What’s On
Event types
89 upcoming events
Oct 2025
Santos + Co Totoloto Offer
Santos + Co presents Totoloto. Roll the dice and win a meal on us.
Wed 1st Oct - All day
and 74 future schedules
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Talk by retired vet Martin Fielding – ‘Dorset’s James Herriot!’
Hear some of the amusing things that have happened in Martin's long veterinary career!
Wed 1st Oct - 7:15pm
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Quiz Night at Brewhouse and Kitchen every Wednesday
Quiz night at Brewhouse and Kitchen every Wednesday. 8pm start and £2.00 cash entry to play. There are cash prizes to win for first and second place and a special managers jackpot question which increases every week with every unanswered question.
Wed 1st Oct - 8:00pm
and 11 future schedules
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Dusting & Digging: The Revelations of a Wages Ledger, 1796-1829
Join Valerie Brenton in looking at a Wages Ledger from Dorset History Centre's Bankes Family Archive.
Thu 2nd Oct - 7:00pm
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Challenge Patch Club
Join Patch the Dragon in the cafe workshop for our fun new afterschool club.
Fri 3rd Oct - 4:00pm
and 11 future schedules
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Friday Sessions: DJ & Cocktails
Friday Sessions at The King's Arms
Fri 3rd Oct - 6:00pm
and 11 future schedules
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To Yollow Autumn Turn’d
An evening of words and music relating to the turning of the year towards Autumn: the harvest, countryside ways and, most importantly, cider!
Fri 3rd Oct - 7:30pm
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A Country Music Songbook
A brand new, unique tribute to country music. A potted history and celebration of the genre and a respectful tip of the hat to some of its artists, songwriters and innovators.
Fri 3rd Oct - 7:30pm
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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 4th Oct - 10:00am
and 2 future schedules
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The Man Who Didn’t Succeed: A Talk by David Beardsley
A talk by David Beardsley on his new book 'The Man Who Didn't Succeed'.
Sat 4th Oct - 11:00am
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Hardy & Religion
A Walk & Talk to discover Dorchester's Charismatic Church Leaders and their Impact on Hardy
Sat 4th Oct - 12:00pm
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Knightmare Live: 10th Anniversary Tour
Light the beacons! Rouse the villagers! Gather all your courage… for the smash hit comedy show of the cult 90s TV classic is back!
Sat 4th Oct - 7:30pm
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Knightmare Live
Gather all your courage… for the smash hit comedy show of the cult 90s TV classic is back!
Sat 4th Oct - 7:30pm
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Chris Difford
Chris Difford is a Grammy nominated and double Ivor Novello Award winning lyricist who has brought us characters and sketches from everyday life, and has successfully turned the mundane into the beautiful, the urbane into the exquisite, for over 40 years.
Sun 5th Oct - 7:30pm
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A Little Stand Up and A Little Sit Down – Chris Difford
As part of the legendary Squeeze, Chris Difford has co-written some of the most enduring and best-loved songs of our time such as ‘Up The Junction’, ‘Cool For Cats’ and ‘Labelled With Love’, ‘Tempted’ and many others.
Sun 5th Oct - 7:30pm
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Volunteer Open Day
Find out more about the volunteer opportunities available in Dorchester at a Volunteer Open Day.
Wed 8th Oct - 10:00am
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Calm Clay – Meditative Pottery Evening
Come join us for a calm and creative pottery evening at the gorgeous Kings Arms.
Thu 9th Oct - 6:30pm
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Best Kept Secrets of Paris
An illustrated talk with the Dorchester-Bayeux Twinning Society.
Thu 9th Oct - 7:00pm
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Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman
For three decades Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman’s partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal.
Thu 9th Oct - 7:30pm
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Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman
From their roots in 90’s folk supergroup ‘Equation‘ through to becoming a revered duo in the folk music scene this multi award-winning folk music couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.
Thu 9th Oct - 7:30pm
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Stories From An Invisible Town – Shon Dale Jones
Shôn Dale-Jones is first and foremost a storyteller. He’s honest, inventive, and deeply human. Curious, restless, wide-eyed. Offbeat and resonant. His work combines heartfelt, funny, and insightful stories.
Fri 10th Oct - 7:30pm
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Autumn Market
For our second year this popular Autumn Market brings more stalls and all nice things in preparation for Winter hibernation and dare i say some 'early Christmas shopping
Sat 11th Oct - 10:00am
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Ria Lina – Riabellion
Following her killer debut tour, Riawakening, the wickedly funny Ria Lina realised she wasn’t just awake, she was ready to rebel. Expect a relentless stream of hilarity as Ria explores the state of the world, the eternal battle of the sexes, and the delight of throwing life up in the air after years of following the rules.
Sat 11th Oct - 7:30pm
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Dorset Chamber Orchestra concert
They will be playing Sibelius's patriotic Finlandia and Schubert's lyrical Symphony No 8 and will be welcoming Young Musician of the Year semi-finalist Hugo Svedberg to play Elgar's stirring Cello Concerto.
Sat 11th Oct - 7:30pm
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Bingo
Join us for a fun-filled Wednesday night of classic bingo at The Crafty Cuppa!
Tue 14th Oct - 6:30pm
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Too Many Greek Myths – Living Spit
When two members of Living Spit are overhead bragging about how good they are, Zeus decides to teach them a lesson. His punishment? A Herculean challenge: to squeeze twenty of the greatest Ancient Greek myths into one chaotic, side-splitting show!
Tue 14th Oct - 7:30pm
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Wise Owls – Social group for over 65’s
Tea, chat & company – join our Over 65’s Social at The Crafty Cuppa.
Wed 15th Oct - 1:00pm
and 3 future schedules
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Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horrors
The silent film masterpiece with a brand-new live score
Wed 15th Oct - 7:30pm
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Charity Angels UK Dorchester Fashion Show
Join us for a unique fashion show featuring 14 local women, all of whom have had a diagnosis of breast cancer and are taking to the catwalk for the very first time.
Thu 16th Oct - 6:00pm
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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 18th Oct - All day
and 7 future schedules
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TALK: Villains, Victims and Tragedies
A fascinating talk by popular local author Brian Bates
Sat 18th Oct - 2:00pm
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Where We Can Call Home: A Talk by Louise Boston-Mammah
A community heritage project telling stories of resilience, resourcefulness and relationships in ethnically diverse communities.
Thu 23rd Oct - 7:00pm
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Blowzabella
Blowzabella’s first ever visit to Dorchester! They’ll be playing for dancing but if you just want to come and listen, that’s fine too.
Thu 23rd Oct - 7:30pm
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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 25th Oct - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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PBFA Dorchester Book Fair
The PBFA welcomes you back to the Dorchester book fair!
Sat 25th Oct - 10:00am
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Black History Month Celebration
Join us to celebrate Black History Month!
Sat 25th Oct - 6:00pm
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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 Oct - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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Athelhampton’s Tudor Living History Week
Visit Athelhampton, one of England's finest Tudor Manor Houses surrounded by stunning architectural gardens with the bonus of being able to join in this special Half Term Event
Mon 27th Oct - All day
and 4 future schedules
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Poems of David Bushrod | Robert Eshelby and Mark Damon Chutter
Robert Eshelby, assisted by Mark Damon Chutter, will respond to Bushrod's work using poems that have been recently recorded by the poet.
Mon 27th Oct - 2:00pm
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Frights & Fun at Brewery Square
Half term just got a whole lot spookier!
Tue 28th Oct - All day
and 3 future schedules
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Autumn Quiz
Think you’re the brains of the bunch? Prove it at The Crafty Cuppa Quiz!
Tue 28th Oct - 6:30pm
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Spooky Halloween Crafts, Colouring, & Treats!
Join us for a morning of spooky Halloween crafts, creepy colouring and delicious treats!
Wed 29th Oct - 10:00am
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From the Stacks – Free lunchtime talk
Recurring event, 'From the Stacks', which is a free lunchtime talk on selected archival treasures at Dorset History Centre, taking place on the last Wednesday of every month.
Wed 29th Oct - 12:30pm
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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 29th Oct - 2:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Talk – The Gentleman who Pays the Rent
Dorchester Association for research into local history and archaeology event
Thu 30th Oct - 2:30pm
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Nerikomi Pottery at The Kings Arms
Come join us for a playful and creative pottery evening at the gorgeous Kings Arms Hotel!
Thu 30th Oct - 6:30pm
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GrandSlam Wrestling – Halloween Special!
This October, Dorchester is in for a night of bone crunching action and Halloween thrills as GrandSlam Wrestling storms back into the Corn Exchange!
Fri 31st Oct - 7:00pm
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Nov 2025
Maiden Castle Day School with Dorchester Association For the Research into Local History and Archaeology
Dorchester Association for research into local history and archaeology event
Sat 1st Nov - 10:00am
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The Voyage of Molly with Steve Richardson
A talk on Dorset and Britain's Part in the Wider Atlantic Slave Trade
Sat 1st Nov - 11:00am
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Choral Eucharist – Will Todd’s Mass in Blue with jazz ensemble
Choral Eucharist - Mass in Blue
Sun 2nd Nov - 10:30am
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Barnardos Christmas Fair
Bumper number of stalls selling a wide selection of Christmas gifts for all the family.
Tue 4th Nov - 10:00am
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Death of The Monarchy
A world premiere of a new play by Gavin Egan. Join us for a script-in-hand rehearsed reading.
Tue 4th Nov - 7:30pm
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Hardy at Athelhampton
To set the scene for the War Poetry Conference, local actors will re-create that fateful dinner in the very room it took place, with the audience moving to other historic rooms to watch events unfold.
Fri 7th Nov - 6:00pm
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War Poetry Conference
A Weekend to Remember - The Thomas Hardy Society is joining forces with the T.E. Lawrence Society, Siegfried Sassoon Fellowship, Edward Thomas Fellowship and the War Poets' Association to read and discuss the words of poets and writers that lived through the dark days of WW1.
Sat 8th Nov - 9:30am
and 1 future schedules
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Dorset Food and Drink Winter Fair
Winter Food and Drink Fair at Athelhampton House
Sat 8th Nov - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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War, Words and English Song
The Thomas Hardy Society in conjunction with the War Poets’ Association present a concert for Remembrance.
Sat 8th Nov - 7:00pm
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After Sunset Fadeth – Early Music by Candlelight
After Sunset Fadeth - Early Music by Candlelight
Fri 14th Nov - 7:00pm
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EuroBal Wessex: Dorchester
Join us for another friendly evening of French and Euro dance and music; a chance to dance to fine live music, and enjoy simple comforts in company. Bring a partner, an instrument, or just yourself and enjoy some Balfolk tunes and dances.
Fri 14th Nov - 7:00pm
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Family Clay Christmas Making Day
Get into the festive spirit with a fun, hands-on day of clay making.
Sat 15th Nov - 1:00pm
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Persuasion – Dorchester Drama
Dorchester Drama brings you Jo Bradley’s adaptation, showcasing the characters in all their opinionated, tragic, and entertaining glory
Fri 21st Nov - 7:30pm
and 2 future schedules
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Grace Petrie: This Is No Time To Panic!
Like protest songs? Neither does Grace Petrie – and she’s been singing them for 15 politically disastrous years. No longer able to meet the deadened eyes or desperate hopes of leftwing audiences, she reckons there’s no better time for a feel-good show!
Sun 23rd Nov - 7:30pm
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Talk – Hospital Blues – Nursing in Dorset during the First World War
Dorchester Association For the Research into Local History and Archaeology Event
Thu 27th Nov - 2:30pm
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Dec 2025
Going the Rounds 2025
A Musical Performance - The Mellstock Quire in Thomas Hardy's `Under the Greenwood Tree'
Thu 11th Dec - 6:30pm
and 1 future schedules
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Bohemia in East Chaldon | Mark Damon Chutter
Join Mark Damon Chutter for a fascinating exploration of the remarkable writers and artists who once called East Chaldon home.
Sat 13th Dec - 2:00pm
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Jan 2026
Winter Pruning Fruit Trees Workshop
Make sure your fruit trees are fruitful and healthy!
Sat 17th Jan - 10:00am
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Janet Street-Porter
From a bolshy child with a Welsh-speaking budgie to National Treasure, Janet Street-Porter’s life (and language) has always been colourful.
Wed 21st Jan - 7:30pm
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Talk – Thomas Fowell Buxton and the Niger Expedition of 1841-1842
Dorchester Association For the Research into Local History and Archaeology Event
Thu 29th Jan - 2:30pm
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Feb 2026
Talk – Policing in the Past
Dorchester Association For the Research into Local History and Archaeology Event
Thu 26th Feb - 2:30pm
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Mar 2026
Talk – The Dorchester Roman Aqueduct
Dorchester Association For the Research into Local History and Archaeology Event
Thu 26th Mar - 7:30pm
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Apr 2026
Talk – Maude Dudley: Nanny to the Williams family of Bridehead
Dorchester Association For the Research into Local History and Archaeology Event
Thu 30th Apr - 7:30pm
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May 2026
Talk – Victorian School Logbooks – Details of everyday school life in rural Dorset.
Dorchester Association For the Research into Local History and Archaeology Event
Thu 28th May - 7:30pm
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Jul 2026
2026 International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival
2026 International Thomas Hardy Conference and Festival
Sat 25th Jul - All day
and 7 future schedules
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