Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
What's On in Dorset
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Pliosaur the Terrifying Sea Rex
1st-2nd January 2026
Venue: Museum of Jurassic Marine Life - The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetchescollection.org/giant-sea-monster
See the amazing Pliosaur skull discovery and learn more aobut how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurassic seas of Kimmeridge
Giant Sea Monster
1st-1st January 2026
Venue: The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetetchescollection.org
See the Pliosaur skull discovery and learn more about how it lived, hunted and died
Jane Austen: Down to the Sea
14th June-14th September 2025
Venue: Dorset Museum
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Exhibiton exploring the sea as a setting for Jane Austen's ficitonal worlds and its influence on her
Summer at Monkey World
1st July-31st August 2025
Venue: Monkey World
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Celebrate summer at Monkey World with activities, themed weeks and the Children's Activity Centre open daily for crafts, fun and learning
Summer Fun at Monkey World
1st July-31st August 2025
Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Celebrate summer at Monkey World with activities, themed weeks and the Children's Activity Centre open daily for crafts, fun and learning
Monkey World's Chimpanzee recognition week
12th-20th July 2025
Venue: Monkey World
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Celebrate the anniversary of the rescue of the first chimps at Monkey World, and World Chimp Day. Visitors can learn more about their closest living relatives through stalls, displays, games and activities
Home Education Day at Monkey World
15th-15th July 2025
Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Event for home educated children and their families with a variety of activities - booking recommended. Theme is different diets
Outdoor Theatre - Twelfth Night
17th-18th July 2025
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.nationaltrusl.co.uk/dorset/kingston-lacy
Outdoor theatre production of the classic Shakespeare play
Pride and Prejusice
17th-17th July 2025
Venue: The Sherborne
Website: www.thesherborne.uk
Outdoor performance of the Jane Austen classic from Illyria
Christchurch Music Festival
18th-20th July 2025
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.xchurchmusicfestival.co.uk
Family friendly festival with live music, food and entertainment for all ages
Purify Festival
18th-20th July 2025
Venue: Moonacre
Website: www.purifyfestival.co.uk
Music, visuals, workshops and kids zone
Shaftesbury Fringe
18th-20th July 2025
Venue: Shaftesbury
Website: www.shaftesburyfringe.co.uk
Arts festival with over 290 registered performers - see the website for the full schedule
Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival
18th-20th July 2025
Venue: Tolpuddle
Website: www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk
See the website for full details of activities
Wareham Carnival
18th-20th July 2025
Venue: Wareham
Website: www.warehamcarnival.co.uk
Theme is 'Best of British' - see the website for full schedule of activities
Adventure Valley Land Rovers
19th July-31st August 2025
Venue: Moors Valley
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
Navigate through an off-road journey in mini electric Land Rovers
An Architectural Adventure - family quest
19th July-28th August 2025
Venue: Corfe Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
Family quest to learn about all the different sections that make up a great castle
How To Train Your Dragon
19th-19th July 2025
Venue: Bridport Electric Parade
Website: www.electricpalace.org.uk
Showing of the new live-action remake
Keeper of the Castle: Storytelling tours
19th July-31st August 2025
Venue: Corfe Cstle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
Family friendly event where you will be immersed in key events in the Castle's history
Marvellous Meadows Children's Trail
19th July-11th August 2025
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Trail aorund the park to learn more about what makes the meadows special
Moors Valley Railway
19th July-7th September 2025
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
Enjoy a ride on an authentic steam train around Moors Valley
Summer Holiday: Season of STEM
19th July-2nd September 2025
Venue: The Tank Museum
Website: www.tankmuseum.org
Interactive exhibitions, 300 tanks, STEM- themed activities and more
Summer of Play
19th July-7th September 2025
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Summer activities for families as well as pop-up events - see the website for details
Summer of Play at Corfe Castle
19th July-7th September 2025
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy
Summer themed activities and pop-up events - see website for details
The Zoo That Comes To You
19th-19th July 2025
Venue: Bridport Arts Centre
Website: www.bridport-arts.com
Show featuring puppetry, live music and playful characters
3 Counties Vintage and Classic Car Club
20th-20th July 2025
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
See the website for details
A Midsummer Night's Dream
20th-20th July 2025
Venue: Holme for Gardens
Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk
Outdoor production of the Shakespeare classic from Oddsocks
MTSA Summer Vista Showcase
20th-20th July 2025
Venue: Pavilion Dance South West
Website: www.pdsw.org.uk
Experience performances by the talented students of Musical Theatre South Associates
Sherborne Castle Classic and Supercars
20th-20th July 2025
Venue: Sherborne Castle
Website: www.sherbornecastle.com/events
Day of events and displays including motor club stands, motor trade stands, autojumble, craft fair and fun activities for the whole family
Summer Wellbeing Challenge Summer Holidays
20th July-7th September 2025
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.hgihcliffecastle.co.uk
Outdoor challenge trail promoting positive wellbeing and indoor activities and crafts
Museum Adventures at the Museum
21st July-6th September 2025
Venue: Museum of East Dorset
Website: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
The world of Minecraft comes to the Museum on the summer family trail
Amazing Animals and Brilliant Botanicals
23rd July-31st August 2025
Venue: Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Inspired by the May Morris exhibition, the summer holidays activities are all themed around animals, plants and nature
Alice Through The Looking Glass
24th-24th July 2025
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Lively new outdoor version of the classic story from Quantum Theatre
Bone Builders: Can you construct a human skeleton
24th-24th July 2025
Venue: Dorset Museum and Art Gallery
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Meet archaeologists from the University of Bournemouth and learn how excavations are carried out and how remains are reconstructed for research and display. Try your hand at building a full skeleton using...
Highcliffe Castle present 'Alice Through The Looking Glass'
24th-24th July 2025
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Lively new version of the classic story with live music and the full array fo Carroll's fantastical characters
Summer of Play at Brownsea Island
24th July-31st August 2025
Venue: Brownsea Island
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
Embark on a crayon rubbing trail filled and fun activites and games for the the whole family
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender
25th-27th July 2025
Venue: Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth
Website: www.bournemouthreggaeweekender.co.uk
Independently run 3 day event with a full range of entertainment and traditional activities that supports creative arts and performing artists through music, poetry, storytelling and dance workshops
Bridport Folk Festival
25th-27th July 2025
Venue: Bridport
Website: www.bridportfolkfestival.com
See the website for the full line-up
Circus Extreme
25th July-3rd August 2025
Venue: Branksome Recreation Ground
Website: www.circusextreme.co.uk
High octane show combining death-defying acrobatics, extreme motocross, gravity-defying aerialacts and a full live rock band
Family Fun Session: School's Out Disco
25th-25th July 2025
Venue: Lemur Landings
Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk
See the website for details - tickets limited
Make your own fruit or flower basket
25th-25th July 2025
Venue: Shaftesbury Library
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Make your own basket and fill it with your creative flowers, fruit or even vegetables
Poole Harbour Festival
25th-27th July 2025
Venue: Poole
Website: www.pooleharbourfestival.com
Music festival with kids entertainment and more - see the website for the full line-up
Treasure Island
25th-25th July 2025
Venue: Litton Cheney Community Hall
Website: www.artsreach.co.uk
Interactive family-friendly summer panto based on the the classic story
Tuff Nutterz
25th-25th July 2025
Venue: Littledown Park in Bournemouth
Website: www.tuffnutterz.co.uk
Inflatable obstacle course event
UKBT Volleyball Classic, Weymouth
25th-27th July 2025
Venue: Weymouth
Website: www.weymouthbeachvolleyball.co.uk
See website for the game schedule
Abbotsbury Beachcombers' Village Fete
26th-26th July 2025
Venue: Abbotsbury Village Overflow Car Park
Website: www.beachcombers.uk/village-fete
vintage vehicle display, children's activities, dog show, stalls and food and drink
Fox and Cubs' dads and kids activity session
26th-26th July 2025
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 Fox and Cubs sessions
Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week
26th July-1st August 2025
Venue: Lyme Regis
Website: www.facebook.com/lymeregislifeboatweek
See the website for details
Mudeford Arts Festival 2025
26th-27th July 2025
Venue: Mudeford
Website: www.facebook.com/mudefordartsfestival
Annual community event with art, crafts and music
Nature Trail
26th-26th July 2025
Venue: Sherborne Castle
Website: www.sherbornecastle.com
family fun nature trail in the garden. Follow the trail discovering interesting facts about the nature at Sherborne Castle and Gardens throughout the seasons
Sherborne Castle and Gardens Children's Nature Trail
26th July-31st August 2025
Venue: Sherborne Castle
Website: www.sherbornecastle.com
Family fun nature trail in the gardens, follow the trail discovering facts and solve the clues along the way
Swanage Carnival and rEgatta
26th July-2nd August 2025
Venue: Swanage
See the website for the full schedule of events throughout the eight days
Bridport Vintage Market
27th-27th July 2025
Venue: Bridport
Website: www.bridportantiques.co.uk/vintage-market-bridport
Antique and vintage market
Littledown Family Fun Day
27th-27th July 2025
Venue: BH Live Active, Littledown
Website: www.facebook.com/littledown
Dinosaur walkabout and show, characters and entertainers, bug and spider handling experience, face painting, science dome, birds of prey and much more
Meet the Mascots/Inflatable Theme park
27th-28th July 2025
Venue: The Great Field Poundbury
Website: www.facebook.com/inflatablethemeparkscornwall
Inflatable theme park event and meet and greets with characters
National Marine Week: Rockpool Ramble and Kimmeridge
27th-27th July 2025
Venue: The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, Kimmeridge, Dorset
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Join in for a guided rockpool ramble in Kimmeridge Bay to discover wildlife on the seashore
Park to Pier Walk
27th-27th July 2025
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier learning about the area
Twelfth Night
27th-27th July 2025
Venue: Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
Website: www.marinetheatre.com
Outdoor performance of the classic Shakespeare play from Folksy Tehatre
Weymouth Lifeboat Week 2025
27th July-2nd August 2025
Venue: Weymouth
Website: www.facebook.com/weymouthlifeboat
Jam-packed schedule of activities for all ages with lifeboat demonstrations, lifeboat station, family-friendly entertainment and more
National Marine Week: Kimmeridge Seashore Challenge
28th-28th July 2025
Venue: The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Are you a crab or a starfish? Complete a series of seashore challenges at Kimmeridge to achieve your award
Summer Musical Theatre Workshop
28th July-2nd August 2025
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Week-long series of workshops aimed at improving musical theatre skills for ages 8 to 18
Fun with Archaeology
29th-29th July 2025
Venue: Museum of East Dorset
Website: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Archaeology themed activities for fmailies including badge making, a quiz, designing a mosaic and a chance to look at and handle real archaological finds
Junior Summer School (Ages 7 to 11)
29th-31st July 2025
Venue: Pavilion Dance South West
Website: www.pdsw.org.uk
Three exciting days of dance, creativity and fun by sea - develop new skills and make friends along the way
National Marine Week; Seashore Safari along the Fleet Lagoon
29th-29th July 2025
Venue: The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre
Website: www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Join in at low tide to eplore the amazing underwater world of the Fleet Lagoon
Rude Science
29th-29th July 2025
Venue: Bridport Electric Parade
Website: www.electricpalace.org.uk
Humourous and explosive family science show
Circus Raj
30th-30th July 2025
Venue: Bridport Millennium Garden
Website: www.bridport-arts.com
Exciting and thrilling new show with elite street circus performers
Phaser Night Event
30th-30th July 2025
Venue: Lemur Landings
Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk
Exciting evening of laser tag
Summer of Play at Shell Bay
30th July-27th August 2025
Venue: Shell Bay
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay
Enjoy a range to suit a variety of interests and ages including giant snakes and ladders, badminton, volleyball and sensory play throughout the school summer holidays
Way of the wild - Bushcraft taster sessions
30th-30th July 2025
Venue: Brownsea Island
Hands-on bushcraft experience - see the website for details
Wild Wednesdays for Kids at The Blue Pool
30th-30th July 2025
Venue: The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Tearooms
Website: www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk
Kids aged 5 to 15 can enjoy hands-on bushcraft activities like bird box making, fire lighting and safety, paracord bracelet crafting and bug hunts (activities are available according to weather conditions...
Camp Bestival
31st July-3rd August 2025
Venue: Lulworth Castle
Website: www.dorset.campbestival.net
Family friendly festival - see the website for the full line-up
Disney Through the Decades
31st July-28th August 2025
Venue: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park
Website: www.farmerpalmers.co.uk
See the website for details
Summer Nocturnal Discovery Walk with Dorset Bat Group
31st-31st July 2025
Venue: Starting out at the back of Upton House, Upton Country Park
Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com
Join members of the Dorset Bat Group and UCP Research Volunteers for a guided night walk to sicover the nocturnal inhabitants
Twelfth Night
31st-31st July 2025
Venue: Ibberton Village Hall
Website: www.miracletheatre.co.uk
Performance of the classic Shakespeare play from Miracle Theatre
Twelfth Night
31st-31st July 2025
Venue: Ibberton Village Hall
Website: www.miracletheatre.co.uk
Outdoor performance of the Shakespeare classic from Miracle Theatre
Dorset Arts and Crafts Association Showcase
1st-1st August 2025
Venue: Purbeck Show, Wareham
Website: www.dorsetartsandcrafts.org
See the website for details
Family Sleepover at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
1st-3rd August 2025
Venue: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre
Website: www.jimcroninmemorialfund.org/events-calendar
Fun-filled camping weekend with festivities and the opportunity to enjoy watching the primates at Monkey World
Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week
1st-9th August 2025
Venue: Lyme Regis
Website: www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk
Week packed full of fun events while raising money for local good causes - see the website for details
Twelfth Night
1st-1st August 2025
Venue: Kimmeridge Bay
Website: www.miracletheatre.co.uk
Outdoor performance of the Shakespeare classic from Miracle Theatre
Yoghurt pot cress heads
1st-1st August 2025
Venue: Shaftesbury Library
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Book through Eventbrite website
Dorset Food and Arts Festival
2nd-2nd August 2025
Venue: The Great Field Poundbury
Website: www.dorsetfoodanddrink.org
Local food and drink and artistic creativity
Elio
2nd-2nd August 2025
Venue: Bridport Electric Parade
Website: www.electricpalace.org.uk
Screening of the new Disney Pixar animated film
Great Dorset Chilli Festival
2nd-3rd August 2025
Venue: Stock Gaylard Estate
Website: www.greatdorsetchilifestival.co.uk
Chili stalls, competitions and more - see the website for details
Hillside Parishes Fete, Flower and Dog Show
2nd-2nd August 2025
Venue: Village Hall
Website: www.ibbertonvillagehall.com
See the website for details
Lyme Regis Torchlight Procession 2025 and Beacon Lighting
2nd-2nd August 2025
Venue: Lyme Regis
Website: www.lymeregiscarnival.co.uk
See the website for timings
Midsummer Musicals
2nd-2nd August 2025
Venue: Nothe Fort
Website: www.nothefort.org.uk
Evening of songs form the stage and screen int eh latest Wessex Musical Theatre summer showcase
PYO Sunflowers
2nd August 2025
Venue: Gullivers Farm, West Moors
Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk
Pick your own sunflowers, cakes and shakes, maze, kids crafts, nature trail
Romeo and Juliet
2nd-2nd August 2025
Venue: Holme for Gardens
Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk
Outdoor performance of Shakespeare's trafedy from Chapterhouse Theatre Company
Surf Life Saving Club GB National Surf Championships 2025
2nd-9th August 2025
Venue: Weymouth Beach
Website: www.slsgb.org.uk
See the website for details
Twelfth Night
2nd-2nd August 2025
Venue: Higher Orchard, Sandford Orcas
Website: www.miracletheatre.co.uk
Production of the Shakespeare classic from Miracle Theatre
Quiet at the Aquarium
3rd-3rd August 2025
Venue: SeaLife Weymouth
Website: www.visitsealife.com/weymouth
Discover the range of fascinating creatures from sharks to seahorse while the centre is quieter to create a more enjoyable experience for those with sensory sensitivities
West Bay Day 2025
3rd-3rd August 2025
Venue: West Bay
Website: www.westbay.co.uk
Event celebrating West Bay's rich history, heritage, quality of food and local businesses and incorporating a multitude of fun activities and entertainment for all the family with live music, duck race,...
Bug hotel and insect crafts
4th-4th August 2025
Venue: Gillingham Library
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Craft activity to make bug hotels and cute insects from craft and recycled materials
Get Hooked on Fishing
5th-20th August 2025
Venue: Moors Valley
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk
For children aged 8+. Activity for those brand new to fishing or who already have experience with friendly, qualified coaches
The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck
5th-5th August 2025
Venue: Litton Cheney Community Hall
Website: www.artsreach.co.uk
Big Wild Sleepout - Family Event
6th-7th August 2025
Venue: RSPB Arne
Website: www.dorsetheaths.org.uk
Campout on the reserve - supper and breakfast provided
Poole Runners Upton Summer Series 2025
6th-6th August 2025
Venue: Upton Country Park
Website: www.uptoncountrypark.com
Timed running races with junior events available
Wareham Wednesdays
6th-6th August 2025
Venue: Wareham
Website: www.warehamwednesdays.com
Free family-friendly summer events with fun theme nights with musical guests nad lots of entertainment
Wild Wednesdays for Kids at The Blue Pool
6th-6th August 2025
Venue: The Blue Pool Nature Reserve and Tearooms
Website: www.bluepooltearooms.co.uk
Nature Pendant Drop In
7th-7th August 2025
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Drop into the Belvedere anytime between 11am and 1pm and create your very own nature pendant
Outdoor Theatre - Pride and Prejudice
7th-7th August 2025
Venue: Corfe Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
Outdoor production of the Jane Austen classic from Illyria
Outdoor Theatre - The Wind in the Willows
7th-7th August 2025
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.nationaltrust.co.uk/dorset/kingston-lacy
Outdoor theatre production of the classic story
The Wind in the Willows
7th-7th August 2025
Venue: Kingston Lacy
Website: www.ticketsource.co.uk/illyria
Open air performance of the classic story from Illyria
Classical Extravaganza
8th-8th August 2025
Venue: Meyrick Park in Bournemouth
Website: www.bsolive.com
Evening of symphonic music with pyrotechnic and fireworks finale
Dino tales: Jurassic Rescue
8th-8th August 2025
Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion
Website: www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
Dinosaur themed show with a captivating story, interactive activiteis and an immersive finale
Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live!
8th-8th August 2025
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Dinosaur themed show recommended for ages 3+
Pride and Prjudice
8th-8th August 2025
Venue: Nothe Fort
Website: www.nothefort.org.uk
Adaptation of the classic Jane Austen story from This is My Theatre
Purbeck Rally
8th-10th August 2025
Venue: Wareham
Website: www.purbeckrally.com
See the website for the full line-up
The Wind in the Willows
8th-8th August 2025
Venue: The Sherborne
Website: www.thesherborne.uk
Performance of Kenneth Graham's classic story from Illyria
Drawing Beach Treasures
9th-9th August 2025
Venue: Durlston Country Park
Website: www.durlston.co.uk
Workshop to learn to draw treasures on the beach for adults and children aged 8+
Ellingham Show
9th-9th August 2025
Venue: Somerley, Ringwood
Website: www.ellinghamshow.co.uk
Horse show, livestock, heavy horses, dog show, donkey show, horticulture, vintage machinery, The Arcade, Steam Engine, other attractions, classic cars, Scarecrow Competition
Steamship Shieldhall 70th birthday visit to Poole
9th-11th August 2025
Venue: Poole
Website: www.fid.bcpcouncil.gov.uk
See the website for details
Swanage Lifeboat Week
9th-17th August 2025
Venue: Swanage
Website: www.rnli.org.uk/find-may-nearest/events
See the website for details
Symphonic Smash Hits - The 80s
9th-9th August 2025
Venue: Meyrick Park in Bournemouth
Website: www.bsolive.com
Evening of smash hits of the 80s
The Winter's Tale
9th-22nd August 2025
Venue: Brownsea Open Air Theatre at Canford School, Wimborne
Website: www.brownsea-theatre.co.uk
Open air Shakespeare production
Bridport Carnival Week 2025
10th-17th August 2025
Venue: Bridport
Website: www.bridportcarnival.co.uk
See the website for schedule of events
Cirque: The Greatest Show - Reimagined
10th-10th August 2025
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Fusion of musical theatre and circus acts
Country Dog Show
10th-10th August 2025
Venue: Church Knowle Rehoming and Visitor Centre, Wareham
Website: www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk
Fun dog show, have-a-go agility, local traders and artisans, hot food and refreshments, rescue dog reunion, games and fun for all, raffle and tombola
Dorset Knob Throwing Festival @ Cattistock Countryside
10th-10th August 2025
Venue: Off the A356 Northwest of Maiden Newton in the direction of Crewkerne
Website: www.cattistockshow.co.uk
See the website for the full details of activities
RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat Funday
10th-10th August 2025
Venue: Mudeford
Website: www.rnli.org.uk/find-may-nearest/events
Funfair, live music, DJ, lifeboat demonstrationsa and the legendary Duck Race
Treasure Island
10th-10th August 2025
Venue: Sixpenny Handley Village Hall
Website: www.artsreach.co.uk
Adaptation of the classic story with panto-style audience interaction, live music, singing and dancing and sign language throughout. Suitable for ages 4+
Treasure Island
10th-10th August 2025
Venue: Shillingstone The Portman Hall
Website: www.artsreach.co.uk
Adaptation of the classic story with panto-style audience interaction, live music, singing and dancing and sign language throughout. Suitable for ages 4+
Twelfth Night
10th-10th August 2025
Venue: Holme for Gardens
Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk
Outdoor performance of the classic Shakespeare play
Harvest Scarecrow Week
11th-17th August 2025
Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens
Website: www.wimborne-modeltown.com
Find out more about the event at the website
Robin Hood
12th-12th August 2025
Venue: Holme for Gardens
Website: www.holmeforgardens.co.uk
Open air performance of the classic story from Folksy Theatre
Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show
13th-14th August 2025
Venue: Turnpike Showground
Website: www.gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk
Rural show with entertainment, displays, craft, livestock, stall and more
A Midsummer Night's Dream
14th-14th August 2025
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Outdoor performance of the classic play from Quantum Theatre
A Midsummer Night's Dream
14th-14th August 2025
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.threeinchfools.com
Outdoor perfromance of the Shakespeare comedy from The Three Inch Fools
A Midsummer Night's Dream
14th-14th August 2025
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Open air production of Shakespeare's comedy from Three Inch Fools
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
14th-17th August 2025
Venue: Purbeck Valley Farm
Website: www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk
Folk festival with workshops and kids' activities
Safe by the Sea
14th-14th August 2025
Venue: Corfe Mullen Library
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Session aimed at 4 to 8 years but all ages welcome. Fun activity session, storytime, colouring and firefighter dress-up
We Out Here Festival
14th-17th August 2025
Venue: Wimborne St Giles, Dorset
Website: www.weouttherefestival.com
Festival celebrating music, alongside wellness, family and cultural activities
A Midsummer Night's Dream
15th-15th August 2025
Venue: Winterborne Stickland Sports and Social Clube
Website: www.threeinchfools.com
Outdoor performance of the Shakespeare play from The Three Inch Fools
Beautiful Butterflies
15th-15th August 2025
Venue: Shaftesbury Library
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Make and decorate a beautiful butterfly
Christchurch Carnival
15th-17th August 2025
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.christchurchcarnival.co.uk
See the website for the full schedule of events
Bridport Carnival and torchlight procession
16th-16th August 2025
Venue: Bridport
Website: www.bridportcarnival.com
See the website for details
Canford Summer Fair
16th-17th August 2025
Venue: Canford School
Website: www.thewessexeventcompany.co.uk
Fun day for the whole family with over 100 stalls, food, drink, home and garden, live music and kids entertainers
Christchurch Carnival Fireworks 2025
16th-16th August 2025
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.christchurchcarnival.co.uk
See the website for timings
Riverside Fest 2025
16th-16th August 2025
Venue: Riverside Meadows
Line-up of music and free entertainment for kids and adults
Taylormania
16th-16th August 2025
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Taylor Swift tribute show
The Big Bad Wolf
16th-16th August 2025
Venue: Athelhampton House and Gardens
Website: www.athelhampton.com
Stage show for the whole family following the scheming life of the Big Bad Wolf
VJ 80 Memorial Picnic
16th-16th August 2025
Venue: Nothe Gardens
Website: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk
See the website for details
Bridport Torchlight Procession and Fireworks Display
17th-17th August 2025
Venue: Bridport Arts Centre
Website: www.bridportcarnival.co.uk
See the website for details
Christchurch Carnival Street Parade
17th-17th August 2025
Venue: Christchurch
Website: www.christchurch.oc.uk/parade
See the website for details
The Mushroom Show
18th-18th August 2025
Venue: Litton Cheney Community Hall
Website: www.artsreach.co.uk
Show full of interactive games, playful music and lots of laughs for all the family - suitable for ages 5+
The Mushroom Show
19th-19th August 2025
Venue: Alderholt Village Hall
Website: www.artsreach.co.uk
Show full of interactive games, playful music and lots of laughs for all the family - suitable for ages 5+
Garden Wildlife Safari
20th-20th August 2025
Venue: Knoll Gardens
Website: www.knollgardens.co.uk
Discover Knoll Gardens' wonderful wildlife and open up the moth tap to see what has been caught overnight,, dip the pond and discover the insects
A Midsummer Night's Dream
21st-21st August 2025
Venue: Brownsea Island
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uk/visit/dorset/brownsea-island
Outdoor perfromance of the Shakespeare comedy from The Three Inch Fools
A Midsummer Night's Dream
21st-22nd August 2025
Venue: Brownsea Island
Website: www.threeinchfools.com
Outdoor performance of the Shakespeare play form The Three Inch Fools
Melplash Show
21st-21st August 2025
Venue: Melplash
Website: www.melplashshow.co.uk
Show full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture
Open Air Theatre - Midsummer Night's Dream
21st-21st August 2025
Venue: Brownsea Island
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dorset/brownsea-island
Outdoor performance of the Shakespeare play
Purbeck Film Festival at Corfe Castle
22nd-22nd August 2025
Venue: Purbeck Film Festival at Corfe Castle
Website: www.purbeckfilm.com
Screening of the family classic - see the website for details
Weaving flowers
22nd-22nd August 2025
Venue: Shaftesbury Library
Website: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture
Create colourful flowers by weaving wool on paper plates
Go Nuts at Monkey World
23rd-25th August 2025
Venue: Monkey World
Website: www.monkeyworld.org
Every child who brings an unopened bag of nuts for the primates receives a free Monkey World badge over the bank holiday weekend
Outdoor Cinema - Paddington at Peru
23rd-23rd August 2025
Venue: Purbeck Film Festival at Corfe Castle
Website: www.purbeckfilm.com
Screening of the recent sequel
The Oak Fayre
23rd-24th August 2025
Venue: Stock Gaylard Estate
Website: www.theoakfair.com
Event celebrating timber, conservation, craft and the countryside
Railway Day at Wimborne Model Town
25th-25th August 2025
Venue: Wimborne Model Town and Gardens
Website: www.wimborne-modeltown.com
Storytelling, crafts and more information
End of Summer Phaser Night
27th-27th August 2025
Venue: Lemur Landings
Website: www.lemurlandings.co.uk
phaser night in the space station themed play zone
Shrek the Musical
27th-27th August 2025
Venue: Bridport Electric Parade
Website: www.electricpalace.org.uk
Performance of the musical adaptation of the much loved family film from Bridport Musical Theatre Company
End of the Road Festival
28th-31st August 2025
Venue: Larmer Tree Gardens
Website: www.endoftheroadfestival.com
Music festival - see the website for the full details
Summer event, Tumbledown
28th-28th August 2025
Venue: Radipole Lane, Weymouth
Website: www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk
See the website for details
Dinosaur World Live
29th-31st August 2025
Venue: Lighthouse Poole
Website: www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
Dinosaur themed show recommended for ages 3+ with a special meet and greet after the show
Knoll House Hotel, Studland
29th-29th August 2025
Venue: Knoll House Hotel, Studland
Website: www.purbeckfilm.com
Outdoor screening of the musical film
Lyme Folk Weekend
29th-31st August 2025
Venue: Lyme Regis
Website: www.lymefolk.com
See the website for the full line-up
Lyme Folk Weekend
29th-31st August 2025
Venue: Lyme Regis
Website: www.lymefolk.com
See the line-up for full details
Portland Rocks
29th-31st August 2025
Venue: Portland
Website: www.portlandrocks.co.uk
Three day family charity music event
Festival of Palestinian Culture, Dorchester
30th-30th August 2025
Venue: The Borough Gardens
Website: www.dorsetpsc.blogspot.com
Workshops, food stalls, kids activities, live storytelling and arts and crafts
Fox and Cubs' dads and kids activity session
30th-30th August 2025
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 Fox and Cubs sessions
Leweston Vibes, Leweston
30th-30th August 2025
Venue: Leweston
Website: www.sherbornechamber.co.uk
Vibrant day filled with live music, entertainment, shopping and more
The Ed Sheeran Experience
30th-30th August 2025
Venue: Weymouth Pavilion
Website: www.weymouthpavilion.com
Ed Sheeran tribute show
Weymouth Inflatable Theme Park
30th-31st August 2025
Venue: Weymouth
Website: www.facebook.com/inflatablethemeparkscornwall
Access to 15 large bouncy castles, under 5s soft play zone and refreshments
Abbotsbury Plant Fair
31st-31st August 2025
Venue: Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
Website: www.abbotsburygardens.co.uk
Over 30 specialist nurseries, growers and more
Sunday Funday at The Greyhound
31st-31st August 2025
Venue: The Greyhound Inn
Website: www.greyhound-blandford.co.uk
See the website for details
Purbeck International Music Festival
4th-7th September 2025
Venue: Various locations
Website: www.picmf.org
See the website for the full line-up
Classic and Steam Vehicle Show
5th-7th September 2025
Venue: Norden, Corfe Castle, BH20
Website: www.bppclub.co.uk/classic-and-steam-vehicle-show
See the website for details
Swanage Folk Festival
5th-7th September 2025
Venue: Swanage
Website: www.swanagefolkfestival.com
Concerts, dance, music and dance workshops, children's activities, sessions and ceilidh
Abba By Moonlight
6th-6th September 2025
Venue: Athelhampton House and Gardens
Website: www.athelhampton.com
ABBA themed show
Bournemouth Vegan Festival
6th-6th September 2025
Venue: The Citygate Centre, Bournemouth
Website: www.veganeventsuk.co.uk
70 stalls including food, beauty and skincare products and more
Bridport Hat Festival
6th-6th September 2025
Venue: Bridport
Website: www.bridporthatfest.org
Hats, show, music, stalls, competitions and more
Civil War Re-enactment Weekend
6th-7th September 2025
Venue: Corfe Castle
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle
See the website for details
Dorset County Show
6th-7th September 2025
Venue: Dorchester
Website: www.dorsetcountyshow.co.uk
See the website for the full line-up
Quiet Opening at Dorset Museum
6th-6th September 2025
Venue: Dorset Museum
Website: www.dorsetmuseum.org
Explore the Museum and take part in drop-in activities during the Quiet Openings
The Iguandon Restaurant
6th-6th September 2025
Venue: Blandford Museum
Website: www.emeraldant.com/iguanadon-restaurant
Outdoor theatre show for all the family, set in and around a Victorian iguandon
Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala
12th-14th September 2025
Venue: swanage Railway
Website: www.swanagerailway.co.uk
See the website for details
Open Farm Family Fun Day
13th-13th September 2025
Venue: GulliversFarm Shop
Website: www.gulliversfarmshop.co.uk
Countryside celebration with animals, tractor rides, live music, farm food, crafts and kids activities
Seafood and Sounds
13th-14th September 2025
Venue: Poole Quay
Website: www.seafoodandsounds.co.uk
Community event - free to attend - see website for details
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
13th-13th September 2025
Venue: Struminster Newton
Website: www.cheesefestival.co.uk
Artisan food, cheese, crafts and live music
Protest
5th-9th March 2024
Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth
Website: https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/protest/
For ages 7+. Running is Alice’s happy place – you might even say it’s in her DNA. She’s the best runner at her school but is struggling to prove her worth. Jade is slowly coming to realise that...
30% off Oceanarium memberships
Venue: Oceanarium
Address: Bournemouth
Website: www.oceanarium.co.uk
See the website for details
Attenborough's Giant Sea Monster - Sea Rex
Venue: The Etches Collection
Website: www.theetchescollection.org/giant-sea-monster
Pliosaur Skull Discovery - see the amazing creature and learn more about how it lived, hunted and died in the Jurassic seas of Kimmeridge 150 years ago
Beautiful Bournemouth Mini Exhibition
Venue: Russell Cotes Museum
Website: www.russellcotes.com
Discover the evolution of Bournemouth through this display in the Print Room
Easter Hunt at Moors Valley Country Park
Venue: Moors Valley Country Park
Website: www.moors-valley.co.uk/easter
Find the hidden giant Easter egg shapes around Moors Valley - solve the riddles, spot the eggs and write down the letters to work out the hidden answer
Fantazy
Venue: Babbacombe Theatre
Website: www.babbacombe-theatre.com
Variety show with comedy, illusion, vocalists and dance
Pieces of our Past
Venue: Highcliffe Castle
Website: www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
Experience the history of the Castle with never before seen photographs and artefacts
Rebellion and Revolt
Venue: Museum of East Dorset
Website: www.museumofeastdorset.co.uk
Thought provoking exhibit delving into two pivotal national struggles that profoundly impacted Dorset: the English Civil War of the 1640s and the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Themed trail around the Museum,...
West Bay In The War
Venue: West Bay Discovery Centre
Website: www.westbaydiscoverycentre.org.uk
Discover what happened locally in WW2. Find out about local memories, coast defences and more