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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Beaminster Festival
Dates: 28th June – 6th July 2025
Set amidst the rolling hills of West Dorset, very near the Jurassic coast, the small but vibrant town of Beaminster plays host to the annual Beaminster Festival of music, theatre, literature and art.
Performers include those of international standing as well as young artists, early in their careers.
Jay Miller’s Circus Blandford
Dates: 2nd – 6th July 2025
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 19th July 2025
As well as the selected dates in July above, the Dorset Mega Slip and Slide will be running all through 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.
Hamworthy Park Summer Fete
Date: 2025 tbc
Location: Hamworthy Park
Take the whole family for plenty of food, ice creams, bouncy castles, music, kids corner, art and crafts, local produce and much more.
Weymouth Beach Rugby Fest
Dates: 11th – 13th July 2025
The Weymouth Beach Rugby Festival offers a weekend of sun, sand, music and tag Rugby for all abilities. Featuring Mens, Ladies, Mixed/Family teams from across the UK, playing 5aside.
Broadstone Fun Day
Date: 6th July 2025
Visit Broadstone Rec for the FREE family day out in July.
Circus Zyair
The Quomps, Christchurch
Dates: 1st – 5th July 2025
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 2024 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
Swanage Railway Peppa Pig Meet & Greet
Dates: 5th July 2025
Your favourite cartoon pig will be at Swanage Railway this July for some meet and greet opportunities.
Bredy Farm Festival – Bredy Reunion
Dates: 10th – 13th July 2025
Bredy Reunion will be a weekend of non-stop dance parties featuring some of the best DJ and live outfits out there.
Dorset Volkfest
Dates: 11th – 14th July 2025
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: 4th – 5th July 2025
Friday 4th July is Ladies Night with tributes to Pink, Dua Lipa, Little Mix, Beyonce and Dolly Parton.
Saturday 5th July is Super Family Singalong featuring tunes of Abba, Queen, Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift and more.
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.
Lyme Morris Day
Date: 12th July 2025
Lyme Morris are holding there annual Morris Day on Saturday 12th July. A fantastic fun day on the seafront in Lyme Regis.
Sandpolo 2025
Dates: 11th – 12th July 2025
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: 11th – 13th July 2025
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: 5th July 2025
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.
Poole Goes Vintage
Dates: 13th July 2025
Located on Poole Quay, there will be vintage fashion, vintage cars, live music and plenty of dancing. Enjoy the stunning town of Poole on a hopefully warm July day.
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.
West Bay Fun Fair
Dates: Mid July until August Bank holiday 2025
Location: Brit Valley Camping Ground, behind the Riverside, DT6 4EZ
Attractions include dodgem cars, various side stalls, shooting games and the ever popular Mega Dance.
AFWM Sherborne Classic And Supercar Show
Dates: 20th July 2025
The Classic and Supercars Show, which began in 2004, will be returning in 2024 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: 25th – 27th July 2025
Location: Bridport
There will be music, Morris dancing, stalls, entertainment and plenty more at Bridport Folk Festival.
Shaftesbury Fringe
Dates: 18th – 20th July 2025
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.
Summer Of Play At Corfe Castle
Dates: 19th July – 31st August 2025
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.
Poole Harbour Festival
Dates: 25th – 27th July 2025
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: 25th – 27th July 2025
Location: Kings Park, Boscombe
The Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is a celebration of African-Caribbean music.
Dorchester’s Bouncy Castle Kingdom
Dates: 27th – 28th July 2025
The Dorchester Bouncy Castle Kingdom will be held at Poundbury Park in Dorchester. There is a designated under 5’s soft play zone as well as 15 large bouncy castles. There will be refreshments and toilets available on site too.
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: 26th July – 2nd August 2025
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 26th July.
Replica Nao Santa Maria
Dates: 31st July – 3rd August 2025
Location: Poole Quay
A stunning full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’ famous flagship, the Nao Santa Maria offers a fascinating glimpse into 15th-century maritime exploration.
This incredible wooden ship has travelled the world as a floating museum, showcasing what life was like for explorers during the Age of Discovery. From the cramped living quarters to the towering masts, it’s an immersive experience that history lovers (and curious kids!) won’t want to miss.
Check out what’s on in Dorset in August and stay up to date with all the festivals and events through the year.