Are you wondering what’s on in Dorset in August? The month of August sees the six weeks school Summer holidays, and hopefully some great weather. There’s alway plenty of things to do, as Dorset is home to some great theatres, family friendly attractions and festivals. All of these happen throughout the year, so check out things to do in Dorset in August.
Related post – Kids eat FREE and for less in Dorset this Summer
Camp Bestival
Dates: 30th July – 2nd August 2026
Location: Lulworth Castle
Camp Bestival is a family friendly festival in Dorset covering four days. Experience live bands, fairground rides and art and crafts. Experience the many different areas of Lulworth Castle grounds, relaxing in front of the Castle stage, or perhaps taking part in a yoga class.
Don’t forget your festival trolley
Lulworth Castle is close to Lulworth Cove and the Jurassic Coast, so why not extend your visit and explore some of the Jurassic Coastline in Dorset.
Read a full review of Camp Bestival
There is something from everyone at Camp Bestival whatever your age. Day passes are also available if camping isn’t your thing.
Summer Of Play At Corfe Castle
Dates: 25th July – 31st August 2026
Explore play zones at Corfe Castle to get your legs and minds racing. See if you can hit the bullseye in the Archery Zone, or use the mini slingshots to fire beanbags onto the target boards.
Visit the Obstacle Zone for stepping stones and balance beams, or the Music Zone to make some noise. If you’re after something a bit calmer, visit the garden games area to get your thinking caps on.
Swanage Carnival
Dates: 25th July – 1st August 2026
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.
Mega Slip and Slide Dorset
Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3RH
Dates: all through August
The Dorset Mega Slip and Slide will be running all through August as well as some selected dates in July.
Just outside of Wimborne, you can cool down with these fun 1 hour sessions which include rings, double rings and body boards to slide down the 110 meter slides.
Weymouth Summer Fireworks
Dates: Mondays 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st August 2026
The Weymouth fireworks will be set off around 9.30pm, with plenty of activities happening on the beach front before hand.
Find the closest parking in Weymouth
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.
Poole Quay Thursday Night Fireworks
Dates: 2026 TBC
The Poole Quay Summer fireworks are back on Thursday nights through the Summer between 31st July and 28th August. There is free live music, entertainments and fireworks every Thursday.
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, open air film screenings, beach sports and regatta.
Dorset Food & Arts Festival
Dates: 1st August 2026
Location: The Great Field, Poundbury, Dorset
Discover the FREE mini ‘pop-up’ festival market in Dorset this Summer. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop for a wide selection of delicious products and artisan crafts.
Grab a bite to eat and enjoy a tipple as you shop with local stallholders, producers, and makers – offering tasty food and drink, handmade gifts, art, and beautiful crafts.
Lyme Regis Family Dog Show
Date: 2nd August 2026
A fun dog show with classes ranging from the best puppy to the waggiest tail, every dog is welcome.
Bournemouth Friday Fireworks
Dates: Fridays TBC 2026
The Bournemouth Friday fireworks will be happening on TBC August. Get a spot on Bournemouth beach and watch the night sky light up around at 10pm.
Discover the nearest places for parking in Bournemouth
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.
West Bay Weekend
Date: 1st – 2nd August 2026
West Bay weekend will have live music from 2pm and a BBQ from 12pm. Enjoy the craft stalls and games on the green and finish off the weekend on Sunday with a firework display at 10pm.
Poole Lifeboat Station Open Day
Date: 23rd August 2026
Pop along to see water based demonstrations, look around the boats and floating boathouse. Talk to the volunteers, have fun on a variety of stalls and prizes to be won. Refreshments will also be available.
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.
Bridport Carnival
Dates: 16th – 23rd August 2026
Carnival Week 2026 will be held on the week commencing 16th August.
Other activities include carnival darts, carnival golf, a car boot sale, carnival fete and a fun fair at Asker Meadows. There’s also the traditional Sunday evening torchlight parade from Bridport to West Bay. Ending in fireworks on West Bay beach.
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.
Dorchester Cider Festival
Dates: 15th August 2026
The annual Dorchester Cider festival returns to Borough Gardens on 15th August. There will be special guests, great food and live music throughout the day.
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.
Don’t forget to check out what’s on in Dorset in September and stay up to date with all the festivals and events through the year.