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 Winter 2026
Here’s what’s on in Dorset during January & February this year…
- ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool, near Wareham: 10 January to 22 February 2026 (select dates). Light trail.
- Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works, Bournemouth: 24 Jan, 14 Feb, 14 Mar. Concert.
- Migration Festival Part 1: Radical Friendship, Careys Secret Garden: 30 Jan to 1 Feb 2026. Art and culture festival.
- Coastal Combat Festival, Dorchester: 7 Feb 2026. Martial arts and music.
- Light Up the Prom, Bournemouth Pier: 27 February 2026. Candlelit remembrance event.
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!