What’s On
Event types
88 upcoming events
Nov 2025
Santos + Co Totoloto Offer
Santos + Co presents Totoloto. Roll the dice and win a meal on us.
Tue 11th Nov - All day
and 33 future schedules
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The Dorset Open | Celebrating Creativity Across the County
Brand-new major open art competition - Final Exhibition
Tue 11th Nov - All day
and 18 future schedules
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The Fabrics of Protest: A Unite Southwest Banners’ Exhibition
This exhibition brings together a remarkable collection of banners from Unite the Union’s Southwest region.
Tue 11th Nov - 10:00am
and 74 future schedules
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Reflections & Remembrance Acrylic Painting Workshop
Honour Remembrance Day with a calming creative experience
Tue 11th Nov - 6:30pm
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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 12th Nov - 8:00pm
and 5 future schedules
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Ukrainian National Costume: A Photographic Exhibition
This is a captivating photographic exhibition celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of Ukraine.
Thu 13th Nov - All day
and 17 future schedules
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Woodland Wellbeing Walk
Join this Ranger led wander, via surfaced paths, to explore the seasonal changes taking place across the reserve.
Thu 13th Nov - 10:15am
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Talk: The Pont Aven to Paris by Mike Aylott
A talk with the Dorchester-Bayeux Twinning Society.
Thu 13th Nov - 7:00pm
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The Story of Portland Bill’s Lighthouses: An Online Talk by Stuart Morris
Explore the fascinating history of these iconic buildings.
Thu 13th Nov - 7:00pm
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Terry’s: An American Tragedy About Cars, Customers, and Selling Cars to Customers
An absurd, all-American tragicomedy featuring original live music, physical theatre, and one very special balloon.
Thu 13th Nov - 7:30pm
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Challenge Patch Club
Join Patch the Dragon in the cafe workshop for our fun new afterschool club.
Fri 14th Nov - 4:00pm
and 5 future schedules
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Friday Sessions: DJ & Cocktails
Friday Sessions at The King's Arms
Fri 14th Nov - 6:00pm
and 5 future schedules
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The Brogue Artist – Cocktails & Live DJ
Join us at Halo Fine Art for The Brogue Artist’s FIRST EVER UK Solo Tour
Fri 14th Nov - 6:00pm
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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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The Moodboard Workshop — Autumn Edit
Join us at Olive & Wilde Studios for a hands-on creative workshop exploring colour, texture and style through moodboarding. The perfect way to reset your design direction this autumn.
Sat 15th Nov - 12:00am
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Shire Hall Christmas Market
Support local businesses this Christmas by joining us for some festive shopping at the Shire Hall Christmas Market.
Sat 15th Nov - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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Winter Show
Warm your heart as you feast your eyes!
Sat 15th Nov - 10:00am
and 25 future schedules
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Paint Derpy from K-Pop Demon Hunters
Get ready for a super fun painting session featuring Derpy – the lovable sidekick from K-Pop Demon Hunters!
Sat 15th Nov - 11:30am
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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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Caravaggio (Exhibition On Screen)
Five years in production, this is the most extensive film ever made about one of the greatest artists of all time – Caravaggio
Sun 16th Nov - 7:00pm
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An Evening of Watches & Dinner
An evening with Michael Delage-Pandeli, a dealer and watch collector for over 30 years.
Mon 17th Nov - 7:00pm
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Mike Denham Speakeasy With Enrico Tomasso
A world-class player, Enrico Tomasso is known for his performances at prestigious UK and European jazz festivals and clubs.
Tue 18th Nov - 7:00pm
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Christmas Embroidery Workshop
A Christmas Embroidery Workshop with Fabric Sewn Beautiful.
Wed 19th Nov - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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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 19th Nov - 1:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Late Night Shopping at the Maker’s Yard
We’re opening our doors a little longer to share some seasonal warmth and togetherness.
Thu 20th Nov - 5:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Festive Candlestick Sculpting at The Kings Arms Hotel, Dorchester!
Join us for a playful and cosy Pots ’n’ Pints pottery evening.
Thu 20th Nov - 6:30pm
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Christmas at Santos + Co
This festive season, make your Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations truly special at Santos + Co. Whether it’s a cozy gathering with close friends and family or a festive celebration with colleagues, Santos + Co offers the perfect ambiance, delicious food and exceptional service to make your event unforgettable. Our Festive Celebration Menu starts on Friday 21st November. We can cater for groups of all sizes, from intimate dinners to lively parties. Secure your table now to ensure your festive celebration at Santos + Co is nothing short of spectacular.
Fri 21st Nov - All day
and 34 future schedules
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Sea Monsters Past and Present | Dr Darren Naish
Join esteemed author and palaeozoologist Dr Darren Naish as he explores our developing ideas about sea monsters past and present, a subject that combines developments in palaeontology with studies of mythology and popular culture.
Fri 21st Nov - 6:00pm
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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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Bright and Beautiful Winter Exhibition
From tiny paintings to large scale community installations, the Art in Poundbury winter exhibition has it all. Open every day from 22 to 30 November in Jubilee Hall, it is the highlight of the Dorchester art calendar.
Sat 22nd Nov - All day
and 8 future schedules
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Dorset Chamber Orchestra concert
Dorset Chamber Orchestra's second concert of their musical season. The programme features works by Haydn, Britten and Beethoven.
Sat 22nd Nov - 7:30pm
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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 23rd Nov - 10:00am
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Community Art Day
Bring some art into your life at this free Community Art Day.
Sun 23rd Nov - 10:00am
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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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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.
Sun 23rd Nov - 7:30pm
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Chatting Shit (The Bank Of Dreams And Nightmares)
‘Chatting Shit’ explores the complex relationships between the teen members of a band as they form.
Tue 25th Nov - 7:30pm
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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 26th Nov - 2:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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Dorchester Piano Quartet
Josef Suk wrote his piano quartet under the guidance of his teacher, Dvorak, who allowed his pupil to be true to his own emotions.
Thu 27th Nov - 11:30am
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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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Discovering Antarctica (Play On Words)
Discover the remarkable story of Tom Crean, Irish hero and Antarctic explorer.
Thu 27th Nov - 7:30pm
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Christmas Wreath Workshop Tulip & Cactus X Olive & Wilde
An evening of creativity and Christmas spirit at Olive & Wilde Studios. Design your own festive wreath with local florist Tulip & Cactus, surrounded by music, mulled wine and magic.
Fri 28th Nov - 5:00pm
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Man The Lifeboats
Man The Lifeboats began life in a shanty-punk folk mosh pit in 2016.
Fri 28th Nov - 7:30pm
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A Kingston Christmas!
Kingston Maurward will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland!
Sat 29th Nov - All day
and 9 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 29th Nov - 10:00am
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Encore Singers Concert
Come along and enjoy some familiar songs from shows and musicals, plus some seasonal favourites.
Sat 29th Nov - 7:30pm
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Adventures In science (Crafty Fools)
Join ‘The Magical Mr West’ on an incredible adventure into the world of science!
Sun 30th Nov - 2:00pm
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Dec 2025
Nerikomi Pottery: Cheeseboard Edition at The Kings Arms Hotel!
Learn the art of Nerikomi Pottery to make your own festive cheeseboard. All abilities welcome! First drink on us!
Thu 4th Dec - 6:30pm
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Martin Harley
Martin Harley is celebrated as “One of the UK’s finest contemporary roots musicians”
Thu 4th Dec - 7:30pm
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Creative Lunch for ALL parents and carers of children with SEND
Join us for a relaxing, creative lunch for all parents and carers of children with SEND – fully funded!
Fri 5th Dec - 11:00am
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Who’s Wine Is It Anyway?
Join us for ‘Whose Wine Is It Anyway’, a fun-filled evening of wine tasting with a twist!
Fri 5th Dec - 7:00pm
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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 6th Dec - 10:00am
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Christmas Concert (Dorchester Choral Society)
A concert to start your Christmas celebrations!
Sat 6th Dec - 7:30pm
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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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Wonderful Wintery Wizardry (Peter Clifford)
Peter Clifford brings a brand new Christmas magic show for all the family to Dorchester Arts.
Sat 13th Dec - 2:30pm
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Dorchester Christmas Cracker
Loads to see and do in the Corn Exchange, the Cornhill, South Street, Trinity Street and High West Street.
Sun 14th Dec - 11:00am
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Carols in the Gardens
Join us for a free carol concert in Borough Gardens, where you can enjoy live music and sing along to classic Christmas carols.
Thu 18th Dec - 6:30pm
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Opus Anglicanum: Mediaval Carols
Mediaeval Carols is a favourite Opus Anglicanum programme for over 30 years and has been performed all over the UK.
Thu 18th Dec - 7:00pm
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LIVE MUSIC: Chris Davies performs at The King’s Arms
Festive Live Music at The Kings Arms!
Fri 19th Dec - 6:00pm
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Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir
The Bournemouth Sinfonietta Choir comes back to the Corn Exchange.
Fri 19th Dec - 7:30pm
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The Christmassy Christmas Show Of Christmassy Christmasness (Squashbox Theatre)
Squashbox Theatre presents The Christmassy Christmas Show of Christmassy Christmasness!
Sat 20th Dec - 11:30am
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The Albion Christmas Band
The Albion Christmas Band is widely regarded as the premier seasonal show.
Mon 22nd Dec - 7:30pm
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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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People Watching
Explore over a hundred years of British portraiture with The Ingram Collection and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Sat 31st Jan - All day
and 99 future schedules
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Feb 2026
Film Screening: Les Choristes
A much loved and charming film with the Dorchester-Bayeux Twinning Society.
Tue 3rd Feb - 7:30pm
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Face 2 Face: Exploring the relationship between artist and sitter | Professor Paul Gough
Drawing on examples from the People Watching exhibition, Professor Paul Gough will look at the techniques used by artists, their starting points, the ploys used to capture the essence of a sitter, and the mistakes made along the way.
Tue 10th Feb - 6:00pm
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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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Thomas Hardy Birthday Lecture: Comedy in Hardy
In this Birthday Lecture, the chairman and academic director of the Thomas Hardy Society will explore the use of comedy and comedic timing in Hardy's prose and poetry.
Fri 29th May - 6:00pm
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