Are you wondering what’s on in Dorset in September? It might be back to school in Dorset in September, but that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty going on. There’s always 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 September.
Dorset County Show
Dates: 7th – 8th September 2024
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.
Frontier Sapiens Film Festival
Location: Upton Country Park
Date: 4th September 2024
Outdoor cinema, but not like you’ve seen before! Coming to Poole, the Frontier Sapiens Film Festival is the largest open-air adventure film tour in the UK and is bringing inspiration and adventure to the big screen OUTDOORS.
Join us for an evening under the stars watching a collection of five extraordinary short films featuring epic adventures, cultural stories and environmental issues from some of the world’s best filmmakers.
Huge new ski descents on the iconic Baffin Island, the rehabilitation of racehorses in the mountains of Mallorca, a visionary base jump in Pakistan, and lots more. The 2024 line-up is not one to be missed.
Swanage Railway Classic And Steam Vehicle Show
Dates: 6th – 8th September 2024
There is something for everyone at this show with a varied selection of vintage, modern and custom motorbikes. There’s also classic cars, tractors, vintage campervans, commercial vehicles and stationary engines.
Free parking is available as well as trade stalls and displays.
Bournemouth Vegan Festival
Dates: 7th September 2024
Location: Citygate Centre,138A Holdenhurst Rd, Boscombe, Bournemouth BH8 8AS
60+ fantastic stalls, world food caterers, exciting cookery demos, inspirational talks, interactive workshops, yoga and children’s activities running throughout the day from 10.30am – 4.00pm
Seafest – The Dorset Seafood Festival
Dates: 7th, 8th September 2024
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.
B-Side Festival
Dates: 5th – 8th September 2024
B-side Festival is returning to the Isle of Portland this summer with an exciting variety of art installations united under the driving theme ‘Common Lands’ which invites visitors to explore their relationship with the stunning landscape.
Heritage Open Days In Dorset
Between 6th – 15th 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: 6th – 8th September 2024
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: 14th – 15th September 2024
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.
Sixpence Day At Russell-Cotes
Date: 6th September 2024
Discover the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum for the 1922 Thursday admission price of just sixpence. Entry to the art gallery and museum in Bournemouth is FREE on 6th September but donations of 6p or more are welcome.
Weymouth Family Science Festival
Dates: 22nd September 2024
Take along your inquisitive brains to Nothe Fort for another exciting and interactive day at the Fort. Expect a whole bunch of exciting experiments, demonstrations, and lots more family fun activities.
Bournemouth Arts By The Sea Festival
Dates: 27th – 29th September 2024
There’s lots going on in Bournemouth during the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival this September.
Shaftesbury Carnival
Dates: 28th September 2024
For over a 140 years Shaftesbury carnival has brought a variety of colour and light to the high street for one day a year. The carnival has heritage surrounding the hospital and they celebrate the carnival with a week of events.
Check out what’s on in Dorset in October and stay up to date with all the festivals and events through the year.