What’s On
Event types
94 upcoming events
Jun 2026
Love Poundbury “through your lens” The Exhibition
The winning photographs from the Love Poundbury "through your lens" competition
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 9 future schedules
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Art at PiPs Café
April, May and June brings new Art to PiPs Café
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 18 future schedules
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“through your lens” – THE EXHIBITION
The winning photographs from the Love Poundbury "through your lens" photography competition will be exhibited for sale by Art at the Duchess, at The Duchess of Cornwall Inn, Poundbury. From 8th until 21st June these images will be on display on the ground and mezzanine floors. Each image may be purchased for a minimum price of £50 and all proceeds will support The Lexi May Trust. Visit the exhibition and pick your favourite and be in with a chance to win a Poundbury Hamper full of Poundbury Good Things.
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 9 future schedules
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The Tiny Art House
A recreation of a Dorset artist Clem's home and studio, made by Art in Poundbury.
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 41 future schedules
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Pride Book Display at Dorchester Library
This June, we’re is proud to celebrate Pride month with a vibrant display highlighting stories of acceptance, equality, and inclusion.
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 18 future schedules
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Pride Colours Trail
Join our colourful trail this Pride Month!
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 18 future schedules
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Pride Booksale at Weldmar Bookshop
Weldmar Bookshop will be stocking a great selection of LGBTQIA+ books for the duration of June.
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 18 future schedules
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LGBTQIA+ Writers Display
Check out our lovely window display of books from classic and contemporary LGBTQIA+ writers.
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 18 future schedules
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The Buzzing Dumbledore Trail
Follow the buzz around our galleries and spot the hidden bees – known as 'Dumbledore' in Dorset dialect.
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 37 future schedules
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Ration Book – Special Offers for June only where to find them & collect stamps
Ration Book June 2026 - Armour & Embarkation - supporters
Fri 12th Jun - All day
and 18 future schedules
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Health Walk
Free Weekly Health Walks at Thorncombe Wood!
Fri 12th Jun - 10:00am
and 22 future schedules
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Pop Up Pride Pop Up Gallery
Come along to see the wonderful Tiny Art Gallery along with other pieces from Dorchester’s LGBTQ+ artists and creatives.
Fri 12th Jun - 10:00am
and 12 future schedules
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Friday Sessions: DJ & Cocktails
Friday Sessions at The King's Arms
Fri 12th Jun - 6:00pm
and 28 future schedules
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Cut & Paste for Pride
Celebrating diversity and self-expression through the art of collage.
Fri 12th Jun - 7:00pm
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Treasure! Lost and Found Exhibition
The Treasure! Lost and Found exhibition reveals the stories of objects once treasured, buried for centuries, then rediscovered – celebrating our fascination with uncovering the past.
Sat 13th Jun - All day
and 92 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 13th Jun - 10:00am
and 7 future schedules
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Orchids and Grasses with Leif Bersweden
Wandering through a grassland, there are two particularly beautiful groups of plants, one flamboyant, the other more subtle - orchids and grasses. Join Leif Bersweden to discover both.
Sat 13th Jun - 10:00am
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Handcrafted Afternoon Tea: Every Saturday 12-5 at The Kings Arms
Handcrafted afternoon teas at The Kings Arms
Sat 13th Jun - 12:00pm
and 32 future schedules
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Puddletown Open Gardens
Explore over fifteen open gardens and more in Puddletown!
Sat 13th Jun - 12:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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Fused Glass hanging decoration Workshop
Create beautiful hanging decoration
Sat 13th Jun - 1:00pm
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Sashay & Sing with Ms Cassidy
A night full of laughs, feel good vibes and fabulous fun!
Sat 13th Jun - 9:00pm
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Pinocchio (Outdoor Theatre)
A wooden puppet runs away, hoping to find fun and adventure, but instead finds demanding bosses, con-artists and peer-pressure.
Sun 14th Jun - 2:00pm
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Death by Canapé!
Join the fabulous Faith Eckersall as she proudly launches the second in her hilarious Piddlington Gazette Mysteries series set in Dorset.
Tue 16th Jun - 7:00pm
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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 17th Jun - 1:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Teasel & Skylark’s Great Big (ever-so-slightly) Bookish Quiz Night
A fun, friendly night of quizzy goodness, prizes, silliness and (just a touch of) bookish brilliance, raising money for the fantastic Mid Dorset Mencap in Trinity Street!
Wed 17th Jun - 7:00pm
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As You Like It (The Handlebards)
Pedalling from venue to venue with all of their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards area four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK. Join the troupe at Maumbury Rings for a fantastically funny bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’. What’s the play about? Well-Rosalind and her cousin Celia flee to the Forest of Arden, where they bump into Rosalind’s love interest Orlando. However, Rosalind is disguised as a young man. Cue some local Shepherds getting involved and the stage is set for a wild ride of wooing, hilarious mistaken identity and the odd wrestling match. This is an outdoor production, so please bring a chair or blanket to sit on, a picnic to dig into, and dress for the weather!
Wed 17th Jun - 7:00pm
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“At the Chapel” Pop Up Bakery at The Kings Arms
Pop along every Thursday 9-2 for scrumptious baked goodies including their signature traditional breads, croissants, savouries, quiches, doughnuts, cruffins, and fabulous cakes.
Thu 18th Jun - 9:00am
and 29 future schedules
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Crafternoon Tea – Iris Folding
A cosy afternoon of crafting, cake, and company at The Crafty Cuppa, featuring iris folding and homemade scones—£20, booking essential.
Thu 18th Jun - 12:30pm
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£4 drinks – Thursday Happy Hour
£4 drinks at The Kings Arms! Every Thursday 4pm-7pm.
Thu 18th Jun - 4:00pm
and 10 future schedules
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The Joy of Decks – Pride Special!
Pride special celebrating queer artists and music that will fill the dance floor.
Thu 18th Jun - 7:30pm
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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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Roman Dorchester Tour
Join our trained guides to step back in time and immerse yourself in the historic Roman town of Durnovaria.
Sat 20th Jun - 10:30am
and 7 future schedules
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Step Back in Time: Armour & Embarkation 2026
Step back in time: Featuring the armour & embarkation convoy!
Sat 20th Jun - 11:00am
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Pride Walk: Be Queer – Get Outside!
Join fellow LGBTQ+ folk for a ramble to proudly enjoy Dorchester's beautiful countryside.
Sun 21st Jun - 11:00am
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Dorset County Hospital Pride Film Nights
We welcome our staff, families, patients and community into their hospital to share LGBTQIA+ themed films.
Tue 23rd Jun - 5:30pm
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Spoken Word Night
Spoken Word Night at The Poet Laureate!
Tue 23rd Jun - 7:00pm
and 4 future schedules
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Open Mic Night Celebrating Our Local LGBTQIA+ Community
Join us for a warm and inclusive evening of poetry and spoken word.
Tue 23rd Jun - 7:30pm
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From the Stacks – Free lunchtime talk
Free lunchtime talk on selected archival treasures at Dorset History Centre.
Wed 24th Jun - 12:30pm
and 5 future schedules
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Colten Care Pop Up Choir
Join our residents and staff from our local homes as we 'Pop Up' at The Great Field to perform a selction of songs.
Wed 24th Jun - 2:30pm
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Woodland Wanders
Join Our Ranger-Led Seasonal Strolls!
Thu 25th Jun - 10:15am
and 6 future schedules
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Legends of Motown
Celebrate all of the magical hits of Motown with UK based live tribute show Legends of Motown!
Fri 26th Jun - 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 27th Jun - 10:00am
and 3 future schedules
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The Pride We Write: Crafting LGBTQIA+ Narratives
Come and explore queer representation in fiction.
Sat 27th Jun - 10:30am
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A Celebration of American Music: Open Rehearsal
We will be performing a wonderful collection of short, tuneful, choral pieces with an American theme in recognition of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Sat 27th Jun - 10:30am
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Prehistoric Dorchester | Free Talk with Steve Wallis
Dorset Council's Senior Archaeologist Steve Wallis uncovers the secrets of prehistoric Dorchester in this free daytime talk.
Sat 27th Jun - 11:00am
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A Celebration of American Music: Concert
We will be performing a wonderful collection of short, tuneful, choral pieces with an American theme in recognition of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Sat 27th Jun - 5:30pm
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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 28th Jun - 10:00am
and 4 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 28th Jun - 10:30am
and 1 future schedules
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Treasure: Unlocking the Secrets Beneath our Feet
In this talk, Dr Roger Bland explores the passing of the Treasure Act in 1996 and the impact of the Portable Antiquities Scheme!
Mon 29th Jun - 6:00pm
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Jul 2026
Dorset Archives Trust Summer Gala
All are welcome to join us at the Dorset Archives Trust Summer Gala for 2026
Thu 2nd Jul - 6:00pm
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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 4th Jul - 10:00am
and 4 future schedules
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The Big Bad Wolf
Come on a madcap, rock ‘n’ roll musical journey of plotting and scheming with folklore’s most notorious villain – The Big Bad Wolf!
Sun 5th Jul - 2:00pm
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Groove & Grill
A new Sunday experience on the terrace at The Kings Arms, the first Sunday of the month.
Sun 5th Jul - 4:00pm
and 2 future schedules
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Poetry and Writing Workshop
Unlock Your Creative Voice – Writing Workshop
Wed 8th Jul - 10:30am
and 2 future schedules
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Dorset Ceramics Market
For ceramic artists, potters and people who love clay!
Sat 11th Jul - 10:00am
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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 12th Jul - 10:30am
and 1 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 22nd Jul - 2:00pm
and 5 future schedules
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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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We are the Time Travellers – Treasures from the Dark Dorset Earth
Karen Brown explores over 1000 years of Dorset history through the stories of everyday people – all brought to life through local archaeological finds.
Sat 25th Jul - 1:30pm
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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
Hiding in Plain Sight: The 200-Mile Dorset Horse Hike | Free Talk with Roger Sewill
Roger Sewill reflects on his 200-mile journey across Dorset alongside Scarlet, his Dales Pony, exploring how history shapes our landscape.
Sat 1st Aug - 1:30pm
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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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Dorchester Vegan Market
The Dorchester Vegan Market in the historic Maumbury Rings Roman Amphitheatre
Sun 9th Aug - 10:00am
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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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Make Your Own Gold Lunula!
A free drop-in craft session where families can make their own shimmering gold lunula – a crescent-shaped piece of ancient jewellery.
Sat 22nd Aug - 10:30am
and 1 future schedules
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Metal Detecting – Have a Go!
Join local metal detectorists Karen Brown and Brian Reid for an exciting family digging experience where you will search for hidden coins and uncover the secrets of the past.
Sat 22nd Aug - 10:30am
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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 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
Why Did Dorset’s Bronze Age Communities Sacrifice Valuable Things?
In this talk, Dr Neil Wilkin explores why people in Bronze Age Dorset deliberately buried valuable objects, often never to retrieve them.
Thu 3rd Sep - 6:00pm
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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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Aspects of Metal Detecting
Ever wondered what it takes to become a metal detectorist? Join Karen Brown, Keith Brown, and Brian Read to explore every aspect of the hobby.
Sat 5th Sep - 1:30pm
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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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