes in Hamelin and then make your own hanging mobile to take away - for ages 4 to 11

Bridport Carnival

Venue: Bridport

Website: www.bridportcarnival.co.uk

See the website for details

Jurassic Birthday Bash

Venue: Kimmeridge

Website: www.theetchescollectionshop.org

Celebration of Kimmeridge village and Bay with fossil activities, coastal conservation, local food and drink andother hands-on activities

Little B's Boogie

Venue: Bridport Arts Centre

Website: www.bridport-arts.com

Joyful, family-friendly live music experience

Make Your Own gold Lanula

Venue: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org

Drop-in craft session where families can make their own shimmering gold lanula -a crescent-shaped piece of ancient jewellery

Metal Detecting - Have a Go

Venue: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org

Join local metal detectorists for a family digging experience where you will search for hidden coins and uncover secrets of the past

Purbeck Arts Club Summer exhibition - Pearls of Purbeck

Venue: Catholic Church Hall, Swanage

Website: www.swanage.events

Exhibition of work influenced by landscapes, coastlines, historical sites and local culture

Roman Town House Tour

Venue: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery

Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org

Step inside one of England's finest Roman Town Houses and explore the stories of Roman Dorchester

Silent Disco at Nothe Fort

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Family disco from 5pm to 7pm

Colour Trail event

Venue: Dorset Adventure park

Website: www.dorsetadventurepark.com

Muddy 2km trail with over 50 fun obstacles

Holme Bush Inn Summer Fair

Venue: Corfe Mullen

Website: www.motherhubbardsevents.co.uk

Vibrant community celebration with entertainment, activities and something for every age

Dance Cypher

Venue: Tithe Barn

Website: www.bridportdancefestival.org.uk

Join a joy filled community cypher for all types of movers - all ages and abilities

Family Weekend 2026

Venue: Monkton Wyld court

Website: www.monktonwyldcourt.org

Exploring, creating, learning, playing and quality time in nature

Open Day

Venue: Euston Estate

Website: www.eustonhall.co.uk

Hall tours and garden access - book online

Ulwell Summer Fun Week and Fete

Venue: Ulwell Holiday Park

Website: www.ulwellholidaypark.co.uk

Games, family fun, live music and food - see the website for full details of activities

Oops Wow Gallery Takeover

Venue: Bridport Arts Centre

Website: www.bridport-arts.com

Hands on family making session - transform the space with cardboard, paper and plenty of creative play in these family making sessions

Macbeth

Venue: Brownsea Island

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brownsea-island

Early evening perfromance of open-air theatre with laughter and music

Mary Anning Clay Modelling Workshop

Venue: Lyme Regis Museum

Website: www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk

Drop in session - free with Museum admission

The Melplash Show

Venue: West Bay Show Grounds

Website: www.melplashshow.co.uk

Livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture as well as over 400 trade stands

Family Summer Event at Tumbledown

Venue: Tumbledown Farm

Website: www.love-weymouth.co.uk

Details to be confirmed

Lyme Regis Folk Weekend

Venue: Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis

Website: www.lymefolk.com

See the website for the full schedule of events and activities

Paddington 2

Venue: Purbeck Film Festival - Corfe Castle

Website: www.purbeckfilm.com

Outdoor screening of the live-action sequel

The Oak Fair

Venue: Stock Gaylard

Website: www.theoakfair.com

Celebrate timber, conservation, craft and the countryside with over 200 exhibitors and demonstrators of countryside craft and tradition, have-a-go sessions and children's activities

Wicked: For Good

Venue: Purbeck Film Festival - Corfe Castle

Website: www.purbeckfilm.com

Outdoor screening of the musical sequel

Historic Vehicle Rally

Venue: Sherborne School court

Website: www.rcsc.org.uk

See the website for details

Harman's Cross village Fete

Venue: Harman's Cross Village Hall

Website: www.harmanscrosshall.co.uk

See the website for details

The billy Goats Gruff

Venue: Bridport Arts Centre

Website: www.bridport-arts.com

Theatrical experience based on the classic story aimed at ages 3 to 6

End of the Road Festival

Venue: Larmer Tree Gardens

Website: www.endoftheroadfestival.com

See the websie for the full line-up of this family friendly music festival

Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.picmf.org

See the website for the full line-up

Bridport Hat Festival

Venue: Bridport

Website: www.bridporthatfest.org

See the website for details

In the Night Garden Live

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Fun-filled show based on the TV show with full-size costumes, magical puppets and enchanting music

Michael Rosen: Nice

Venue: Electric Palace

Website: www.electricpalace.org.uk

Brand new live show for all ages

Amazing Animals

Venue: Weymouth Pavilion

Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com

Show dedicated to and celbrating all creatures great and small

Quiet at the Aquarium

Venue: Sea Life Weymouth

Website: www.visitsealife.com/weymouth

Discover a range of fascinating creatures from sharks to seahorses while the centre is quieter to create a more enjoyable experience for those with sensory senitivites

IQFOIL World Championship

Venue: Weymouth/Portland

Website: www.iqfoilclassofficial.org

See the website for line-up of events

Autumn Steam Gala

Venue: Swanage Railway

Website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk

Fleet of steam locomotives and more - see the website for details

Classic and Steam Vehicle Show

Venue: Swanage Railway

Website: www.bppclub.co.uk

Classic and vintage cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, tractors and stationary engines, steam vehicles and displays, trade stands, refreshments and family friendly attractions, music

Dorset Architectuarl Heritage Week

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.edht.org.uk/dahw

See the website for details

Heritage Open Days

Venue: Various locations

Website: www.heritageopendays.org.uk

Opportunity to visit a number of loactions for free - see the website for details as events are announced

Swanage Folk Festival

Venue: Swanage

Website: www.swanagefolkfestival.com

Conserts, workshops, children's activities, sessions and ceilidh, 50+ bands and over 200 dance perfromances

Age UK Summer Fayre

Venue: The Great Field, Poundbury

Website: www.lovepoundbury.org

Family fun day out with fun fair, arts, crafts, food, drink and more

Autism Friendly Day at Monkey World

Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Website: www.monkeyworld.org

See the park open an hour early at 9am for neurodivergent visitors and their families. Sensory trails, calm room and drop-in room for support

Lighthouse Youth ~Theatre for 5 to 7 year olds

Venue: Lighthouse Poole

Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk

Weekly sessions for young people to explore creativity, build confidence and have fun through drama

Medieval living history weekend

Venue: Corfe Castle

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle

Step inside medieval life at Corfe Castle with hands-on crafts, castle characters and the sights, sounds and skills of the past

Memories of Yesteryear

Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens

Website: www.wimborne-modeltown.com

See the website for details

Model Building Day

Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens

Website: www.wimborne-modeltown.com

See the website for details

Seafood and Sounds

Venue: Poole

Website: www.seafoodandsounds.co.uk

Event celbrating locally sourced seafood and featuring talented musicians

Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival

Venue: Sturminster Newton

Website: www.cheesefestival.co.uk

Artisan food, cheese, crafts, live music, entertainment and more

Weymouth Waterfest

Venue: Weymouth

Website: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk

Event offering a range of activities including taster sessions in sea swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding as well as children's activities

Weymouth Family Science Festival

Venue: Nothe Fort

Website: www.nothefort.org.uk

Exciting experiments, demonstrations and family fun activities - see the website for details