What’s On
Event types
87 upcoming events
Oct 2025
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.
Tue 21st Oct - All day
and 4 future schedules
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Santos + Co Totoloto Offer
Santos + Co presents Totoloto. Roll the dice and win a meal on us.
Tue 21st Oct - All day
and 54 future schedules
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The Dorset Open | Celebrating Creativity Across the County
Brand-new major open art competition - Final Exhibition
Tue 21st Oct - All day
and 39 future schedules
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Pumpkin Trail
Pumpkin Trail at Kingston Maurward!
Tue 21st Oct - All day
and 11 future schedules
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Halloween Trails at Minterne 2025
Surprises will be lurking around every corner as you encounter giant bats, eerie spiders, and countless other spooky delights!
Tue 21st Oct - All day
and 9 future schedules
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Creepy Creatures Trail
Discover more about the wildlife found in the reserve!
Tue 21st Oct - All day
and 11 future schedules
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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 22nd Oct - 8:00pm
and 8 future schedules
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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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Health Walk
Free Weekly Health Walks at Thorncombe Wood!
Fri 24th Oct - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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Challenge Patch Club
Join Patch the Dragon in the cafe workshop for our fun new afterschool club.
Fri 24th Oct - 4:00pm
and 8 future schedules
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Friday Sessions: DJ & Cocktails
Friday Sessions at The King's Arms
Fri 24th Oct - 6:00pm
and 8 future schedules
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The Total Stone Roses
The UK’s BEST Stone Roses Tribute return to the stage!
Fri 24th Oct - 8:00pm
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Spooky Ghost Spotting Trail
Can you find the ghosts lurking in the shadows of the Museum? Take part in our spooky family trail, follow the hidden hints, and discover the secrets that haunt our galleries.
Sat 25th Oct - All day
and 8 future schedules
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Make and Take Autumnal Crafts
Perfect for all ages, these hands-on activities celebrate the colours and textures of autumn.
Sat 25th Oct - All day
and 8 future schedules
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Rest, Relax and Reset Day Retreat
We will combine various modalities to help you calm the mind and the body and teach you some that you can do at home to help you reduce stress and relax.
Sat 25th Oct - 9:30am
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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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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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Folk Arts and Crafts
This spooky season, unleash your creativity with our folk-themed arts and crafts sessions!
Tue 28th Oct - 10:00am
and 1 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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Film: Bienvenue Chez Les Ch’tis
A film of comic genius contrasting life in the idyllic south of France with the cold and dreary north.
Tue 28th Oct - 7:30pm
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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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Mischief and Mystery in MoominValley
This gentle heart-warming show tells the story of a year in Moominvalley.
Thu 30th Oct - 2:00pm
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Haunted History Hunt
Step into the shadows and join us for a spine-tingling Haunted History Hunt at the Museum.
Thu 30th Oct - 2:00pm
and 1 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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Halloween Special – Emma Marshall Live
Celebrate Halloween in style at Santos + Co. Indulge in a selection of exclusive Halloween food specials while enjoying a captivating live performance from Emma Marshall. It’s the perfect way to spend Friday, 31st October. Great music, great food, and hauntingly good company. Don't miss it!
Fri 31st Oct - 7:00pm
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Nov 2025
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 1st Nov - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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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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Wise Owls – Social group for over 65’s
Tea, chat & company – join our Over 65’s Social at The Crafty Cuppa.
Wed 5th Nov - 1:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Roses: A Talk by Roger Hirons ‘The Plant Doctor’
Monthly meeting of Dorchester and District Gardening Club
Wed 5th Nov - 7:15pm
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Meet the Author at Waterstones
"Thomas Hardy: 10 Lovers, 50 Poems", by Giles Keating, custodian of Athelhampton - A free event to include an aperitif
Thu 6th Nov - 6:00pm
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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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Coffee, cake & stalls
The Dorchester Committee of the Children's Society are holding their annual 'Coffee, cake and stalls' event at the United Church Hall in South Street on Saturday 8th November from 10 am till noon. Free entry, coffee and cake £2.50. Everyone welcome
Sat 8th Nov - 10:00am
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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