What’s On
Event types
104 upcoming events
May 2026
Dorchester Walking Festival
Experience the beauty of Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast at the Dorchester Walking Festival
Sun 3rd May - All day
and 7 future schedules
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People Watching
Explore over a hundred years of British portraiture with The Ingram Collection and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery.
Sun 3rd May - All day
and 7 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.
Sun 3rd May - 10am to 4pm
and 18 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.
Sun 3rd May - All day
and 7 future schedules
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Art at PiPs Café
April, May and June brings new Art to PiPs Café
Sun 3rd May - All day
and 58 future schedules
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Art at Crossroads Café
Local art by local artists at Crossroads Café.
Sun 3rd May - All day
and 28 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.
Sun 3rd May - All day
and 81 future schedules
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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.
Sun 3rd May - 12:00pm
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Life Class
From the writers of Tipping Point and This Christmas comes a new play, Life Class.
Sun 3rd May - 2:30pm
and 1 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 4th May - 10:00am
and 5 future schedules
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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
An evening dedicated to the twisted roots of Folk Horror.
Tue 5th May - 7:00pm
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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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Poundbury Perspectives
Local resident and former CEO at Civic Voice, Rob Hattersley, will discuss his experience organising the Big Poundbury Conversation in 2023, which produced some surprising results. Come along for a different perspective.
Tue 5th May - 7:30pm
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Modern Jive in Dorchester
Partner Dance Classes for adults in Modern Jive
Tue 5th May - 8:00pm
and 140 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 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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Artist and Art Lovers Social
Come along and connect with other creatives in the community in a quiet but friendly space. Or just enjoy relaxing with other local like minded people over a glass of wine. Free entry and everyone welcome. And if you are a local artist looking for exhibition opportunities we can help you find the right wall for your work. 100% of all Tiny Art House sales ad 20% of all sales off the walls goes direct to DCH Arts in Hospital charity.
Thu 7th May - 6:00pm
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Health Walk
Free Weekly Health Walks at Thorncombe Wood!
Fri 8th May - 10:00am
and 27 future schedules
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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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Dorset Spring Show 2026
Dorset Spring Show brings stunts, skills, animals and thrills to form your spring adventure!
Sat 9th May - All day
and 1 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 9th May - 10:30am
and 10 future schedules
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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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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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Dorset Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert
Dorset Chamber Orchestra presents three much-loved works.
Sat 9th May - 7:30pm
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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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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 16th May - 10:00am
and 9 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.
Tue 19th May - 7:00pm
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Woodland Wanders
Join Our Ranger-Led Seasonal Strolls!
Thu 21st May - 10:15am
and 7 future schedules
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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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The Dorchester Artisan Market
Dorset Artisan Markets are bringing a fabulous collection of over 200 artisan traders to the streets of Dorchester!
Sun 24th May - 10:00am
and 5 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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From the Stacks – Free lunchtime talk
Free lunchtime talk on selected archival treasures at Dorset History Centre.
Wed 27th May - 12:30pm
and 6 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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Dorchester Repair Cafe
The amazing repairers will be waiting for you, ready to tackle your broken clocks, clothes, small appliances and more!
Sat 30th May - 10:00am
and 4 future schedules
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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 StreetFair
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
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.
Mon 1st Jun - All day
and 29 future schedules
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Pride Colours Trail
Join our colourful trail this Pride Month!
Mon 1st Jun - All day
and 29 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.
Mon 1st Jun - All day
and 29 future schedules
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LGBTQIA+ Writers Display
Check out our lovely window display of books from classic and contemporary LGBTQIA+ writers.
Mon 1st Jun - All day
and 29 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.
Tue 2nd Jun - 10:00am
and 20 future schedules
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In Conversation with Matt Cain MBE
Celebrating stories, resilience, and LGBTQ+ joy!
Wed 3rd Jun - 7:00pm
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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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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 Jun - 10:00am
and 5 future schedules
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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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Proud Poems (Workshop)
Join local queer poet, Naomi Wilcox-Lee for the very first Proud Poems workshop!
Sun 7th Jun - 10:00am
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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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“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.
Mon 8th Jun - All day
and 13 future schedules
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Writing and Poetry Workshop: Exploring the writing of Sylvia Townsend Warner & Valentine Ackland
Sharing and discussing a selection of poetry from Sylvia Townsend-Warner and Valentine Ackland.
Wed 10th Jun - 10:30am
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Dorset County Hospital Mini Pride
We welcome our staff, families, patients and community into their hospital during Pride Month to have fun, ask questions, experience and learn about LGBTQIA+ in a safe space. Highlighting our local community groups such as Space Youth Project and This is Me Dorset helping to provide your essential pride themed items (17th June). Finishing with the fantastic inspired tunes from Vinyl Van (24th June).
Wed 10th Jun - 12:00pm
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Pint & Paint with Pride
Come along for a queer creative drop-in!
Wed 10th Jun - 6:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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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.
Thu 11th Jun - 5:30pm
and 1 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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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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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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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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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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The Pride We Write: Crafting LGBTQIA+ Narratives
Come and explore queer representation in fiction.
Sat 27th Jun - 10:30am
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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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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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