What’s On
Event types
91 upcoming events
Jul 2026
“At the Chapel” Pop Up Bakery at The Kings Arms
Pop along every Thursday 9-2 for scrumptious baked goodies including their signature traditional breads, croissants, savouries, quiches, doughnuts, cruffins, and fabulous cakes.
Thu 23rd Jul - 9:00am
and 24 future schedules
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The Tiny Art House
A recreation of a Dorset artist Clem's home and studio, made by Art in Poundbury.
Thu 23rd Jul - All day
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Treasure! Lost and Found Exhibition
The Treasure! Lost and Found exhibition reveals the stories of objects once treasured, buried for centuries, then rediscovered – celebrating our fascination with uncovering the past.
Thu 23rd Jul - All day
and 52 future schedules
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Wear Your Wings With Pride
Beautiful Pride exhibition of hand-crafted wings!
Thu 23rd Jul - All day
and 34 future schedules
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Smugglers’ Summer Escapade
Join our Summer Smugglers' Escapade and discover the world of Victorian smugglers through a family-friendly trail and hands-on crafts.
Thu 23rd Jul - All day
and 34 future schedules
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Kids Eat Free at Santos + Co
School Holiday Special. Order any Main Course and get a FREE Kids Meal on us - all school holiday long! All day. All week. From 21st July - 2nd September 2026. Bring the family, enjoy a delicious meal, and let us take care of the rest. *(Age restrictions apply. Only from the kids menu.)
Thu 23rd Jul - All day
and 41 future schedules
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St George’s Summer Dragon Quest
Free Children's Activity
Thu 23rd Jul - All day
and 38 future schedules
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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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£4 drinks – Thursday Happy Hour
£4 drinks at The Kings Arms! Every Thursday 4pm-7pm.
Thu 23rd Jul - 4:00pm
and 5 future schedules
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Climate Emergency: People’s Emergency Briefing Community Screening
National Emergency Briefing film on climate change and its effect on nature.
Thu 23rd Jul - 7:00pm
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Art at Crossroads Crown Square Poundbury
A visit to Crossroads Café is now even more rewarding.
Fri 24th Jul - All day
and 3 future schedules
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Health Walk
Free Weekly Health Walks at Thorncombe Wood!
Fri 24th Jul - 10:00am
and 16 future schedules
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Friday Sessions: DJ & Cocktails
Friday Sessions at The King's Arms
Fri 24th Jul - 6:00pm
and 22 future schedules
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Live DJ: The Feel Good Fella
A night of deep grooves and uplifting energy.
Fri 24th Jul - 9:00pm
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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 Tour
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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Handcrafted Afternoon Tea: Every Saturday 12-5 at The Kings Arms
Handcrafted afternoon teas at The Kings Arms
Sat 25th Jul - 12:00pm
and 26 future schedules
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We are the Time Travellers – Treasures from the Dark Dorset Earth
Karen Brown explores over 1000 years of Dorset history through the stories of everyday people – all brought to life through local archaeological finds.
Sat 25th Jul - 1:30pm
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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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Free Writers’ Workshop with the Bards of Dorchester and Dorset
Inspired by Hardy: Writing Place, Memory and Voice
Sat 25th Jul - 4:00pm
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Hardy’s Women: Double Bill
FULLY BOOKED: Best-selling author Paula Byrne followed by Caroline Butler & Dave Townsend of the Mellstock Band
Sat 25th Jul - 8:00pm
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The Dorchester Artisan Market
Dorset Artisan Markets are bringing a fabulous collection of over 200 artisan traders to the streets of Dorchester!
Sun 26th Jul - 10:00am
and 3 future schedules
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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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Mayhem of Mad4Animals
Snakes ready to charm. Geckos ready to pose. The tenrec ready to act like the boss again.
Mon 27th Jul - 8:00am
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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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Hardy’s Dorset Gallery Tour
Showcasing the life and works of Thomas Hardy
Tue 28th Jul - 1:30pm
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The Mayor of Casterbridge Walk
A walking tour of Hardy's novel set in Victorian Dorchester
Tue 28th Jul - 3:00pm
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Spoken Word Night
Spoken Word Night at The Poet Laureate!
Tue 28th Jul - 7:00pm
and 3 future schedules
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A Hardy Quiz & Buffet
How much do you know about Thomas Hardy and Wessex?
Tue 28th Jul - 7:00pm
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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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From the Stacks – Free lunchtime talk
Free lunchtime talk on selected archival treasures at Dorset History Centre.
Wed 29th Jul - 12:30pm
and 4 future schedules
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In Harmony With Hardy
An evening of readings, songs, and piano music performed by James Graham
Wed 29th Jul - 7:00pm
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Max Gate House & Gardens Tour
Marking the Centenary of Virginia Woolf's visit to the Hardys
Fri 31st Jul - 1:30pm
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Aug 2026
Roman Dorchester Tour
Join our trained guides to step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic Roman town of Durnovaria.
Sat 1st Aug - 10:30am
and 4 future schedules
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Dorset Sunflower Trail 2026
Two trails, endless memories.
Sat 1st Aug - 11:00am
and 30 future schedules
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In the footsteps of Hardy’s childhood – National Trust Walk
Starting at the Visitor Centre and finishing at Hardy's Cottage, this walk lasts about 1 hour and includes poetry readings along the way linked to the natural surroundings of the woods and heathland.
Sat 1st Aug - 12:15pm
and 5 future schedules
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Hiding in Plain Sight: The 200-Mile Dorset Horse Hike | Free Talk with Roger Sewill
Roger Sewill reflects on his 200-mile journey across Dorset alongside Scarlet, his Dales Pony, exploring how history shapes our landscape.
Sat 1st Aug - 1:30pm
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Art in the Sunflowers
Spend a glorious day painting amongst thousands of spectacular sunflowers at Maiden Castle Farm. Open to artists of every age and ability, this much-loved event combines creativity, community and a little friendly competition, with fantastic prizes
Sun 2nd Aug - 11:00am
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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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Family Time Travelling Tour
Join us for a family tour where our friendly guides will turn Dorset's greatest discoveries into adventures you'll remember.
Tue 4th Aug - 10:30am
and 3 future schedules
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Floral Demonstration
Come and join us for a floral demonstration by Carrie Diamond
Wed 5th Aug - 7:15pm
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One World Festival
The Dorset One World Festival is a free local event to celebrate the diversity of cultures in Dorchester through music, dance, food and activities.
Sat 8th Aug - 11:00am
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Prehistoric Dorchester | Free Talk with Steve Wallis
Dorset Council's Senior Archaeologist Steve Wallis uncovers the secrets of prehistoric Dorchester in this free daytime talk.
Sat 8th Aug - 11:00am
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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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Poetry and Writing Workshop
Unlock Your Creative Voice – Writing Workshop
Wed 12th Aug - 10:30am
and 1 future schedules
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Young Jurors: A Victorian Courtroom Experience
An exciting, immersive courtroom experience for families with young people aged 10+
Wed 12th Aug - 1:30pm
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Circus Cortex
For five days only, the Big Top will arrive at The Great Field, bringing one of the UK's most exciting live family entertainment experiences to Dorset.
Thu 13th Aug - All day
and 4 future schedules
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The life and death of Mary Channing of Dorchester
Discover the fascinating story of a woman who, in 1706 was burnt at the stake at Maumbury Rings for poisoning her husband to death.
Thu 13th Aug - 11:00am
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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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Store Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in Dorset Museum & Art Gallery's Collections Discovery Centre.
Wed 19th Aug - 2:00pm
and 4 future schedules
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Dorchester Inflatable Theme Park
We’ve got giant castles, super slides, obstacle courses and our ever popular 'Blob'! And we don't forget the little ones - we have a dedicated under 5's area as well
Thu 20th Aug - All day
and 1 future schedules
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Make Your Own Gold Lunula!
A free craft session where families can make their own shimmering gold lunula – a crescent-shaped piece of ancient jewellery.
Sat 22nd Aug - 10:30am
and 1 future schedules
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Metal Detecting – Have a Go!
Join local metal detectorists Karen Brown and Brian Reid for an exciting family digging experience where you will search for hidden coins and uncover the secrets of the past.
Sat 22nd Aug - 10:30am
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Festival of Palestinian Culture
Join us for a full day of Palestinian culture in Dorchester's beautiful Borough Gardens.
Sat 22nd Aug - 11:00am
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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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Paint in the Park
Come and join the Family Friendly Dog Show and paint a pet or the scene to be "Best in Show".
Sun 23rd Aug - 10:00am
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How Recent Archaeological Fieldwork is Changing our Knowledge of the Past
Join Dorset Council’s Senior Archaeologist Steve Wallis in this free daytime talk as he shares insights from recent fieldwork across Dorset.
Sat 29th Aug - 11:00am
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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
Why Did Dorset’s Bronze Age Communities Sacrifice Valuable Things?
In this talk, Dr Neil Wilkin explores why people in Bronze Age Dorset deliberately buried valuable objects, often never to retrieve them.
Thu 3rd Sep - 6:00pm
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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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Quiet Opening
Explore the Museum and take part in drop-in activities during our Quiet Openings. Especially suitable for visitors with autism or other sensory conditions, and their siblings, parents and carers. The sessions are also suitable for any group or individual who would like to visit our museums and galleries at a quieter time.
Sat 5th Sep - 10:00am
and 3 future schedules
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Aspects of Metal Detecting
Ever wondered what it takes to become a metal detectorist? Join Karen Brown, Keith Brown, and Brian Read to explore every aspect of the hobby.
Sat 5th Sep - 1:30pm
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Hardy’s Dorchester Tour
Step into the world of Thomas Hardy on this immersive and inspiring guided tour of Dorchester. Discover how the real streets, buildings, and landscapes of Dorset were transformed into the powerful setting of 'Casterbridge'.
Sun 6th Sep - 10:30am
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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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Historical Mystery & Food History
A talk by Georgia Piggott. Historical Mystery & Food History Discovering 17th century recipes through novel-writing with author Georgia Piggott!
Sat 12th Sep - 11:00am
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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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Monochrome Photography Exhibition and Sale: Wessex
This year, the Dorset Monochrome Collective's photography exhibition theme is "Wessex seen through the eyes of 10 photographers".
Mon 14th Sep - 10:00am
and 6 future schedules
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Dorchester Repair Cafe
The amazing repairers will be waiting for you, ready to tackle your broken clocks, clothes, small appliances and more!
Sat 26th Sep - 10:00am
and 2 future schedules
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Hardy, The Moule Family and Fordington: Heritage Talk
Join Mark Damon Chutter for an evening talk
Sat 26th Sep - 7:00pm
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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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The Script’s The Thing!
The Script’s The Thing will take place on 10th and 11th October, and is a celebration of new writing for theatre, TV, film, radio and all performance.
Sat 10th Oct - All day
and 1 future schedules
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Dorchester Literary Festival
Whether you’re interested in fiction, crime, science, history, politics, the natural world, health, music, walking, biography or cosy crime, there will be plenty to tempt you to join us in October.
Sat 17th Oct - All day
and 7 future schedules
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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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