What’s On
Event types
132 upcoming events
Mar 2026
People Watching
Explore over a hundred years of British portraiture with The Ingram Collection and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Sat 14th Mar - All day
and 57 future schedules
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Art at PiPs Cafe on Great Field
New art exhibition with local emerging artists (both artists are taking commissions).
Sat 14th Mar - All day
and 14 future schedules
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Art at the Duchess: David Roberts
Showcasing Dorset artists with sales supporting charity.
Sat 14th Mar - All day
and 1 future schedules
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Art at Crossroads Poundbury
A brand new exhibition at Crossroads Poundbury featuring Jackie Walker, John Walker and Leon Dore, all local artists with loads of talent. This body of work features landscapes in all its guises - from realistic to abstract with stunning colour guaranteed! See opening hours below. Go to TripAdvisor to see the stellar reviews!
Sat 14th Mar - 8am to 4pm until the end of March
and 13 future schedules
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Love Poundbury “through your lens”
Photography competition enabling you to capture the spirit of Poundbury through your lens.
Sat 14th Mar - All day
and 43 future schedules
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Visible Women Photographic Exhibition
Photographer Lucy Sewill's Visible Women project showcases portraits of acclaimed women in the acting and entertainment industry including Juliet Stevenson, Dame Harriet Walter, and Dame Meera Syal, demanding greater equality and authentic representation for women. The collection will be on display in Dorset Museum & Art Gallery’s Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Community Space from 7 March to 28 April.
Sat 14th Mar - All day
and 45 future schedules
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The Final Journey Exhibition
The Final Journey is a powerful multimedia exhibition, featuring work by around 20 local artists, coming together to gently challenge the taboos that still surround death and dying.
Sat 14th Mar - 10:00am
and 18 future schedules
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Become a Museum Curator
Meet the curatorial team who care for thousands of fascinating objects and learn how artefacts are stored, protected, and preserved for future generations.
Sat 14th Mar - 10:30am
and 3 future schedules
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Family Science Day 2026
Come and meet a real scientist! Get involved with some fascinating hands-on learning and experiments. Lots of experts on hand to ask those tricky science questions.
Sat 14th Mar - 11:00am
and 1 future schedules
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Author Talk: Greener Schools with Edd Moore
Informative talk with an award‑winning educator
Sat 14th Mar - 11:00am
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Bone Builders: Can You Construct a Human Skeleton?
Meet the archaeology team from Bournemouth University who will be on site to reveal how excavations are carried out, what happens when human remains are uncovered, and how they are carefully reconstructed for conservation, research, and display.
Sat 14th Mar - 11:00am
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Deceiving Memories
Two local authors reflect on the powerful but unreliable memories which are central to their novels.
Sat 14th Mar - 1:00pm
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Dorset Chamber Orchestra Concert for Youth
A unique, colourful celebration of art and music.
Sat 14th Mar - 4:00pm
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Mothers Day at Santos + Co
Celebrate Mother's Day with a special Portuguese-style Sunday Roast and a complimentary glass of wine or sparkling wine for every mum. Including a special Mothers Day dessert.
Sun 15th Mar - All day
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Mini Professors for British Science Week
Join Mini Professors for a unique and engaging science experience your little ones will love!
Sun 15th Mar - 1:00pm
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Holmes and Watson: The Curious Case of the Masked Magician
Holmes and Watson is a thrilling, magical whodunnit full of intrigue, illusion, and unexpected revelations.
Sun 15th Mar - 2:30pm
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Art at the Duchess with Nick Dale
Inspired by the wildlife and landscapes of the West Country.
Mon 16th Mar - All day
and 13 future schedules
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Knit and Natter
Bring your knitting, crochet, sewing or any crafty project and join us for a relaxed morning of stitches and chat!
Mon 16th Mar - 10:00am
and 12 future schedules
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Live Audiobook: Far from the Madding Crowd
A live reading of Thomas Hardy's famous work, in a relaxed setting, over the course of 7 evenings!
Tue 17th Mar - 7:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Night Falls
Riding Lights Theatre Company are proud to present Night Falls, a new passion play by Paul Birch.
Tue 17th Mar - 7:00pm
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Live Audiobook: Far From the Madding Crowd
A live audiobook of Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd
Tue 17th Mar - 7:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Film night – Potiche
A clever and witty comedy starring Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Dépardieu.
Tue 17th Mar - 7:30pm
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Modern Jive in Dorchester
Partner Dance Classes for adults in Modern Jive
Tue 17th Mar - 8:00pm
and 147 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 18th Mar - 1:00pm
and 4 future schedules
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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 18th Mar - 2:00pm
and 9 future schedules
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Hardy’s Cottage Open Garden
See Hardy's Cottage spring to life and meet our Garden Volunteers.
Thu 19th Mar - 11:00am
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Howl Open Mic
All are welcome to perform, or just listen in!
Thu 19th Mar - 8:30pm
and 1 future schedules
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Health Walk
Free Weekly Health Walks at Thorncombe Wood!
Fri 20th Mar - 10:00am
and 34 future schedules
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Challenge Patch Club
Join Patch the Dragon in the cafe workshop for our fun new afterschool club.
Fri 20th Mar - 4:30pm
and 5 future schedules
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Heavy Weather (DYT Senior Company)
Lizzie Nunnery's 'Heavy Weather' is a powerful, timely play, about one girl's journey through a world teetering on the brink.
Fri 20th Mar - 7:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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80s-00s Pop Punk Party with Circus of Thieves
Dorchester..... we are back with our 80s-00s Pop Punk party
Sat 21st Mar - 9:30pm
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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 22nd Mar - 10:00am
and 7 future schedules
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Guided Walk -Explore the Roman Road in Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve
Join the Thorncombe Ranger Claire and Archaeologist Steve for a guided walk along the Roman Road in Thorncombe Wood Local Nature Reserve
Mon 23rd Mar - 10:30am
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Catch the Sun
Exhibition of Community Art - Corn Exchange Gallery
Tue 24th Mar - 10am to 4pm
and 18 future schedules
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Spoken Word Night
Spoken Word Night at The Poet Laureate!
Tue 24th Mar - 7:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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From the Stacks – Free lunchtime talk
Free lunchtime talk on selected archival treasures at Dorset History Centre.
Wed 25th Mar - 12:30pm
and 8 future schedules
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Creative Drop In
Welcoming, supportive space is open to all creatives
Wed 25th Mar - 4:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Woodland Wanders
Join Our Ranger-Led Seasonal Strolls!
Thu 26th Mar - 10:15am
and 9 future schedules
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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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Spellbound At Kingston Maurward: The Great Dragon Egg Quest
A magical Easter adventure awaits at Kingston Maurward
Sat 28th Mar - All day
and 29 future schedules
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Spot and Count: Dinosaur Eggs
This Easter, spot and count hidden dinosaur eggs as you explore the museum – can you find them all?
Sat 28th Mar - All day
and 15 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 28th Mar - 10:00am
and 6 future schedules
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HELIOS by Luke Jerram
The sun comes to Dorchester Arts!
Sat 28th Mar - 10:00am
and 9 future schedules
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Writing the Seasons: Spring
Creative writing workshop at Kingcombe Meadows
Sat 28th Mar - 10:00am
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Death Cafe
Meet and engage in lively, open minded discussions over tea and cake around a wide range of topics related to death and dying.
Sat 28th Mar - 10:15am
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Roman Dorchester Tour
Join our trained guides to step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic Roman town of Durnovaria.
Sat 28th Mar - 10:30am
and 13 future schedules
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U18 Open Mic Night
Join us at Vinyl Van for a night of great music, DJ’ing, and more.
Sat 28th Mar - 6:00pm
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Music Under The Sun
An evening of sun-themed music and song under Helios.
Sat 28th Mar - 7:00pm
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Kid’s Creativity at Easter Market in Poundbury
Art in Poundbury are delighted to invite you to the Poundbury Easter Spring Market on Sunday 29th March 2026 taking place in Crown Square. The event will run from 10am until 3pm and the Easter egg hunt will start at 12noon at the toy shop and we will have some special guests joining us during the afternoon. You will find Art in Poundbury in our red gazebos in front of Crossroads cafe. We will be offering free kid’s creative sessions using all sorts of Easter related crafting bits to create your own colourful Easter basket! No experience needed , all materials supplied and smiles guaranteed.
Sun 29th Mar - 10:00am
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Icarus: Drawing Under The Sun
Alive and Drawing presents a special evening drawing event inspired by the myth of Icarus
Mon 30th Mar - 7:00pm
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Create Your Own Nest
Get creative with recycled and found materials to build your own unique nest.
Tue 31st Mar - 10:00am
and 3 future schedules
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Brass Café Concert
Daytime Brass Dorchester presents its inaugural free Brass Café Concert.
Tue 31st Mar - 2:00pm
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Yoga Under the Sun with Sharon Cox-Button
Enjoy a session of yoga under Helios
Tue 31st Mar - 7:30pm
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Apr 2026
Writers in the Alley
Open group for all writers, styles, genres!
Wed 1st Apr - 7:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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An Evening Under The Sun with Mi Flamenco
A radiant festival evening celebrating all things sunshine, taking place under Helios.
Wed 1st Apr - 7:00pm
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Scripts Under The Sun
An evening of script in-hand performance inspired by Helios.
Thu 2nd Apr - 7:30pm
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Easter Egg Hunt
Hop over to PiPs Café in Poundbury and take part in our Easter Egg Hunt!
Fri 3rd Apr - 9:00am
and 3 future schedules
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Hop Into Fun at Brewery Square’s Easter Trail
Hop Along to Brewery Square and enjoy a Easter Trail
Fri 3rd Apr - 10:00am
and 3 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 4th Apr - 10:00am
and 12 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 4th Apr - 10:00am
and 7 future schedules
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Gratitude, Grief and Goodbye: A personal view from the threshold of death’s door
Angie McLachlan, thanatologist, Priest and retired embalmer shares her reflections on a subject that touches us all.
Sat 4th Apr - 2:30pm
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Poundbury Easter Egg Rolling
Join in with this fun FREE Easter event on the slopes of The Great Field. All ages welcome! No booking required.
Mon 6th Apr - 9:30am
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Create Your Own Clay Portrait
Shape and sculpt your own portrait in clay during this tactile workshop. Learn basic modelling techniques as you create a likeness – of yourself, a friend, or someone from your imagination.
Tue 7th Apr - 10:00am
and 3 future schedules
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Poetry and Writing Workshop
Unlock Your Creative Voice – Writing Workshop
Wed 8th Apr - 10:30am
and 5 future schedules
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Meet Fred – Hijinx Theatre
Age guidance 14+ Contains strong language and puppet nudity
Thu 9th Apr - 7:00pm
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The Mexico Mission
Age guidance 7+ Could you crack a million-dollar case? In Mexico City, a new Frida Kahlo painting has been discovered! Or has it? Join art detectives Agent Kahlo and Dali as they try to prove who painted the portrait.
Fri 10th Apr - 1:30pm
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The Hand of Ethelberta Study Day
A day exploring the novel, including The New Hardy Players and a harp recital.
Sat 11th Apr - 10:00am
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Reading Old Handwriting in English and Latin: Practical Workshop
If you are grappling with reading old handwriting or reading Latin words and phrases in documents from the 16th century onwards, this practical, hands-on workshop at Dorset History Centre is for you!
Sat 11th Apr - 10:00am
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Art at the Duchess with Magda Malek
Contemporary semi-abstract seascape artist whose work explores the shifting moods and textures of the ocean.
Mon 13th Apr - All day
and 13 future schedules
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Tor Eigeland: 60 Years Behind the Lens
This exhibition brings together a small collection of Tor's most notable images, capturing some of the pivotal moments and globally significant events of the 20th century through his keen eye and unerring ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Tue 14th Apr - 10am to 4pm
and 37 future schedules
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Budapest Cafe Orchestra
A music-driven phenomenon and specialist performance-entertainment outfit.
Fri 17th Apr - 7:30pm
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Thomas Hardy: Archaeology and the Jurassic Landscape | Mark Damon Chutter
This illuminating talk for World Heritage Day will explore Thomas Hardy's fiction and poetry in the context of archaeology, deep time, and the Dorset Jurassic landscape.
Sat 18th Apr - 10:15am
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The Jurassic Coast at 25 | Sam Scriven
In this talk for World Heritage Day, Sam Scriven revisits the original reasons the Jurassic Coast was awarded World Heritage status, exploring the scientific, educational, and cultural values that first brought global recognition to this unique landscape.
Sat 18th Apr - 11:45am
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The Human Story of the Jurassic Coast | Steve Wallis
In this talk for World Heritage Day, Steve Wallis explores the long and fascinating history of human life along the Jurassic Coast, examining how people have lived on, shaped and responded to this dramatic landscape over the past few thousand years.
Sat 18th Apr - 1:15pm
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Strata | Jeremy Gardiner
The focus of this illustrated talk for World Heritage Day is Strata, a major body of work comprising 100 new paintings by renowned landscape artist Jeremy Gardiner.
Sat 18th Apr - 2:45pm
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Guardians of Deep Time: Celebrating the Outstanding Universal Value of Geological World Heritage | Dr Anjana Khatwa
Join award-winning earth scientist, broadcaster, and author of The Whispers of Rock: Stories from the Earth, Dr Anjana Khatwa, as she takes us on a captivating global journey to uncover the hidden narratives etched in stone.
Sat 18th Apr - 4:15pm
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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.
Thu 23rd Apr - 6:00pm
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Dorchester Comedy Club
Dorchester Comedy Club is having a night of laughter and brilliant entertainment!
Sat 25th Apr - 7:30pm
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Art at the Duchess with Jayne Muth and Kevin Smith
This series of paintings focus on my love of tempestuous skies.
Mon 27th Apr - All day
and 13 future schedules
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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
Life Class
From the writers of Tipping Point and This Christmas comes a new play, Life Class.
Fri 1st May - 7:30pm
and 3 future schedules
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Dorchester Walking Festival
Experience the beauty of Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast at the Dorchester Walking Festival
Sat 2nd May - All day
and 8 future schedules
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Film Night – La Vie en Rose
A musical/drama film with the Dorchester-Bayeux Twinning Society.
Tue 5th May - 7:30pm
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Dances and Dalliance
Open rehearsal with Courtlye Musick and Ars Nova of Cherbourg
Fri 8th May - 11:00am
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Street in the Park 2026
Street In The Park is back! Get ready to witness epic DJ sets, creative street dance and amazing graffiti.
Sat 9th May - 2:00pm
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Beating the Bounds
Join in with this free annual tradition to “Beat the Bounds” of the old Roman Walls!
Sun 10th May - 3:00pm
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Art at the Duchess with Lisa Embury
Lisa Embury with her passion for abstract art, mixed media, colours and mark marking!
Mon 11th May - All day during opening hours
and 13 future schedules
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Dorchester Vegan Market
The Dorchester Vegan Market in the historic Maumbury Rings Roman Amphitheatre
Sat 16th May - 10:00am
and 2 future schedules
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The Occasional Singers: Choral Masterworks
The glorious music of Handel, Bach and Mendelssohn!
Sun 17th May - 7:00pm
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Dorset Art Weeks
Dorset Art Weeks at The Duchess of Cornwall Inn will feature three artists from Dorset ; Laura Cheeseman, Robert Forbes and John Whitchurch.
Sat 23rd May - 10:00am
and 15 future schedules
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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 24th May - 10:30am
and 2 future schedules
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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 | Mark Damon Chutter
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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Thomas Hardy Victorian 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 31st May - 11:00am
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Jun 2026
Thomas Hardy, Clothing and the Natural World | Professor Emerita Rachel Worth
In this richly illustrated talk, Professor Emerita Rachel Worth will explore the clothing and dress of the rural poor in nineteenth-century England, drawing on a range of sources to illuminate a subject often overlooked in historical study.
Fri 5th Jun - 6:00pm
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Let’s Go Fly! Dorchester Kite Festival
A new festival is coming to Dorchester on Saturday 6th June 2026. Let’s Go Fly! Kite Festival is being hosted on The Great Field between 11 am and 4:30 pm.
Sat 6th Jun - 11:00am
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Love Poundbury “through your lens” The Exhibition
The winning photographs from the Love Poundbury "through your lens" competition
Mon 8th Jun - All day
and 13 future schedules
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Armour & Embarkation 2026
Convoy over over 100 WW2 Vehicles coming through the centre of Dorchester!
Sat 20th Jun - Static displays at Brewery Square from morning, convoy arrives after 3pm
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Jul 2026
Aug 2026
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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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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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 a Pet at Bark in the Park
Come and join the Family Friendly Dog Show and paint a pet to be "Best in Show".
Sun 23rd Aug - 10:00am
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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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Oct 2026
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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