Are you wondering what’s on in Dorset in October? Halloween, pumpkin picking and October half term all feature during October which means there’s always plenty of things to do. You’ll also find great theatres, family friendly attractions and festivals all waiting to offer things to do. Check out things to do in Dorset in October.
Halloween Spooktacular At Tivoli Wimborne
Dates: 26th October 2026
This Halloween, get ready for a spine-tingling adventure packed with hilarious comedy, toetapping tunes, and jaw-dropping magic as Halloween Spooktacular comes to town!
Kirsty, Jake, and Melissa have been sent on work experience at the eerie Blackdown Castle—and they’re not happy about it. Boring! But when they arrive, things take a spooky turn!
Corfe Castle In October
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Take your own teddy bear (or borrow one at Corfe Castle) and send them down the fun zip wire this October Half Term. This is always a fun activity for the whole family.
You can also take part in the family quest to find the critters that call Corfe Castle their home.
Gillingham Carnival
Dates: 4th – 10th October 2026
Carnival processions are on 10th October 2026 and there are plenty of other activities and events happening through the week.
Shaftesbury Carnival
Dates: 3rd October 2026
For over a 140 years Shaftesbury carnival has brought a variety of colour and light to the high street for one day a year. The carnival has heritage surrounding the hospital and they celebrate the carnival with a week of events.
Swanage Blues Festival
Dates: 1st – 4th October 2026
Enjoy a weekend of open mic, Blues musicians and headline performers across multiple venues.
Weymouth Octoberfest
Dates: 16th – 17th October 2026
Weymouth’s ever popular Octoberfest is set to make its annual return in the Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion with its fine seaside views. Over sixty real ales and ciders from Dorset.
Oktoberfest Shaftesbury
Dates: 9th – 10th October 2026
Dig out your lederhosen or dirndl and visit Shaftesbury for their biggest German inspired bier festival of the year!
Weymouth Pirate Fest
Date: 2nd – 4th October 2026
The Weymouth Pirate Fest is a family friendly festival with lots of pirate shenanigans happening. You can expect live music, historic re-enactment, cannon fire, stalls and more.
Not sure where to park? Check out the best places for parking in Weymouth.
Halloween and Autumn Trail At The Walled Garden Moreton
Dates: 2026 tbc
Visit the Walled Garden Moreton for some fun Halloween fun this October. Complete the quiz and learn some great facts about the garden. Can you spot all the ghosts?
Halloween Trails At Minterne Gardens
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Visit Minterne this Halloween and discover the spooky trails. Set around the Himalayan Garden, you’ll be greeted by giant spiders, pumpkin creatures and barmy bats.
There are treats for the children at the end of the trail and also home grown pumpkins.
Sherborne Castle & Gardens Children’s Pumpkin Trail
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Why not join in the family fun trail at Sherborne Castle & Gardens this October. Follow the trail to find the pumpkins and solve the clues along the way. Fancy dress is also welcome.
Halloween At Moors Valley
Date: 22nd October – 1st November 2026
Halloween At Moors Valley, a spectacular illuminated trail, is set to return this year, with even more thrilling installations than before.
Ghostly forest walks, possessed pumpkin patches and spooky scarecrows will line the trail, with delicious food and drink also on offer, providing Halloween fun for friends, families and couples.
Running from 22nd October to 1st November, Halloween At Moors Valley takes place during half term, making it a perfect family activity – you can even bring along your dog!
Ghostly Games at Abbotsbury Swannery
Date: 24th October – 1st November 2026
This Halloween Half Term enjoy –
6 ghoulish games around the grounds – from skeletons to spiders, pumpkins to messy goo… and much more! Half price entry.
Daytime fun: 10am – 4pm
Specially designed for under 10s – age-appropriate, safe, and full of giggles!
Halloween Fun At Monkey World
Date 2026 TBC
Free entry for children in full Halloween fancy dress on 31st October at Monkey World. There’s also a free fancy dress costume too.
Halloween Half Term At The Blue Pool
Dates: 24th – 31st October 2026
Explore the family-friendly haunted trail, solve the Curse of the Pumpkin King and Queen, and carve your own spooky creation in the Royal Pumpkin Patch – with none of the mess at home!
Meet mysterious entertainers, brush up on your magical skills and enjoy spooky workshops from the Dorset Wild Ones team. Fancy dress is encouraged, with face painting available too!
Halloween Fun At Nothe Fort
Dates: 24th October – 1st November 2026
You can visit the ghostly tunnels during Halloween week at Nothe Fort. All the activities are included in the standard Nothe Fort admission.
There’s also a vampire photobooth, pumpkin golf, potion school and Halloween games.
Lulworth Castle Autumn Fun
Dates: 25th – 31st October 2026
Seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails as you explore the Park. Practice your sporting skills with the themed pitch’n’putt and traditional lawn games. Get crafty at the activity table and complete your quizbooks for a prize.
The Zombie Barn is also open for those who dare to enter!
Flameburst Verwood
The Fuzzy Bit, Verwood, Dorset, BH31 6QF
Dates: 2026 TBC
There are two fireworks displays at Flameburst in Verwood as well as a small fair and entertainment. The gates open at 6pm with the junior display at 7pm and the main display happening at 8.45pm.
West Bay Fireworks
Date: 31st October 2026
West Bay will be hosting a bonfire with fireworks for the whole family to enjoy. Fireworks will commence at 8:00pm, and there will also be a bar, family entertainment, hot food and live music.
The evening is free of charge with any profits going towards the Christmas Tree on Harbour Green and to support local charities and groups working for the benefit of the local community.
Highcliffe Castle October Half Term
Dates: 25th October – 1st November 2026
During October half term at Highcliffe Castle you can take part in the activities to find the stars around the castle. You can also take part in rocket and planet themed craft activities.
There’s also 50% off Family Admissions on 28th October.
Littledown Halloween Disco
Date: 2026 TBC
Dress to impress in your best Halloween costume for a chance to win one of many prizes at the Littledown Halloween disco. Suitable for children ages 2.5 – 8 years old.
Sessions include 1-2pm, 2:30-3:30pm and 4-5pm. Tickets £6.50 per child
Check out what’s on in Dorset in November and stay up to date with all the festivals and events through the year.