What's On: Outdoor
Event types
Outdoor
29 upcoming events
Jul 2026
Roman Dorchester Tour
Join our trained guides to step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic Roman town of Durnovaria.
Sat 18th Jul - 10:30am
and 5 future schedules
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The Martinstown Garden Fête
Gather your friends and family and join us for a traditional Garden Fête filled with fun, laughter and community spirit.
Sat 18th Jul - 2:00pm
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The Pirates Of Penzance (Illryia Theatre)
Dorchester Arts event in Maumbury Rings
Sat 18th Jul - 6:00pm
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Summer Sessions: Live Music in Borough Gardens presents Damaris & Rick
Covering everything from hits from the eighties to well-known musical classics, Damaris & Rick return to Borough Gardens for an afternoon of toe-tapping tunes and mellow music. Free for all to attend, no booking required.
Sun 19th Jul - 2:00pm
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Woodland Wanders
Join Our Ranger-Led Seasonal Strolls!
Thu 23rd Jul - 10:15am
and 5 future schedules
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Thomas Hardy Week
The 27th International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival
Sat 25th Jul - All day
and 7 future schedules
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Roman Town House Tours
Join our trained guides on a tour of Roman Town House site and the precious artifacts recovered and now on display at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Sat 25th Jul - 10:00am
and 4 future schedules
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Let’s Go Fly! Dorchester Kite Festival
A new festival is coming to Dorchester on Saturday 25th July 2026. Let’s Go Fly! Kite Festival is being hosted on The Great Field between 11 am and 4:30 pm.
Sat 25th Jul - 11:00am
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Free ‘Drop in and Draw’ on the Great Field
Art in the Park is back… with a twist!
Sat 25th Jul - 11:00am
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Summer Sessions: Live Music in Borough Gardens presents Durnovaria Silver Band
Join the fabulous Durnovaria Silver Band at the Bandstand for a great afternoon of big band music as they continue to celebrate their 90th anniversary. Free for all to attend, no booking required.
Sat 25th Jul - 2:00pm
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Summer Sessions: Live Music in Borough Gardens presents Fluke
For this weekend's Summer Sessions performance, we're delighted to welcome back Fluke, who will be bringing us a joyous summer afternoon of pop, rock, funk and soul. Enjoy well-known classics and contemporary covers courtesy of these acclaimed South West musicians. Free for all to attend, no booking required.
Sun 26th Jul - 2:00pm
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The Trumpet Major at Poxwell Manor
Tim Laycock and Friends recreate scenes from Hardy's Oxwell Hall
Mon 27th Jul - 6:30pm
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Butterfly Safari for Children and Families at Kingcombe
Join us on a mission to identify and enjoy beautiful butterflies at Kingcombe this summer.
Wed 29th Jul - 10:30am
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Aug 2026
Dorset Sunflower Trail 2026
Two trails, endless memories.
Sat 1st Aug - 11:00am
and 30 future schedules
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Summer Sessions Live Music in Borough Gardens presents Tony Lowe
Tony Lowe returns to the Bandstand for another summer afternoon of golden years classics, covering a host of popular songs by music legends. We're delighted to say that Tony will take to the Bandstand on four Sundays this summer: 12 July, 2 August, 6 September and 14 September - all from 2-4pm. The event is free for all to attend with no booking required.
Sun 2nd Aug - 2:00pm
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Groove & Grill
A new Sunday experience on the terrace at The Kings Arms, the first Sunday of the month.
Sun 2nd Aug - 4:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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Dorchester Vegan Market
The Dorchester Vegan Market in the historic Maumbury Rings Roman Amphitheatre
Sun 9th Aug - 10:00am
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Summer Sessions: Live Music in Borough Gardens presents Daytime Brass Band
Join us at the Bandstand for a special midweek concert with the Daytime Community Brass Band, who will be performing a vibrant set that celebrates the joy of brass music. Free for all to attend, no booking required.
Tue 11th Aug - 2:00pm
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Cider Festival
Celebrating the region's finest cider producers, with great food and live music throughout the day.
Sat 15th Aug - 2:00pm
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Bark in the Park
A Family Fun Dog Show on the Great Field in Poundbury supporting The Lexi May Trust
Sun 23rd Aug - 10:00am
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Maiden Castle Guided Tour
Discover the story of one of Britain's most extraordinary prehistoric landmarks with our Maiden Castle Guided Tour.
Sun 30th Aug - 10:30am
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Anonymous Festival 2026
Free music festival supporting a range of young local musicians, playing live music and DJing.
Mon 31st Aug - 11:00am
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Sep 2026
Dorset County Show
Celebrating Dorset Agriculture, Countryside and rural life. Acting as Dorset’s end of harvest celebration.
Sat 5th Sep - All day
and 1 future schedules
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Summer Sessions: Live Music in Borough Gardens presents Tony Lowe
Join us at the Bandstand for an easy-listening afternoon of classics, courtesy of the ever-popular Tony Lowe. Enjoy covers of hit songs by some of the biggest names in music. We're delighted to say that Tony will take to the Bandstand on four Sundays this summer: 12 July, 2 August, 6 September and 14 September - all from 2-4pm. The event is free for all to attend with no booking required.
Sun 6th Sep - 2:00pm
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Summer Sessions: Live Music in Borough Gardens presents Tony Lowe
Closing out our Summer Sessions line-up this year is Tony Lowe, who will perform a selection of dearly-loved classics for everyone at the Bandstand. Expect a bit of Bublé and a dash of Diamond through a set that will take in a number of the all-time greats! The event is free for all to attend with no booking required.
Sun 13th Sep - 2:00pm
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Oct 2026
Dorchester Half Marathon & 10km
A relaxed, welcoming and inclusive local running event in Dorchester.
Sun 4th Oct - 9:00am
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Nov 2026
Dorset Food and Drink Winter Fair
Winter Food and Drink Fair at Athelhampton House
Sat 7th Nov - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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Jun 2028
Thomas Hardy Victorian Street Fair
Dorchester's Victorian Street Fair to celebrate the birthday of one of Dorchester's most famous residents, Thomas Hardy. This will be a fun filled day for all the family with an incredible array of Victorian and Thomas Hardy themed activities and demonstrations.
Sun 4th Jun - 11:00am
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