Top 7 Unmissable Events in Dorset for 2020
Surrounded by country and coast, Dorset is an unmissable location for thousands of incredible events every year. From Camp...
by Josh Davies / Events
Enjoy the most Dorset has to offer with the huge selection of festivals in Dorset. From food festivals to country shows, you can find something unique at one of these Dorset festivals.
Whether you are travelling with family or friends, Dorset has a lot of festivals that can keep you busy throughout the year. You can find unique gifts, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the atmosphere these festivals have to offer.
Find your next Dorset festival with this up-to-date list from Dream Cottages…
January 13th – February 27th
Keep that New Year positive as you wander around the peaceful Blue Pool in Dorset.
Along the 1-kilometre trail, you can find enchanting illuminations and relaxing music to help find some tranquillity.
To keep yourself warm, wear warm clothing and suitable footwear. Refreshments are available at the Art Deco Tearooms.
Where to go:
Blue Pool Car Park
Furzebrook
Wareham
BH20 5AR
16th January
If you are newly engaged and need to start planning the big day, this Dorset festival is a must-visit.
The Weymouth Pavilion Wedding Fair draws people in from all over the region, showcasing some beautiful ideas for your wedding.
Take the bridesmaids and spend the day getting inspiration. You can find everything you need here to have a perfect wedding day.
Whether you are looking for cakes, photographers, jewellery, or venues, you can plan it all at this Dorset based festival.
Where to go
The Esplanade
Weymouth
DT4 8ED
4th February – 5th February:
For over 18s only, the Dorchester Beerex has been raising money for charitable causes for over 30 years.
Why not grab your friends and head over to this traditional beer festival? You have the choice of over 80 beers and ciders. What better way to spend a February afternoon.
Since the first festival in 1988, the Dorchester Beerex has raised over £200,000 for charity. So you know your money is going to good use.
Where to go
High East Street
Dorchester
DT1 1HF
5th February – 6th February
A chance to explore your spiritual journey with many like-minded people.
Where to go
Centre For The Arts
21 Kingland Road
Poole
BH15 1UG
3rd March – 6th March & 6th October – 9th October
You can find many music festivals in Dorset. From blues to jazz, the region loves expressing their unique melodies.
With over 100 musicians and 60 events, you can find good food, great dancing, and quality music at the Swanage Blues Festival.
If you are a musician, why not get involved at one of the open mic nights. Go on, give it a go, and impress your friends.
Where to go
60 gigs in 15 indoor venues across Swanage
17th April
At Dream Cottages, we love food. We are always on the lookout for quirky new food festivals to indulge at.
To find unique, local producers, the Abbotsbury Food Fair is perfect. Follow your nose as you make your way through the fragrant stalls.
The choice is yours at this Dorset festival. You can find chillies, coffee, cheese, and baked goods on offer.
Say goodbye to your New Year diet.
Where to go
Buller’s Way
Abbotsbury
Weymouth
DT3 4LA
29th April – 1st May
Why not head to the Lyme Regis Fossil and Earth Science Festival if travelling with kids. There are plenty of chances to learn about the history of Dorset and meet other inquisitive children.
But don’t worry, there is plenty to keep the adults entertained too.
You can ask questions to some of the world’s leading palaeontologists. Or get involved with your kids and learn new skills to provide a better future for your family.
Where to go
Marine Parade
Lyme Regis
29th April – 6th May
An award-winning music and performance festival at the stunning Sherbourne Abbey.
Where to go
Abbey Close
Sherborne
DT9 3LQ
1st May
The Dorset Knob Throwing Festival is one of the most unique events on this year’s list.
As part of the Frome Valley Food Fest, Dorset Knob Throwing can fire up a tasty competition between the competitors.
These competitors take turns throwing The Dorset Knob along the landing strip. Where the longest underarm throw is crowned as the years champion.
Alongside the competition, you can enjoy live music, hot food and local producers to sample.
We do love the quirky Dorset festivals that bring communities together.
Where to go
Cattistock
Dorset
DT2 0JB, UK
8th May
A chance to enjoy artisan food and drink from local sellers and businesses.
Where to go
Shaftesbury town centre
2nd June – 5th June
Offering fresh food and drink and a selection of chef demos, musicians and family entertainment.
Where to go
Christchurch Quay
10th June – 12th June
Celebrate the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival’s 40th anniversary this year and enjoy a selection of folk music, comedy, magicians, and local traders.
From folk legends to the new kids on the scene, you can enjoy a variety of musicians across the weekend.
This festival also offers camping for those that love a weekend of live music and a friendly atmosphere.
Where to go
The Square
Wimborne Minster
BH21 1JA
12th June – 24th June
Showcasing some of Bridport’s best food and drink.
Where to go
Bridport town centre
8th July – 9th July
One of our favourite festivals in Dorset, Bourne Free, is a celebration of the diverse people of Bournemouth.
The festival started in 2004 and has grown into an annual celebration that involves a parade through Bournemouth city centre.
The new home to Bourne Free is Meyrick Park, where from 2022, you will be able to find educational and sensory areas.
There are also many stalls to get refreshments along the way.
Where to go
Meyrick Park
Central Drive
Bournemouth
BH2 6LH
7th July – 10th July
A collection of local musicians coming together to showcase live music with a classical twist in St Mary’s Church.
Where to go
St Mary’s Church
Cerne Abbas
Dorchester
DT2 7JQ
Parking available at
The Village Hall
Kettle Bridge Lane
Cerne Abbas
DT2 7GY
8th July – 10th July
We told you there are a lot of music festivals in Dorset.
Each year Jurassic Fields gets bigger and better. Located in Bridport, the music festival has seen artists like The Pigeon Detectives and Scouting for Girls.
Whether you want to stay the whole weekend or just visit for the day, there are plenty of tickets on offer at Jurassic Fields.
But wait, it gets better!
For those of us conscious of giving back, this Dorset Festival works closely with the local community to provide a chance for aspiring musicians to perform.
Where to go
Sea Road
Bridport
DT6 3XA
15th July – 17th July
Celebrating the history of the Tolpuddle Martyrs Union. With music, debates and food on offer.
Where to go
Tolpuddle town centre
28th July – 31st July
Since its creation, Camp Bestival has secured itself as one of the best music festivals in the UK.
There are plenty of camping options across the 4-day weekend. And you can experience a selection of music genres on your visit.
What makes the festival so special is the accessibility. Tickets are available for all ages, and the camping options include anything from tents to motorhomes.
Where to go
Lulworth Castle
East Lulworth
Wareham
BH20 5QS
29th July – 31st July
A weekend for the whole family to enjoy live reggae music with great food and trade stands.
Where to go
Kings Park
Bournemouth
BH7 6JF
25th August
The Melplash Agricultural Show highlights the farming culture at the heart of Dorset’s heritage.
You can find out about food production, farming and learn more with the farm to food activities.
As well as showcasing a variety of farming methods, you can also find stalls that specialise in home crafts and much more.
It is a chance for children to learn more about how the food gets on their table.
Where to go
Melplash Showground
West Bay Road
Bridport
DT6 4EG
25th August – 29th August
The Great Dorset Steam Fair is the world’s largest heritage event.
Running over five days, there are steam exhibitions, classic vehicles, and World War commemorations.
But the Dorset festival isn’t just looking at old cars and trains. There are stunt displays, a fairground, live music and as much food and drink as you can stomach.
Where to go
Great Dorset Steam Fair
A354, Tarrant Hinton
Blandford Forum
DT11 8HX
1st September – 4th September
If you have never been to an air show before, the Bournemouth Air Show is sure to get your adrenaline flowing.
Across the weekend, there are air performances, marine performances, and entertainment throughout the day.
Seeing these skilled pilots will have you on the edge of your seat as they twist and turn in formation.
Get out with the family and inspire the kids with a fantastic display of aerial acrobatics. The Bournemouth Air Show truly is a unique festival in Dorset like no other.
Where to go
Park and Ride
Boscombe
Bournemouth
BH1 4NN
3rd September
A day of livestock parades, show jumping, craft, and local food. Dorset County Show is the perfect day outside with the family.
Where to go
Agriculture House
Acland Road
Dorchester
DT1 1EF
9th September – 11th September
The Swanage Folk Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Dorset.
You can enjoy live music, dances, concerts, and workshops. It is one of the best ways to learn about the rich history of Swanage.
Plus, 2022 is the 30th anniversary of the Swanage Folk Festival, so it is a big event.
If you want to get a taste of the Dorset festival but don’t want to buy a ticket, there are a few free concerts that take place over the three days.
Where to go
The festival is based around the town centre and the seafront.
10th September – 11th September
Seafeast is one of Dorset’s award-winning festivals. The Dorset Seafood Festival showcases some of the region’s freshest marine food.
And let me tell you, it is some of the freshest seafood money can buy.
The event isn’t limited to just food and drink. Seafeast also offers a chance to see your favourite chefs prepare food. Plus, there are live music and children’s activities to keep everyone entertained.
Where to go
Weymouth Pavilion
The Esplanade
Weymouth
DT4 8ED
10th September – 12th September
Contender Fest is a Dorset festival for any fitness enthusiasts out there.
Across the weekend, you can find competitions, challenges and meet like-minded fitness enthusiasts.
There is also an opportunity to try some of Dorset’s best healthy fast food from some of the food stalls on display.
Where to go
3 Violet Lodge
30 Castlemain Avenue
Bournemouth
BH6 5EJ
10th September – 11th September
A collection of Dorset’s favourite artisan cheese producers. As well as a packed schedule of live music and entertainment.
Where to go
Sturminster Newton Recreation Ground
Sturminster Newton
DT10 1BY
16th September – 18th September
If you love walking, The Purbeck WALX Festival in Dorset is a chance to enjoy something different.
Many of the walks start from the historical Corfe Castle and are led by experienced walkers from the area.
Alongside these walks, there is a variety of entertainment to keep you entertained throughout the evening.
Where to go
Several walks take place throughout the Purbeck region during this Dorset festival.
There are so many Christmas markets in Dorset.
They are a magical place to enjoy in the lead up to Christmas. And you can fill your stomachs and have a drink from one of the many festive stalls.
To see more about the Christmas festivals in Dorset, check out our Christmas markets blog.
31st December
As the biggest New Years Eve event in Weymouth, Front Live is perfect to enjoy some festive celebrations.
With food and drink on offer, you can settle in to watch the explosive fireworks display.
Plus, in the lead up to the fireworks, enjoy live music and artist performances throughout the night.
Where to go
The Esplanade
Weymouth
DT4 8ED
There are so many festivals in Dorset to keep you busy throughout the year. Whether you love food, music, or something else, you can find something to enjoy with your family and friends.
Find the perfect holiday home to stay in on your visit to one of these unique festivals with Dream Cottages.
Image Credits – Alwyn Ladell – (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0); John Cummings – (CC BY-SA 3.0); Dorset Council – (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0); Jim Champion – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
by Josh Davies / Events
Hi, I'm Josh. I recently joined the Sykes team and love all things travel. I enjoy spending my time travelling throughout the ...
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