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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Chickerell Steam And Vintage Show
Dates: 6th – 7th July 2024
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: 2024 TBC
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: 2024 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: 5th – 7th July 2024
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: 7th July 2024
Visit Broadstone Rec for the FREE family day out in July.
Circus Zyair
The Quomps, Christchurch
Dates: 10th – 13th July 2024
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 is 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 Dinosaur Experiences
Dates: 6th – 7th July 2024
Travel back in time and Go Jurassic on the Jurassic line! Loki the Velociraptor and Betsy the Triceratops will be making appearances throughout the day at Corfe Castle Station on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July.
You may even meet a baby dinosaur and its ranger travelling on one of our trains. This is a perfect day out for the little (and not so little) dinosaur fans in your family.
Bredy Farm Festival – Bredy Reunion
Dates: 11th – 14th July 2024
Bredy Reunion will be a weekend of non-stop dance parties featuring some of the best DJ and live outfits out there.
Highcliffe Castle Open Air Theatre
11th July 2024 – The Importance of being Ernest
The Pantaloons present The Importance of being Ernest. Everybody loves Ernest. In fact, Cecily and Gwendolen are both engaged to Ernest. The only trouble is, he doesn’t exist. Or does he…?
Dorset Volkfest
Dates: 12th – 14th July 2024
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: 5th – 6th July 2024
Friday 5th July is Ladies Night with tributes to Adele, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry and Christina Aguilera
Saturday 6th July is Legends of Rock featuring tributes to Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi, ELO, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin and Def Leppard.
Lyme Morris Day
Date: 13th July 2024
Lyme Morris are holding there annual Morris Day on Saturday 13th July. A fantastic fun day on the seafront in Lyme Regis.
Sandpolo 2024
Dates: 12th – 13th July 2024
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: 12th – 14th July 2024
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: 6th July 2024
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.
Nothe Fort Victorian Weekend
Dates: 20th – 21st July 2024
Experience a living history weekend at Nothe Fort. See life in the Nineteenth Century through a variety of re-enactments, craft demonstrations, activities, and displays.
There will also be Military demonstrations, Victorian scientists & doctors. Traditional crafts, Punch & Judy, and a huge range of Victorian games as well as a Victorian photo booth.
Poole Goes Vintage
Dates: 21st July 2024
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: 14th July 2024
Location: Sandbanks Beach, Poole
This boutique beach festival in Dorset returns for its 6th 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 2024
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.
Jurassic Fields Music Festival
Dates: 12th – 14th July 2024
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.
Mapperton House And Gardens Outdoor Theatre Shows
16th July 2024 – Shakespeare’s As You Like It
Enjoy a matinee or evening performance of Shakespeare’s As You Like It as Mapperton House and Garden this Summer.
AFWM Sherborne Classic And Supercar Show
Dates: 21st July 2024
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: 19th – 21st July 2024
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.
Shaftesbury Fringe
Dates: 26th – 28th July 2024
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.
Proms In The Park Meyrick Park
Dates: 26th – 27th July 2024
Date: 26th July 2024- Classical Extravaganza
An evening of the best symphonic music in the world including music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Grieg and Saint-Saëns, a quick trip to the cinema courtesy of John Williams and Hans Zimmer, and many more symphonic masterpieces. The evening reaches a colourful climax with Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, accompanied by a stunning pyrotechnic and fireworks display!
Date: 27th July 2024 – Disco Symphonic Spectacular
Relive the magical sounds of the seventies in this trip back to a time of big hair and platform shoes, wide lapels and Denim aftershave! Crammed full of Disco tracks by the Bee Gees, Earth Wind and Fire, Boney M, Sister Sledge, Donna Summer, Kool and the Gang and many more – with fireworks and pyrotechnics galore!
Camp Bestival
Dates: Thursday 25th July – Sun 28th July 2024
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.
The 2024 music line up includes James Arthur, Paloma Faith, McFly and The Darkness to name a few.
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.
Corfe Castle Rooted In The Ruins Family Quest
Dates: until 18th July 2024
On this family quest discover the positive and negative impacts these plants can have on a 1000 year old castle ruin.
Hunt the ruins for the quest boards around the castle, note down your answer as you go to earn your conservation coin.
Summer Games At Corfe Castle
Dates: 20th July – 1st September 2024
Get involved with self-led activities that are fun for all the family. As you explore the castle ruins you will discover games and activities new and old. From lively activities like archery and skittles to more sedate games such as Jenga, there’s something for everyone.
Poole Harbour Festival
Dates: 26th – 28th July 2024
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: 26th – 28th July 2024
Location: Kings Park, Boscombe
The Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is a celebration of African-Caribbean music.
Weymouth Food & Family Festival
Dates: 27th – 28th July 2024
Location: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth
This two day family friendly festival in Weymouth has lots going on in 2024. There will be cooking demonstrations, companion dog shows, live music, the human stunt man, food and drink producers as well as a variety of arts and craft vendors.
Dorchester’s Bouncy Castle Kingdom
Dates: 29th – 30th July 2024
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: 28th July 2024
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: 27th July – 3rd August 2024
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.
Galeon Andalucia In Poole
Dates: 30th July – 5th August 2024
The Galeon Andalucia will be docking in Poole this Summer for a six day event. The ship is a replica of the 17th Century Spanish Galeon which today is a floating museum as well as a spectacular replica.
Check out what’s on in Dorset in August and stay up to date with all the festivals and events through the year.