Are you wondering what’s on in Dorset in July? July is the start of the six weeks school Summer holidays, and let’s all have our fingers crossed for 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 July.
Related post – Kids eat FREE and for less in Dorset this Summer
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Jay Miller’s Circus Blandford
Dates: 1st – 5th July 2026
The Jay Miller’s Circus will be in Blandford this year. Don’t miss out on a great show.
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.
Mega Slip and Slide Dorset
Corfe Mullen, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3RH
Dates: opening 24th July 2026
As well as the selected dates in July above, the Dorset Mega Slip and Slide will be running through most of August as well.
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.
Circus Zyair
The Quomps, Christchurch
Dates: 7th – 11th July 2026
Circus Zyair is proud to present a colourful and action packed hour and a half show with high energy acts from all over the world. The 2025 tour was a dazzling combination of circus, music and laughter.
With a heated big top, comfy seating and an electric atmosphere from start to finish Circus Zyair promises to be a truly magical experience for the whole family
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.
Upton Country Park Festival
Dates: 3rd – 4th July 2025
Friday 3rd July is Ladies Night
Saturday 4th July is Super Family Singalong
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.
Sandpolo 2026
Dates: 10th – 11th July 2026
The polo at Sandbanks (the British Beach Polo Championships) is the largest beach polo event in the world. When polo is played in an enclosed arena it has been referred to as ‘Ice Hockey on Horse Back’.
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.
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.
Sandfest
Date: 12th July 2026
Location: Sandbanks Beach, Poole
This boutique beach festival in Dorset returns for its 7th year. The festival attracts around 5,000 people for good music on the beach.
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.
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.
Bridport Folk Festival
Dates: 24th – 26th July 2026
Location: Bridport
There will be music, Morris dancing, stalls, entertainment and plenty more at Bridport Folk Festival.
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.
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.
Poole Harbour Festival
Dates: 31st July – 2nd August 2026
Alongside a great lineup of music acts, there’s also free children’s entertainment, fire shows, circus skills, street food, crafts stalls and real ales and ciders.
Bournemouth Reggae Weekender
Dates: 24th – 26th July 2026
Location: Kings Park, Boscombe
The Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is a celebration of African-Caribbean music.
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.
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.
Check out what’s on in Dorset in August and stay up to date with all the festivals and events through the year.