What’s On
Event types
91 upcoming events
Sep 2024
Exhibition: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Wildlife Photographer of the Year, the world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, is returning to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!
Fri 13th Sep - All day
and 50 future schedules
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Fashioning Our World Showcase Display
This special display showcases a project with local young people working alongside the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery team as part of the Fashioning our World initiative in collaboration with Salisbury Museum.
Fri 13th Sep - All day
and 10 future schedules
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Sensing The Past Community Exhibition
"Sensing the Past" was a collaborative and co-produced project involving The Dorset Blind Association, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Fri 13th Sep - All day
and 13 future schedules
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Sanctuary Retreat Days – Immersive Wellbeing Days At Sculpture By The Lakes
Indulge in an immersive well-being day.
Fri 13th Sep - 9:30am
and 2 future schedules
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Friday Night Sessions & 2 for £15 cocktails
Friday Night Sessions & 2 for £15 cocktails
Fri 13th Sep - 6:30pm
and 6 future schedules
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Peacock: Kiri Pritchard-McLean
Prepare for a joyous and uplifting show from a comedian known for making ‘powerhouse stand-up from the thorniest of subjects’.
Fri 13th Sep - 7:30pm
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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 14th Sep - 10:00am
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Weldmar Hospicecare Summer Fete
Join Weldmar and Martin Clunes for a summer spectacular!
Sat 14th Sep - 11:00am
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Oktoberfest Party at Brewhouse & Kitchen
The world famous Oktoberfest comes to Dorchester, enjoy a selection of German Style beers we've been brewing ready to celebrate...
Sat 14th Sep - 12:00pm
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Talk: Underground Dorchester Tunnels
Hear about the hidden Dorchester under your feet in a fascinating talk with Councillor David Taylor.
Sat 14th Sep - 2:00pm
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Heritage Open Day- Free Guided Tours of Shire Hall Museum
This Heritage Open Day, Shire Hall Museum is offering free guided tours!
Sun 15th Sep - All day
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Heritage Tour with Jeremy Pope
Learn about the rich history of the original Eldridge Pope & Co Brewery
Sun 15th Sep - All day
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Heritage Open Day
Free walks, tours, experiences and activities to celebrate Dorchester's heritage
Sun 15th Sep - 10:00am
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Heritage Open Day: Store Tour
Join our Collections Team this Heritage Open Day for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in the Museum’s Collections Discovery Centre.
Sun 15th Sep - 11:00am
and 1 future schedules
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Heritage Open Day: Thomas Hardy Tour
Join us this Heritage Open Day for a bespoke tour of the Museum to learn more about the world of Thomas Hardy.
Sun 15th Sep - 1:00pm
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Heritage Open Day Walk at Brewery Square with Jeremy Pope
Uncover the History of Eldridge Pope & Co Brewery with Jeremy Pope (Eldridge Pope History Tour)
Sun 15th Sep - 3:00pm
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Heritage Open Day – Hardy’s Annuals
Thomas Hardy in words and music with Richard Hall, Jan Wyld and Richard Willetts (violin)
Sun 15th Sep - 3:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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Summer Guided Tours at Shire Hall Museum
Uncover the history of Dorchester's historic courtroom in Guided Tours of Shire Hall Museum this summer.
Wed 18th Sep - 11:00am
and 1 future schedules
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Indian Head Massage Workshop
Come and learn the basic techniques of this beautiful massage to use with family and friends.
Wed 18th Sep - 2:00pm
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“At the Chapel” Pop Up Bakery
Pop along every Thursday for scrumptious baked goodies including their signature traditional breads, croissants, savouries, quiches, doughnuts, cruffins, and fabulous cakes.
Thu 19th Sep - 9:00am
and 13 future schedules
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Deaths At Sea (Our Star Theatre)
New murder-mystery play where, despite their best efforts, everything goes wrong!
Thu 19th Sep - 7:30pm
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Thinking in Black and White – Photography Workshop With Scott Macintyre
Scott Macintyre is delighted to deliver his latest series of photography workshops here, at Sculpture by the Lakes. Winner of the Historic England category for Historical Photographer of the year 2023. Scott loves to immerse himself into woodlands, landscapes, coastal regions, and amongst wildlife. Capturing authentic beautiful atmospheric images, which remain natural and true to the subject.
Fri 20th Sep - 1:00pm
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Will Collier’s Chet Baker Project
Will Collier’s Chet Baker Project transports you to the elegant decadence of 1950’s West Coast cool.
Fri 20th Sep - 7:30pm
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Zentangle (Doodle) Drop in
Come and join Jen in the cafe and learn the basics of doodle art!
Sat 21st Sep - 12:00pm
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La la hö hö
Courtlye Musick and Ars Nova from Cherbourg present an informal concert of songs and instrumental pieces
Sat 21st Sep - 2:00pm
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Six Men of Dorset – Tolpuddle Martyrs – New Hardy Players
This production of The Tolpuddle Play takes it back to its roots.
Sat 21st Sep - 7:30pm
and 2 future schedules
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Thought Control: A Tribute To Pink Floyd
Over two hours of classic songs with an unforgettable spectacle of sound and light.
Sat 21st Sep - 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 22nd Sep - 10:00am
and 2 future schedules
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Nature Heals Talk with Trevor Parsons
Trevor Parsons is a local photographer with an amazing story to tell about the healing power of photography and nature.
Mon 23rd Sep - 12:00pm
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Create your own Kitchen Garden
Filled with wonderful flavours, colours, fragrances and wildlife. This course is designed for people who have some experience growing but want to improve skills for a healthy and productive garden.
Tue 24th Sep - 10:00am
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Film night: Un Homme et une Femme
Un Homme et une Femme shown on the big screen!
Tue 24th Sep - 7:30pm
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Sensory and Songs with Miss Rachel
Join our Miss Rachel Entertainer for a fun morning of stories, nursery rhymes and sensory activities all designed to support your tiny humans development.
Wed 25th Sep - 10:00am
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Collections Discovery Centre Tour
Join our Collections Team for an opportunity to explore behind the scenes in Dorset Museum & Art Gallery's Collections Discovery Centre.
Wed 25th Sep - 2:00pm
and 3 future schedules
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Fused glass workshop
Come and join Vicky as she guides you through the process of making glass tea lights.
Wed 25th Sep - 2:00pm
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Storytime at the Museum
Come and join us for fun-filled Storytime where you can listen to some amazing tales in our Community Space at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery!
Thu 26th Sep - 10:00am
and 6 future schedules
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An Audience without Jake Thackray or Les Barker
An Audience without Jake Thackray or Les Barker
Thu 26th Sep - 7:30pm
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Searching for the Motherland
This emotive photography exhibition at Shire Hall Museum offers an intimate insight into the lives of the Windrush generation, 25 years after their arrival in the UK.
Fri 27th Sep - All day
and 42 future schedules
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The Big Dorset Michaelmas Ceilidh
Join us for what is fast becoming a local tradition as Dorset ceilidh band Tatterdemalion return with their Big Dorset Michaelmas Ceilidh.
Fri 27th Sep - 5:30pm
and 1 future schedules
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Paws Around The Park! A Day Dedicated To Dogs
Set in the beautiful 26 acre Sculpture park, Paws Around The Park is a day dedicated to the love we share for our four legged friends.
Sat 28th Sep - All day
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Cerne Giant and other Wessex Hill Figures Conference
The Cerne Abbas Giant is one of the most recognisable and talked about hill figures in the UK. This special conference draws upon recent excavations and new research by the National Trust, led by Martin Papworth, and offers the opportunity to explore the giant in relationship to other significant hill figures in the region.
Sat 28th Sep - 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 28th Sep - 10:00am
and 2 future schedules
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Beaded Dragonfly Pendant Workshop (Drop-In)
Come and join Jen in the cafe and learn how to bead a simple dragonfly pendant
Sat 28th Sep - 12:00pm
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Club Night With DJ Clayton Nel
Join us in the Opium Lounge DJ Clayton Nel for a night of club classics and music which is sure to get you up and dancing!
Sat 28th Sep - 8:00pm
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Amazing Drawing Festival
A free day of playful exploration and all things drawing.
Sun 29th Sep - 10:00am
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Oct 2024
Spinning a Yarn – Hooks, Needles and Pins
Do you love to crochet, knit or sew?
Wed 2nd Oct - 10:00am
and 2 future schedules
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Papercraft Club –
Do you love to create cards or partial to a bit of scrapbooking? Why not bring your project along or work on something new at our papercraft club! This is a social club for fellow crafters with lots of donated materials and tools to use to help create your projects. We have been very fortunate to have supplies and tools donated or sold cheaply to the cafe so we can offer a social club for those who can’t afford to buy things to craft with and also to try to encourage a social environment where we are all equal. We wish to encourage you to use the materials we have to offer but only take what you create. Jen or Sue will be in the workshop to help with machinery, techniques or ideas you would love to try. We hope to run this group regularly so it would be great to get your feedback.
Wed 2nd Oct - 11:30am
and 2 future schedules
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Autumn Quiz Night
Come along for an evening of quiz fun to help raise funds for the cafe.
Wed 2nd Oct - 6:30pm
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Culture Club | Wildlife Photography: A Look At Dorset Naturally
Join us for an evening of Dorset Nature Photography starting with a talk by professional nature and landscape photographer Mike Read and followed by an exclusive opportunity to explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition after hours.
Wed 2nd Oct - 6:30pm
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Rubber Stamping Workshop (Drop-In)
Come and join Jen in the cafe and use stamps to create a simple card in today’s drop in session.
Sat 5th Oct - 12:00pm
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Macrame Rope Bowl Workshop
Join Jackie from Bonnie Lass Create for a fun and creative afternoon of crafting beautiful rope bowls.
Sat 5th Oct - 1:00pm
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Sound Baths at Sculpture by the Lakes
We a running a series of Sound Baths in The Retreat at Sculpture by the Lakes. These will incorporate different sound instruments including Himalayan Bowls, Wind Gongs, Crystal Bowls, Koshi Chimes, Shamanic Drums, which have a unique ability to relax and calm the nervous system.
Tue 8th Oct - 2:30pm
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A Courtroom Opera – Trial of lago
Destination:Opera presents…
Thu 10th Oct - 6:30pm
and 1 future schedules
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A Courtroom Opera – The Trial of Iago
Experience this thrilling retelling of the story of Verdi’s Otello at Shire Hall Museum, where the truth will be unravel.
Thu 10th Oct - 7:00pm
and 1 future schedules
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Dorchester Literary Festival
Annual Dorchester Literary Festival.
Sat 12th Oct - All day
and 7 future schedules
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Fused glass workshop
Come and join Vicky as she guides you through the process of making glass tea lights.
Wed 16th Oct - 2:00pm
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Autumn Pop Up Producers, Growers & Makers Market Saturday 19th October 2024
Autumn Pop Up Producers, Growers & Makers Market Saturday 19th October 2024 - Athelhampton House
Sat 19th Oct - 10:00am
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Autumnal Colours By The Lakes – Photography Workshop With Scott Macintyre
Scott Macintyre is delighted to deliver his latest series of photography workshops here, at Sculpture by the Lakes. Winner of the Historic England category for Historical Photographer of the year 2023. Scott loves to immerse himself into woodlands, landscapes, coastal regions, and amongst wildlife. Capturing authentic beautiful atmospheric images, which remain natural and true to the subject.
Fri 25th Oct - 9:00am
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Spooktactular Dip Pen Calligraphy – 26th October
Join Nicky from ND Calligraphy as she teaches you the basic techniques needed to create these gorgeous cards ready for the spooky season!
Sat 26th Oct - 2:00pm
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Athelhampton Living History Tudor Week – 28th October – 1st November 2024
Athelhampton Living History Tudor Week - 28th October - 1st November 2024
Mon 28th Oct - All day
and 4 future schedules
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We All Bloom Differently Community Exhibition
Join us for a special exhibition, "We All Bloom Differently", created by Dorset’s care leavers, to commemorate National Care Leavers’ Week.
Mon 28th Oct - All day
and 4 future schedules
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Ghoulish Gathering
GHOULS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN! Spook-tacular week of Halloween events, headlined by an audacious attempt to break the world record for the largest ghost gathering!
Mon 28th Oct - 1:00pm
and 3 future schedules
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Halloween Craft Party – 31st October 2024
Join Wednesday for a spooky fun filled afternoon with stories, games, craft activities, photo opportunities, goody bags, stickers and so much more! £10 per child, no charge for the accompanying adult. Snacks and drinks can be purchased from the cafe. The craft activity is suitable for children aged 3+ if you would like a younger child to attend please contact us before booking so we can adapt the activity or arrange an alternative. Parents/guardians must remain with their children throughout the event. If you have any questions please let us know!
Thu 31st Oct - 2:00pm
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Nov 2024
Relaxed Opening
Explore the Museum and take part in drop-in activities during our relaxed 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 Nov - 9:00am
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Poundbury Independent Market
A fabulous street market that stretches across Poundbury from Hessary St across the park and inside Jubilee Hall!
Sun 3rd Nov - 10:00am
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Culture Club | Thomas Hardy: In Words and Music
Immerse yourself in Hardy's musical world through an evening of readings and music with the Hardy Annuals, and delve deeper with a visit to our Thomas Hardy gallery.
Thu 7th Nov - 6:30pm
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Talk: Pomp, Politics & Power: The Peculiar Tale of ‘Squire’ Drax
Join Luke Mouland at Shire Hall Museum to explore the life of John Erle-Drax, one of 19th century Dorset's most notorious characters.
Sat 9th Nov - 2:00pm
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If Music be the Food of Love
A unique opportunity to experience the magic of Shakespeare's world brought to life through music and storytelling.
Thu 14th Nov - 7:30pm
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Billy Hutchinson In The Opium Lounge
Billy Hutchinson Live in the Opium Lounge
Fri 22nd Nov - 8:00pm
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Shire Hall Christmas Market
Join us at Shire Hall for our Christmas Market!
Sat 23rd Nov - 10:00am
and 1 future schedules
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The Literary Landscapes of Dorset with Kevan Manwaring
In this talk, writer and academic Dr Kevan Manwaring will offer an entertaining guided tour of Dorset's rich literary heritage.
Wed 27th Nov - 7:00pm
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Dec 2024
Culture Club | Festive Workshop: Wreath Making
Join us for a fun and festive workshop with Sage and Fern Florist's Jenny Lee-Baker, and create a beautiful hand-made wreath to decorate your home this festive season.
Mon 2nd Dec - 6:30pm
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Christmas Wreath Workshop
Drgnfly & Bellini Habitat Floral and Event Design present Christmas Wreath Making In The Opium Lounge!
Sat 7th Dec - 10:00am
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Talk: 150 Years of Courtroom Drama
Join Shire Hall Museum's Learning Manager Anne Brown to explore the fascinating stories of people taken through our historic courtroom.
Sat 7th Dec - 2:00pm
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Club Night In The Opium Lounge With DJ Mark Ado
Club Night With DJ Mark Ado! Free Entry! Join us on the 7th of December for a party to kickstart your festive plans for December 2024! Everyone is welcome! Tap the link to book - bit.ly/DrgnflyDorchester or contact the team on 01305594000
Sat 7th Dec - 9:00pm
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Dorchester Christmas Cracker
The Dorchester Christmas event on Sunday 15 Dec 2024 from 11am-4pm. Loads to see and do in the Corn Exchange, the Cornhill, South Street, Trinity Street and High West Street.
Sun 15th Dec - 11:00am
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Jan 2025
Exhibition: Gladiators of Britain
A British Museum Partnership Exhibition with Colchester + Ipswich Museums will delve into the lesser-known history of gladiatorial contests in Roman Britain. Launching at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery in January 2025, the exhibition will tour four UK venues, tracing the footsteps of gladiators who once fought in Britain’s amphitheatres.
Sat 25th Jan - All day
and 106 future schedules
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