The Best Live Music Events & Venues in Dorset

Dorset may not be the first place you would consider for a bustling live music scene, but with fantastic enthusiasm for supporting local arts, live music in the area continues to thrive.

An interesting array of venues and events are committed to nurturing local talent, as well as showcasing some great acts from further afield, here are just a few of our favourites.

Bridport Venues:

The Electric Palace, Bridport

Originally opened as a cinema in 1926, this venue has a colourful history and is even said to be haunted!

A cosy foyer, with a bar and seating, leads the way in to the auditorium, with traditional cinema style seating (although a large area in front of the stage is clear for dancing at livelier events), a grand looking stage looms at the front and an art deco style bar sits at the back of the auditorium, providing refreshments during the entertainment.

Since reopening in 2008, The Electric Palace has resumed its position as one of Bridport’s most popular entertainment venues, with a real mix of offerings from live comedy, theatre and music to movie showings and live screenings from NT and the Met.

Click here to find out more about the Electric Palace and scheduled performances.

The Ropemakers, Bridport

A great traditional pub, serving local ales from Palmers Brewery, The Ropemakers’ exterior from the high street can be slightly misleading with regards to its size! Inside, the pub stretches back, a long bar leads to an opening clear of tables, perfect for accommodating bands and various musicians (with space enough for onlookers to join in and have a dance!). To the back of the pub, punters can enjoy a lovely sheltered courtyard area all year round.

The atmosphere is lively and friendly, and is an excellent venue for enjoying the best from local musicians, as well as touring acts from further afield.

Weymouth Venues:

There are a whole host of opportunities to enjoy great local live music in Weymouth, with a number of bars holding open mic nights, or jam sessions, a great way to support local talent and an excellent entertainment for an evening out.

For an overview of what’s coming up, have a look at the Weymouth Gig Guide, providing an overview of what’s on where:

The Lazy Lizard, Weymouth

The bar plays host to an excellent variety of live performances throughout the week, with acoustic jam nights on Tuesdays, band jams on Wednesdays and local bands playing on selected Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, click here, or follow on Twitter for regular updates.

The Wyke Smugglers

Situated in Wyke Regis, customers at the Wyke Smugglers can enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, as well as some good entertainment. Open Mic nights are held most Wednesdays, with regular gigs on offer over the weekends.

Rendezvous

For those looking for more of a lively club atmosphere, Rendezvous is the place to go. The 3-floor venue sits on the harbour, with great views during the day, and a range of entertainment in the evenings; from DJs sets, to karaoke, to live music.

Don’t miss the Quayside Music Festival in May which is organised and held at Rendezvous and offers 2 days’ worth of fantastic live local music!

Click here for more information:

Music Festivals:

Anonymous Festival, Dorchester

This free youth music and culture festival has been running since 2009. Held in Maumbury Rings, an outdoor Roman amphitheatre, this is a great chance to see some fantastic live music from local musicians.

The festival makes a great day out for all ages, with a range of activities on offer, including a an Open Mic Café, graffiti art workshop and a bungee run.

The festival is due to be held this August bank holiday weekend on Saturday 29^th, click here here for more information.

Guitars on the Beach, Lyme Regis

A great beach event, which not only showcases local talent, but will also attempt to be a record breaker!

At the event, visitors are encouraged to pick up a guitar and join in the fun with a mass play-along (details of which can be found on the event’s Facebook page).

As well as over 50 stalls offering fantastic local food and drink, celebrated chef Mark Hix holds his ‘Food Rocks’ festival over the same days, just a few steps away from the action on the beach!

Jurassic Fields, Bridport

After 2 successful years, this not-for-profit festival aims to put on a family friendly day, proceeds of which supports youth music in the area.

It’s not just live music on offer either with the event also showcasing great comedy, food and entertainment.

Click here for more information.