Planning your 2026 adventures in Dorset? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a local, a day-tripper, or visiting the coast for a holiday, Dorset is packed with incredible festivals and events throughout the year.
From lively music weekends and food festivals by the sea to family-friendly countryside shows and quirky local traditions, there’s something happening in every corner of the county.
This complete 2026 Dorset Festivals & Events Guide brings you all the key dates, locations, and must-not-miss highlights — making it easier than ever to plan unforgettable days out across Dorset.
Be sure to bookmark this page, as we’ll keep you updated with the latest Dorset festivals for 2026 as they are announced.
Insider Tips for Attending Dorset Festivals
- Plan Ahead: Many festivals are popular and tickets sell out fast. Book your tickets and accommodation early to avoid disappointment.
- Public Transport: Use public transport where possible, as parking can be limited at some events.
- Dog-Friendly Options: Many festivals in Dorset welcome dogs. Check event details beforehand and bring water and waste bags for your furry friends.
- Weather Preparedness: Dorset’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, sunscreen, and waterproofs to stay comfortable.
- Stay Updated: Follow event organisers on social media to get the latest news and updates.
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- Insider Tips for Attending Dorset Festivals
- ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool
- Dorchester Beerex
- Railway 200 Exhibition Train At Swanage Railway
- Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala
- Wareham Beerex
- Abbotsbury Food Fair
- Sherborne Abbey Festival
- Teddy Rocks Festival
- Swanage Railway Diesel Gala
- North Dorset Cycle Ride
- Magic Of Thailand Festival
- Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival
- Dorset Blind Association's Motor Show At Lulworth Castle
- Cursus Cider & Music Festival
- Bournemouth 7's Festival
- Abbotsbury Swannery Food & Craft Fair
- Fayre In The Square
- Swanage Pirate Festival
- Christchurch Food Festival
- Sherborne Castle Country Fair
- Family Fest 2026
- Wessex Folk Festival
- Dorset Tractor Fest
- Summerfest Weymouth
- Wimborne Minster Folk Festival
- Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival
- Corfe Mullen Carnival
- Bridport Food Festival
- Swanage Fish Festival
- Harry Paye Day
- Roads To Rail Steam Rally
- Tankfest 2026
- Dorsetfest
- Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival
- Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival
- Dorset Seafood Festival
- Chickerell Steam And Vintage Show
- Dorset Volkfest
- Swanage Jazz Festival
- Corfe Castle Food & Drink Festival
- Shaftesbury Fringe
- Xchurch Music Festival
- Swanage Carnival
- AFWM Sherborne Classic And Supercar Show
- Camp Bestival 2026 – Family-Friendly Festival at Lulworth Castle
- Littledown Family Fun Day
- Lyme Regis Regatta And Carnival
- Stompin' On The Quomps
- Great Dorset Chilli Festival
- Dorset Food And Arts Festival
- Jurassic Fields Music Festival
- Christchurch Carnival
- Gillingham And Shaftesbury Show
- Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
- Vdub At The Pub Festival
- Melplash Agricultural Show
- Lyme Regis Folk Festival
- Dorset County Show
- Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala
- Heritage Open Days In Dorset
- Swanage Folk Festival
- Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
- Bournemouth Arts By The Sea Festival
- Tank Museum Dorset Christmas Fair
- Kingston Lacy’s A Starlit Christmas Ball
- Dates: 21st November 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Dorset Festivals And Events In January
ILLUMINATE at The Blue Pool
Dates: 19th January – 22nd February 2026
Location: The Blue Pool, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AR
Illuminate at The Blue Pool is returning in 2026. This magical light display features over 1km of professionally designed illuminations, transforming the woodland trails into a dazzling spectacle.
Discover the stunning deep waters of The Blue Pool and the ancient woodland, with carefully chosen stops along the trails offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Experience the enchanting atmosphere of Illuminate at The Blue Pool and immerse yourself in this unique, winter wonderland event.
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in January
Dorset Festivals And Events In February
Dorchester Beerex
Dates: 6th – 7th February 2026
Located at Dorchester Corn Exchange, your ticket price includes a commemorative glass, programme and two halves of beer or cider. The evening sessions also have live music.
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival
Dates: 14th – 22nd February 2026
Shaftesbury in Dorset is known as the first snowdrop town, and is a popular location choice for seeing the snowdrops. The snowdrops bloom from late January until mid March. The varieties include rare and unusual Galanthus species and cultivars.
Railway 200 Exhibition Train At Swanage Railway
Dates: 16th – 18th February 2026
Celebrate 200 years of Britain’s railway story with a special visit from the Railway 200 Exhibition Train, coming to Swanage Railway for three days this February.
Stationed at Corfe Castle station, the exhibition offers a fascinating look at how Britain’s railways shaped travel, engineering, communities, and everyday life. Step aboard to explore interactive displays, historic stories, and hands-on exhibits suitable for all ages.
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in February
Dorset Festivals And Events In March
Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala
Dates: 27th – 29th March 2026
The Spring Steam Gala will return between Friday the 27th and Sunday the 29th of March, an event which always proves to be popular with enthusiasts and families alike!
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in March
Dorset Festivals And Events In April
Wareham Beerex
Dates: 3rd – 4th April 2026
As well as raising money for local charities, you’ll find over 35 real ales from around the country. There’s also local ciders and local gin as well.
Location: Wareham Masonic Hall, Howards Lane, Wareham, Dorset BH20 4HU
Abbotsbury Food Fair
Date: 3rd – 4th April 2026
In association with Dorset Food & Drink go along to the Abbotsbury Food Fair. Ticket includes entry to the Subtropical Gardens.
Sherborne Abbey Festival
Dates: 30th April – 7th May 2026
Sherborne Abbey Festival is an annual, week-long celebration of music, with events held in a variety of locations in and around the beautiful town of Sherborne, Dorset.
Each year the Festival welcomes people from all over the UK to experience a wide range of performances and genres; from opera, choral and classical music to jazz, swing and more!
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in April
Dorset Festivals And Events In May
Teddy Rocks Festival
Dates: 1st – 3rd May 2026
Location: Charisworth Farm, Blandford, Dorset
One of the family friendly Dorset music festivals in Blandford. This is a three day festival raising money for the Teddy20 charity. There’s plenty of activities and music through the weekend. Camping options are also available if you wish to stay on site for the weekend.
Swanage Railway Diesel Gala
Dates: 8th – 10th May 2026
The much loved long weekend of heritage diesel action returns to Swanage Railway. Services will service will operate on all three days over the full 10-mile line between Swanage and Wareham.
This and the beer festival at Corfe Castle station makes it a weekend not to be missed.
North Dorset Cycle Ride
Date: 10th May 2026
Choose from the family fun ride to the 50 mile bike ride. The event is in aid of Prostate Cancer UK finishing on Gold Hill in Shaftesbury.
Magic Of Thailand Festival
Date: 16th – 17th May 2026
Location: Baiter Park, Poole
You can expect to see live cooking demonstrations, authentic Thai cuisine food stalls, Thai boxing demonstrations, kids rides and plenty more. There’s also the I’m British Get Me Out of Here! eating competition.
Christchurch Cheese & Chilli Festival
Dates: 16th – 17th May 2026
Location: Parley Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6AD
The award winning Cheese and Chilli Festival is the only show in the UK which celebrates both Cheese and Chilli within a festival setting. Expect a chilli eating competition, food challenges, cooking demonstrations, family friendly entertainment and plenty more.
Dorset Blind Association’s Motor Show At Lulworth Castle
Dates: 17th May 2026
Dorset Blind Association’s prestigious Motor Show returns to Lulworth Castle for its 10th year on the 17th May.
The show ground will offer a variety of artisan stalls selling local produce and handmade goods, food and drinks. There will also be live entertainment and a kids area with activities.
Cursus Cider & Music Festival
Dates: 22nd – 24th May 2026
This is a popular grassroots festival at Myncen Farm in Dorset. The 2026 lineup includes Peat & Diesel
There will also be a DJ tent, camp fire, kids DIY Den area, sports day and lots more.
Bournemouth 7’s Festival
Dates: 22nd – 25th May 2026
Location: Chapel Gate, East Parley, Christchurch, BH23 6BL
This is a popular festival in Dorset. It’s the World’s largest sport & music festival which attracts over 30,000 people to the coast every year.
Abbotsbury Swannery Food & Craft Fair
Dates: 23rd – 24th May 2026
Enjoy a weekend of fun at Abbotsbury Swannery this Summer. There will be plenty of food, drink and artisan craft stalls provided by Dorset Food & Drink. You can also enjoy the swan maze, pedal go karts, and arts and crafts.
Fayre In The Square
Dates: 23rd – 24th May 2026
Location: Hope Square, Weymouth
A weekend of live music and great food around Hope Square in Weymouth, working with Weymouth Rotary to raise money for local charities
Swanage Pirate Festival
Dates: 23rd – 24th May 2026
A full two days of piracy, living history, skirmishes and stalls.
Christchurch Food Festival
Dates: 23rd – 25th May 2026
Location: Christchurch Quay
Lots of different food and drink to tempt you. With pop up restaurants on the quay in the days leading up to the festival weekend. Why not enjoy one of the May Bank holiday festivals in Dorset with a visit to Christchurch.
Sherborne Castle Country Fair
Date: 25th May 2026
The Sherborne Castle Country Fair offers a wide programme of events, country activities, stands and entertainment. There’s also one of the largest Rare Breed Shows in the country.
For one day each year Sherborne Castle is transformed into a fun-packed Country Fair with attractions, entertainment and activities for all the family.
Family Fest 2026
Dates: 29th – 31st May 2026
Location: The Meadows (Julians Field), Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Set within the stunning Wimborne countryside across 12 acres of working farmland.
There will be live music across the two days, food and drink stalls, kids valley, funfair, amusements and a charity dog show. Weekend camping is also available.
Wessex Folk Festival
Dates: 30th – 31st May 2026
Location: Weymouth Harbourside
The Wessex Folk festival, or otherwise known as the Weymouth Folk festival kicks off with a pre festival warm up night on the Friday
It’s one of the biggest, free festivals in England, drawing lots of crowds each year. You can expect to see around 30 live stage performances over the weekend, and plenty of stalls and entertainment.
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in May
Dorset Festivals And Events In June
Dorset Tractor Fest
Dates: 5th – 7th June 2026
Taking place at Turnpike showground in Shaftesbury, there is lots going on over the two day event. Alongside the tractor show, there’s also a fairground, inflatables, mini landies and so so much more.
The 2026 lineup also includes some big names including Kaleb Cooper from Clarkson’s Farm.
Summerfest Weymouth
Date: 6th June 2026
A fun filled day for all the family. You can expect entertainment, sports tournaments, live music, soft play, food, drink, farmers markets, stalls and more.
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival
Dates: 12th – 14th June 2026
Location: Wimborne Minster
There’s plenty of things to do in Wimborne across the Folk Festival weekend. Live music is across the town in the pubs and bars. During the day there’s lots of family friendly entertainment, activities and shows.
Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival
Dates: 13th – 14th June 2026
You’ll discover local traders with stalls providing both food and arts and crafts. Celebrity and local chefs holding demonstrations of their skills together with music and entertainment for the whole family.
Corfe Mullen Carnival
Date: 13th June 2026
Visit the annual village carnival held in the parish of Corfe Mullen, Dorset. The event supports local charities and good causes. There’s also FREE entry.
Bridport Food Festival
Dates: 13th June 2026
Location: Asker Meadow, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4DL
Taste trials, food, drink, activities for the kids and more. There’s plenty going on at the Bridport food festival.
Swanage Fish Festival
Dates: 13th – 14th June 2026
Celebrate all things ‘fishy’ with a new festival that features food, fishing and fun. There will be things for all ages to enjoy and it won’t just be about eating. There will be plenty to join in with as well as to watch.
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
Dates: 13th – 14th June 2026
Location: Marine Parade, Lyme Regis
There’s plenty going on at the Lyme Regis fossil festival. Including walks, talks, theatre, music, exhibits and lots of hands-on science. Don’t forget to partake in some fossil hunting as well.
Harry Paye Day
Date: 20th June 2026
Take a trip to Poole Quay for the annual Harry Paye Day in June. There’s a pirate parade, pirate fancy dress and loads of entertainment. There’s a large multi storey car park close to the quay in Poole.
Roads To Rail Steam Rally
Dates: 26th – 28th June 2026
Visit Swanage Railway for a celebration of steam engines, live music and family entertainment.
Tankfest 2026
Dates: 26th – 28th June 2026
See the stars of the Museum’s collection running alongside guest tanks and vehicles from the British Army.
There are also lectures from tank experts and the chance to explore Living History encampments. See the world’s best collection of tanks inside The Tank Museum.
Dorsetfest
Dates: 26th – 27th June 2026
Location: Warren Farm, Bulbarrow DT11 0HQ
A family-friendly music festival set in the heart of the Dorset. The two-day event offers a great range of music, entertainment and food stalls for everyone to enjoy.
There is also camping available for those who want to make the most of the weekend, music and gorgeous setting! All of the money raised at DorsetFest goes directly to the three local churches and The Weldmar Hospice.
Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival
Dates: 27th – 28th June 2026
Location: Fisherman’s Walk, Bournemouth
Step back in time by listening to some of the great artists and bands who will be performing over the weekend. Celebrating vintage music from the 1940s–60s while proudly honouring our Armed Forces as an official Armed Forces Day event.
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in June
Dorset Festivals And Events In July
Lyme Regis Sausage & Cider Festival
Dates: 4th July 2026
The annual Lyme Regis football club sausage and cider festival will include more than 20 ciders, sizzling sausages and other refreshments. There will also be a Pimms tent, BBQ, ice creams and a raffle.
Dorset Seafood Festival
Dates: 4th – 5th July 2026
Location: Weymouth Peninsula
You may know the festival as Weymouth seafood festival. The Dorset seafood festival has been rebranded to Seafest. Taste fresh seafood from 100 stalls, with plenty of family entertainment on offer throughout. Top chefs are on location showcasing their skills with locally sourced ingredients.
Chickerell Steam And Vintage Show
Dates: 4th – 5th July 2026
There’s live music, beer tents and steam engines as the Chickerell Steam and Vintage Show.
Dorset Volkfest
Dates: 10th – 12th July 2026
Volkfest has been an annual festival in Wareham since 2013. There’s plenty of family entertainment across the weekend, a DJ/dance marquee and stunt shows to amaze you.
If you’re a lover of VW’s then this weekend festival in Dorset is not to be missed. Weekend camping is available as well as day tickets.
Swanage Jazz Festival
Date: 10th – 12th July 2026
There will be over 40 bands covering a wide range of styles. Check out the website for ticket information and schedule.
Corfe Castle Food & Drink Festival
Dates: 11th – 12th July 2026
Love It Local’s inaugural Food & Drink Festival will be held at Corfe Castle this year. Celebrating the incredible food and drink produce from across the Isle of Purbeck.
Shaftesbury Fringe
Dates: 17th – 19th July 2026
Location: Shaftesbury
there will be music, comedy, dance, theatre and everything in between. The venues will change across the town of Shaftesbury during the event.
Xchurch Music Festival
Dates: 17th – 19th July 2026
What can you expect at Xchurch Music Festival on Christchurch Quay? There’s local artists and bands, DJ tent and fun fair rides for all ages. There’s also a kids zone for the little people.
The 2026 lineup has some great names including Martin Kemp.
Swanage Carnival
Dates: 25th July – 1st August 2026
Location: Swanage
Swanage Carnival is a packed week of entertainment attracting around 250,000 visitors each year. There is something for everyone including air displays, live music, sporting events, games and competitions. There’s also three magnificent firework displays and not forgetting one of the longest Carnival processions.
The RAF Red Arrows will also be making an appearance at Swanage Carnival on Saturday 25th July.
AFWM Sherborne Classic And Supercar Show
Dates: 26th July 2026
The Classic and Supercars Show, which began in 2004, will be returning in 2026 to the magnificent backdrop of Sherborne Castle.
You can expect to see classic cars, supercars, American, custom and rally cars, vintage motorcycles and more.
Camp Bestival 2026 – Family-Friendly Festival at Lulworth Castle
Dates: 30th July – 2nd August 2026
Location: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
Camp Bestival 2026 is a must-visit family-friendly festival in Dorset, offering four days of live music, fairground rides, art and crafts, and much more. Set within the stunning grounds of Lulworth Castle, this festival provides a diverse range of activities to enjoy, from relaxing in front of the Castle stage to taking part in a rejuvenating yoga class.
Don’t forget your festival trolley
Lulworth Castle is located near Lulworth Cove and the famous Jurassic Coast, making it the perfect base to extend your visit and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
If camping isn’t for you, day passes are also available for a more flexible experience.
Learn more about Camp Bestival and plan your visit.
Littledown Family Fun Day
Date: 26th July 2026
Location: Littledown, Chaseside, Bournemouth
There will be plenty of local talent showcasing gymnastics, taekwondo and cheerleading. There will also be a Punch and Judy show, magic acts and a fun fair.
Stay refreshed at the licensed bars and enjoy a BBQ and wood fired pizzas. There’s also plenty of other food stalls available too.
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in July
Dorset Festivals And Events In August
Lyme Regis Regatta And Carnival
Dates: 31st July – 8th August 2026
Location: Marine Parade, Lyme Regis
There’s loads going on for the whole family during Lyme Regis Carnival Week. From the Walk of Light Torchlight Procession, Carnival Procession and fireworks. There’s also a duck race, beach treasure hunt, and plenty more.
Stompin’ On The Quomps
Dates: 1st August 2026
There will be a great line up of professional jazz musicians, food traders and bar. You don’t need a ticket and admission is by donation which goes to keeping the event running each year.
Great Dorset Chilli Festival
Dates: 1st – 2nd August 2026
Location: Stock Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2BG
If you’re a chilli lover, then the Great Dorset Chilli Festival is a must visit. There will be stalls selling all things chilli, from pepper plants to cayenne condiments.
Plenty of music, chilli cook-off competition, chilli eating competitions and spicy street food. There’s also local ice creams to cool the mouth and local beers.
Dorset Food And Arts Festival
Date: 1st August 2026
Location: The Great Field, Poundbury
Pop along to the FREE ‘pop-up’ festival market in Poundbury. There will be local produce and artisan crafts with over 45 stalls.
Jurassic Fields Music Festival
Dates: 14th – 16th August 2026
Jurassic Fields brings together not only some amazing top acts from around the country but will be showcasing the best music, comedy, food and entertainment the local area has to offer.
Christchurch Carnival
Dates: 14th – 16th August 2026
Enjoy a series of displays and fun activities on the quay, as well as music, events, fireworks and a funfair.
Gillingham And Shaftesbury Show
Date: 19th – 20th August 2026
Location: Turnpike Showground, Motcombe, North Dorset, SP7 9PL
This large event in Dorset hosts cattle, dog shows, horses, art classes, displays and so much more.
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
Dates: 20th – 23rd August 2026
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is located on a farm and it’s “how festivals used to be”. A family friendly festival in Dorset that great for kids and adults alike. It’s small enough to be able to wander around and not lose your friends! The stages and bar are in barns, which mean that you’re dry if it rains, but there’s a lot of grass around to sit on in the sunshine.
Vdub At The Pub Festival
Dates: 21st – 23rd August 2026
Location: Wimborne, Dorset
A family camping festival of dubs, pubs and hot tubs. There’s a packed entertainment schedule which offer many of the activities free of charge.
Melplash Agricultural Show
Dates: 27th August 2026
Featuring horse and livestock competitions along with rural crafts, local
produce, trade stands, agricultural machinery and a fun day out for all the family!
Lyme Regis Folk Festival
Dates: 28th – 31st August 2026
The Lyme Folk weekend is the late Summer festival by the sea in Dorset. There’s music on the seafront stage and also in the Marine Theatre.
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in August
Dorset Festivals And Events In September
Dorset County Show
Dates: 5th – 6th September 2026
Location: Dorchester Showground
There will be plenty of livestock, horses, show jumping, horticulture and blacksmiths. Not forgetting the trade stands, rabbits, poultry, bee’s & honey and food and drink. You’ll also find the World’s biggest Monster trucks in the main ring twice a day.
Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala
Dates: 11th – 13th September 2026
See and travel behind the home fleet of steam locomotives at Swanage Railway. There might even be some special guests.
Heritage Open Days In Dorset
Between 11th – 20th September select venues become free to visit as part of the Heritage Open Days scheme. The following locations in Dorset are participating. Some locations require pre -booking in advance.
Swanage Folk Festival
Dates: 11th – 13th September 2026
Location: Swanage
Enjoy a weekend of music concerts, traditional dance displays, dance & music workshops, children’s activities and music sessions.
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Dates: 12th – 13th September 2026
Location: Sturminster Newton (DT10 1DQ)
If you’re a cheese lover the Sturminster Newton cheese festival is not to be missed. There is plenty of children’s entertainment as well as demonstrations, food producers, arts and crafts available.
It’s not just cheese on offer, you can discover local chillies and jams, ciders, coffees and gins to name a few.
Bournemouth Arts By The Sea Festival
Dates: 25th – 26th September 2026
There’s lots going on in Bournemouth during the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival this September.
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in September
Dorset Festivals And Events In October
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in October
Dorset Festivals And Events In November
Tank Museum Dorset Christmas Fair
Dates: 14th – 15th November 2026
A Christmassy day out for all ages. While adults can watch live entertainment and buy unique presents from local crafters, children can explore our Christmas trail and see Santa arrive in a tank.
On 14th – 15th November between 9am – 5pm. You will receive a free annual pass with every ticket purchased.
Kingston Lacy’s A Starlit Christmas Ball
Dates: 21st November 2026 – 3rd January 2027
Explore the house and gardens, decorated for a spectacular Christmas ball. You’ll follow the story as you move through the rooms, and see glorious costumes and twinkling decorations inspired by the night sky and Christmas magic.
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in November
Dorset Festivals And Events In December
Related post – What’s on in Dorset in December