Your guide to all the best Dorset festivals and events! From food and drink festivals to huge-scale music festivals, there’s always something going on in Dorset. Be sure to check what’s on when you’re visiting.
Check out the links to my various festival round-ups below, followed by a quick list of all the main events coming up this season.
What’s On in Spring 2026
Here’s what’s on in Dorset during March, April, and May this year…
- Crocus Week at Forde Abbey (1-8 Mar 2026)
- Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala (27-29 Mar 2026)
- Dorchester Science Festival (6-15 Mar 2026)
- Abbotsbury Food Fair (3-4 April 2026)
- Bournemouth Writing Festival (24-26 April 2026)
- Teddy Rocks music festival (1-3 May 2026)
- Dorchester Walking Festival (2-8 May 2026)
- Dorset Spring Show (9-10 May 2026)
PLUS a great many food festivals in April and May: CLICK HERE for the full list
Check what’s on month-by-month:
Dorset in May
Coming Soon
Easter in Dorset
- Easter Adventures at Kingston Lacy (21 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
- Forde Abbey Easter Trail (28 Mar – 9 Apr 2026)
- Easter egg hunt at Corfe Castle (28 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
- Easter at Farmer Palmers Farm Park (28 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
- Lyme Regis Easter Bonnet Parade (Easter Sunday)
- Easter Adventure Trail at Browsea Island (28 March – 12 April)
- Easter Egg-stravaganza at Nothe Fort, Weymouth (28 March – 12 April)
- Swanage Pier Eggcellent Easter Trail (28 March – 12 April)
- Easter Holiday: Tanks In Action at the Tank Museum, Dorchester (28 March – 12 April)
Christmas in Dorset
- Christmas in Dorset: Full Events Directory & Guide
- 24 Christmas Markets in Dorset
- Ice Rinks in Bournemouth & Dorset
- 7 Christmas Markets and Events in Bournemouth
- Dorset Christmas Lights Switch-On Events for 2025
- Pantos & Other Xmas Shows
All Posts
A quick guide to all the Christmas pantos and other festive shows happening at theatres across Dorset this year.
Read More… Pantos and Other Christmas Shows in Dorset for 2025
A quick guide to all the Christmas lights switch-on events happening at towns across Dorset this year.
Read More… Dorset Christmas Lights Switch on Events for 2025
Enjoy some wholesome Autumnal fun at these pick-your-own pumpkin patches and farm-based events in Dorset…
Several seaside towns in Dorset host FREE fireworks nights in summer. Here’s our guide to whats on, with all the details you need to know…
All the festive ice rinks in Bournemouth and the rest of Dorset this Christmas – the perfect way to stay active during the winter season!
Read More… Ice Rinks in Bournemouth & Dorset For Christmas 2025
A round up of Halloween events and pumpkin patches taking place in Dorset this October. Both family-friendly and adults-only events…
Read More… Dorset Halloween Events and Pumpkin Patches for 2025
A round-up of all the Dorset festivals and events you need to know about. Find out what’s on during your next trip to Dorset…
Read More… Dorset Festivals and Events: 2026 Dates for Your Diary
Calling all live music lovers. From big and famous to small and local, these are the best music festivals in Dorset this year…
Read More… 12 Dorset Music Festivals you Need to Attend in 2026
A guide to all the upcoming Christmas events in Dorset this season – as well as xmas markets and lights switch-on dates…
Read More… Christmas in Dorset: The Ultimate Guide to Events in 2025!
A list of Christmas Markets in Dorset this festive season. Pick up some unique gifts from local makers, or indulge in some yummy treats…
A guide to all the Christmas markets and festive events happening in Bournemouth and the surrounding area this festive season…
Read More… 9 Christmas Markets and Events in Bournemouth for 2025
A round up of fireworks displays and bonfire night events taking place in Dorset this November 5th (up to date with 2024 info)…
Read More… Dorset Fireworks and Bonfire Night Events for 2025
A round up of all the best Dorset food festivals to add to your calendar this year. The perfect way to explore the area’s fab foodie scene!