What’s On
Event types
114 upcoming events
Apr 2026
People Watching
Explore over a hundred years of British portraiture with The Ingram Collection and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Sat 18th Apr - All day
and 22 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.
Sat 18th Apr - 10am to 4pm
and 33 future schedules
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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.
Sat 18th Apr - All day
and 8 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 18th Apr - All day
and 8 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 18th Apr - All day
and 10 future schedules
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Spellbound At Kingston Maurward: The Great Dragon Egg Quest
A magical Easter adventure awaits at Kingston Maurward
Sat 18th Apr - All day
and 8 future schedules
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Art at PiPs Café
April, May and June brings new Art to PiPs Café
Sat 18th Apr - All day
and 73 future schedules
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Art at Crossroads Café
Local art by local artists at Crossroads Café.
Sat 18th Apr - All day
and 43 future schedules
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World Heritage Day Exhibition
The Victorian Hall at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery will feature a lively collection of stands from local museums, heritage organisations, and wildlife groups.
Sat 18th Apr - All day
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Dorchester: Beaver consultation drop-in session
Join this ‘Beavers on the River Frome’ community engagement day hosted by Dorset Wildlife Trust.
Sat 18th Apr - 9:00am
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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 18th Apr - 10:00am
and 11 future schedules
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90th Anniversary Exhibition: Dorchester Camera Club
Proudly celebrating 90 years!
Sat 18th Apr - 10:00am
and 11 future schedules
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Fossil Handling in Natural Dorset Gallery
Discover the ancient history of Dorset through our interactive Fossil Handling Trolley
Sat 18th Apr - 10:00am
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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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Fossil Identification
Have you discovered a fossil and wondered what it might be?
Sat 18th Apr - 10:15am
and 2 future schedules
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World Heritage Day Store Tours
Go behind the scenes and discover the museum’s hidden treasures.
Sat 18th Apr - 10:15am
and 2 future schedules
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Special Roman Town House Tour
Step back in time and explore Roman Dorchester on this special behind-the-scenes tour.
Sat 18th Apr - 10:30am
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11 Places in Dorset You Shouldn’t Miss!
Join authors Jeni Bell and Karen Heaney as they celebrate 11 places from their popular book!
Sat 18th Apr - 11:00am
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Tales from the Jurassic Coast
Step into a world of legends and storytelling inspired by the dramatic landscapes of the Jurassic Coast.
Sat 18th Apr - 11:00am
and 1 future schedules
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People’s Dorset Gallery Tour with Steve Wallis
Explore the stories of the people who have shaped Dorset’s history.
Sat 18th Apr - 11:00am
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Fossil Folklore and Badge Making
Discover fascinating fossil tales—from prehistoric creatures to myths they inspired.
Sat 18th Apr - 11:30am
and 2 future schedules
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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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Fused Glass Circle Tealight Workshop
Glass circle tealight Fused Glass Workshop Create a beautiful wave fused glass wall hanging, perfect as a handmade gift or a special piece to display in your home. In this relaxed and friendly session, you’ll design your own glass artwork which will be kiln-fired after the class and ready for collection later. Saturday 18th April ⏰ 1:00–3:00pm 📍 The Crafty Cuppa 💷 £25 per person All materials included. No previous experience needed. ✨ Booking essential as spaces are limited 📧 To book, email: vsmitch1973@gmail.com
Sat 18th Apr - 1:00pm
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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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Do You Dream of Dinosaurs? – Book Reading & Signing
Join author and illustrator Sally Alce for a fun, interactive children’s event inspired by her book Do You Dream of Dinosaurs?
Sat 18th Apr - 3:00pm
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Natural Dorset Gallery Tour with Sam Scriven
Exploring the incredible fossils discovered along the Jurassic Coast.
Sat 18th Apr - 3:00pm
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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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Knit and Natter
Bring your knitting, crochet, sewing or any crafty project and join us for a relaxed morning of stitches and chat!
Mon 20th Apr - 10:00am
and 7 future schedules
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Modern Jive in Dorchester
Partner Dance Classes for adults in Modern Jive
Tue 21st Apr - 8:00pm
and 142 future schedules
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Woodland Wanders
Join Our Ranger-Led Seasonal Strolls!
Thu 23rd Apr - 10:15am
and 8 future schedules
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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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Health Walk
Free Weekly Health Walks at Thorncombe Wood!
Fri 24th Apr - 10:00am
and 29 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 25th Apr - 10:00am
and 5 future schedules
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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 25th Apr - 10:30am
and 11 future schedules
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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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The Dorchester Artisan Market
Dorset Artisan Markets are bringing a fabulous collection of over 200 artisan traders to the streets of Dorchester!
Sun 26th Apr - 10:00am
and 6 future schedules
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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 26th Apr - 10:30am
and 2 future schedules
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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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Spoken Word Night
Spoken Word Night at The Poet Laureate!
Tue 28th Apr - 7:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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From the Stacks – Free lunchtime talk
Free lunchtime talk on selected archival treasures at Dorset History Centre.
Wed 29th Apr - 12:30pm
and 7 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
The Copper Street Beer Festival
Get ready to raise a glass! The Copper Street Beer Festival is back in Brewery Square for a sun-soaked celebration of the finest local brews. There is no better place to toast to the bank holiday weekend than here, where Dorchester’s brewing history meets the modern buzz of the Square.
Fri 1st May - 12:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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May Day Kiddies’ Keilidh
Come and celebrate May Day with the bright and colourful Tatterdemalion accompanying dances especially chosen so younger families can enjoy some gentle folk dancing.
Fri 1st May - 5:30pm
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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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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 2nd May - 10:00am
and 6 future schedules
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9 to 5 Musical Takeover
Tumblin’ out of bed and stumble to the Square! On Saturday 2nd May, Wessex Musical Theatre brings the high-octane energy of 9 to 5: The Musical to Brewery Square. Between 11am and 1pm, the Square will be transformed into a stage for a series of exclusive live snippets from the hit show. Expect powerhouse vocals, iconic Dolly Parton hits, and enough charisma to make even Mr. Hart crack a smile.
Sat 2nd May - 11:00pm
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Classic Car Show
Rev your engines! The Classic Car Sunday is rolling into Brewery Square.
Mon 4th May - 11:00am
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General Witchfinders: Folk Horror Evening
Join the hosts of THE GENERAL WITCHFINDERS PODCAST, in league with TEASEL AND SKYLARK, Dorchester’s premier purveyors of fine books, for an evening dedicated to the twisted roots of Folk Horror. Unearth the fiction and film that haunts the British Isles. This includes the gothic heights of HAMMER HORROR, the towering shadow of CHRISTOPHER LEE in THE WICKER MAN, and the unsettling brilliance of NIGEL KNEALE. Featuring live music from THE FLAMING CACTUS BAND and acoustic reverie from THE WHITLEY LAKE BAND. Culminating in the launch of the LATEST ISSUE OF THE GENERAL WITCHFINDERS ZINE, a celebratory collection of uncanny BELTANE - INSPIRED short stories, articles, and art. RECOMMENDED FOR THE OVER 15S
Tue 5th May - 1:44pm
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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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Wise Owls – Social group for over 65’s
Tea, chat & company – join our Over 65’s Social at The Crafty Cuppa.
Wed 6th May - 1:00pm
and 5 future schedules
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Writers in the Alley
Open group for all writers, styles, genres!
Wed 6th May - 7:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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Plant Sale in Aid of The Children’s Society
Plant sale on Grosvenor Road!
Thu 7th May - 10:00am
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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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The Big Brewery Square Dog Social
We’re inviting all dogs and their humans to join us for The Big Brewery Square Dog Social, a relaxed and friendly group walk as part of the Dorchester Walking Festival and in partnership with Mutt Everything Dog🐾
Sat 9th May - 11:00am
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Cold Porcelain Pansey
Join Stacey for 4 hours of creative fun as she shows you all the techniques needed to create your very own pansy
Sat 9th May - 12:00pm
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Into My Arms
Estelle Phillips’ novella Into My Arms tells the story of her grandmother Jessie and her son, Estelle’s Dad. Inspired by a true s tory, or should we say miracle, Estelle’s talk shares the joy Jessie personified. She loved the trees in her orchard ... Estelle will share the story behind the book, her childhood memories, and how family love underpins the book. She hopes to hear your stories of special trees. Please share them if you wish. Join us for what is sure to be an uplifting and meaningful event.
Sat 9th May - 1:48pm
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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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Poetry and Writing Workshop
Unlock Your Creative Voice – Writing Workshop
Wed 13th May - 10:30am
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 13th May - 2:00pm
and 7 future schedules
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BREAKING FREE: Multi-Media Art Workshop in the Shire Hall cells
Exploratory art workshop designed to help you break free – from chores, routines, and fears – and make time for creativity!
Fri 15th May - 10:00am
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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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“RED FOR ARCHIE” Colour Fun Run
This is a fun run to raise awareness and funds for Archie’s Warriors.
Sat 16th May - 12:30pm
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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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Grasslands: An Evening with John Wright
Join John Wright, one of our best-known naturalists, as he uncovers the beauty and rich diversity of Britain's grasslands. John shows why we should care. Because grasslands are never just patches of grass. Hear about: • The story of Britain’s overlooked habitats • Wildflowers, fungi, insects & hidden ecosystems • What we risk losing—and how to protect it
Tue 19th May - 7:00pm
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Smuggling in Dorset and Hampshire
Join us for a special evening of music, folklore and local history, with Bonny Sartin.
Thu 21st 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 Weekend 2026
A whole weekend of Hardy-related activities to celebrate Hardy's 186th birthday
Fri 29th May - All day
and 2 future schedules
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Dorset Art Week @ Jubilee Hall
Dorset Art Weeks sees artists’ studios and galleries opening up across the county and welcoming art lovers.
Fri 29th May - All day
and 9 future schedules
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The Bloom Project
Take a tiny seedling home to nurture and help us plant a fully-bloomed “twin” in our Community Legacy Planter.
Fri 29th May - 11:00am
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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 Birthday Weekend Walk
Buildings associated with Hardy and the Victorian Borough Gardens
Sat 30th May - 11:00am
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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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From Culture Wars to Conflict – Dorset in the Civil War
A day of talks on current research into Dorset in the early to mid-seventeenth century, with a display of relevant archival documents.
Sat 6th Jun - 9:30am
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Art in the Park with Mega Kites
Join us for a creative day in the park where artists of all ages and abilities are invited to paint the beautiful surroundings.
Sat 6th Jun - 10:00am
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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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‘Bohemia in East Chaldon’ Pop-Up Pride
A fascinating exploration of the bohemian enclave of writers and artists who made Chaldon Herring their home during the 1920s and 1930s.
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
Dorset Ceramics Market
For ceramic artists, potters and people who love clay!
Sat 11th Jul - 10:00am
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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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Hardy’s Women: Double Bill
Best-selling author Paula Byrne followed by Caroline Butler & Dave Townsend of the Mellstock Band
Sat 25th Jul - 8:00pm
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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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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 or the scene 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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