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Dorset's Biggest and Best 2025/26 Events

2025 is underway and Dorset is ready for a year of adventure, action, and awesome events. With so much going on across Dorset in 2025 we've rounded up our pick of the biggest and best events taking place in across the county including Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch to across the Purbecks and Dorchester. Take a look below and find out more about the must-not-miss events happening in Dorset this year.

Dorset

muddy dog dash

Muddy Dog Dash 2026

Date: Saturday 28th March 2026
   

Location:Upton Country Park

Event Information: Join in with your furry friend(s)-  or run solo – and take on a dog-tastic obstacle course designed for all ages and abilities! Choose between the 3km or 5km routes and navigate through muddy ditches, tunnels, wiggle poles, tyre runs, rope jumps and more. 

Whether you're dashing, running, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a fun tail-wagging day out for the whole family – dogs included. 

All money raised will go towards funding vital services provided by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. 

Find out more

Bournemouth

Cinderella Pantomime - Bournemouth Pavilion

Cinderella Pantomime - Bournemouth Pavilion

Dates:  – 

About: In a land of dust and dreams, Cinderella is stuck sweeping ashes while her cruel stepsisters parade in pearls. But everything changes when a glittering Fairy Godmother appears, armed with a twinkle in her eye, a wave of her wand, and a mysterious carriage fit for a princess. With the clock ticking, can Cinderella find her courage, meet her Prince, and claim the magical life she deserves

Tickets: From £19 per person

Kids Eat For £1: If you have a Cinderella Panto ticket, dine at Elevate before the show, and kids eat for £1 when an adult main meal is purchased. Present your panto ticket at Elevate Brasserie & Bar on the day of the show to claim this special festive offer!

Find out more

Wareham

Illuminate at The Blue Pool

Illuminate at The Blue Pool

Date

  • Every Friday – Sunday: 10th January – 8th February | 4:30pm, 5:15pm or 6:00pm
  • Every Day: 13th February – 22nd February | 5:30pm, 6:15pm or 7:00pm

Location: Wareham

Event Information: Discover The Blue Pool after dark at Illuminate. Wander through the nature reserve transformed by professionally designed lighting displays, vibrant colours, and atmospheric music. For 2026, discover new elements along the trail as you explore the woodlands all the way around the lake, with stunning views from every side.

Enjoy their cosy Art Deco Tearooms, open all evening with plenty of treats and drinks and don’t miss the fire pits on the terrace—perfect for toasting marshmallows under the stars. Wrap up warm and enjoy an unforgettable evening at Illuminate with the whole family.

Price:

  • Adults: £17.50
  • Children (5 – 15 years): £8.50
  • Children under 5: Free

BOOK NOW

Find out more

Weymouth

Illuminate at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Illuminate at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

Dates: Various dates from 21st November - 31st December 2025

Where: Bullers Wy, Abbotsbury, Weymouth DT3 4LA

About: An outdoor Winter enchanted lights display within the Gardens. Colourful lights transform and illuminate the Subtropical 18th century Gardens.

With a new route comes a new perspective on the planting and features in the Gardens. Colours, textures, and shapes create a magical event that can be enjoyed with family and friends. The perfect Christmas and Winter walk to brighten up the cold season and prepare for the festive celebrations

Price: Adults £15, Kids £8.50

Find out more

Wimborne

Family Fest Dorset

Family Fest Dorset

Date:  Friday 29th - Sunday 31st May 2026 

Location: The Meadows, Julian's Road, Wimborne, Dorset

Event Information: Family Fest is the place to be, bringing families and the community together with a range of traders, live music from local artists, activities, laughter, and joy across 12 acres of working farmland.

It will be THREE days of fun-packed live music, children's shows, mascot appearances, beer, gin, fabulous food, a charity dog show, and tons more to start summer in style.

Get your early bird tickets whilst you can! Their early bird tickets will be available until the 11th January 2026!

Price: Various, view here.

Find out more

Dorset

Diverse Abilities 2026 Events

Diverse Abilities 2026 Events

Date: Various 

Event Information: Diverse Abilities is Dorset's disability charity, supporting both children and adults with physical and learning disabilities, as well as providing advice and support to their families.

They run various events throughout the year that help raise money for the disability charity. You can view all their upcoming events below:

2026 event info TBC, please check back in the following weeks for more information!

Find out more

Poole

Poole Harbour Festival 2026

Poole Harbour Festival 2026

Date: 31st July - 2nd August 2026

Location: Poole Harbour

Event Information: Three days of great music and entertainment set to the backdrop of Poole Harbour.Enjoy two stages of live music, family entertainment, numerous food stalls and more!

Find out more
Unique Events at Isabel's Brasserie

Unique Events at Isabel's Brasserie

Date: Various monthly, check here.

Location: 127-129 Penn Hill Avenue, Poole, Dorset, BH14 9LY

Event Information: Isabel's Brasserie serve up some of Poole's finest mouth-watering French and English dishes. But not only are they a go-to stop for a romantic meal, Isabel's Brasserie host some of the town's more exciting events. 

  • Cabaret & Burlesque Supper Nights - These nights include delicious food, and dazzling performances from their Caberet and Burlesque performers.
  • Tribute Act Events -  Join Isabel's Brasserie for a night of music and wonderful food with a range of unforgettable tribute acts
  • And more...

Find their upcoming events, HERE.

Find out more

Wareham

Dining at Priory Wareham

Dining at Priory Wareham

Date: Various monthly, check here.

Location: Church Grn, Wareham BH20 4ND

The Garden Room at the Priory Wareham brings the outside in, come rain or shine you will dine with views over their lawn and down to the river. With ceiling-height windows that open fully, green oak beams, and luxury Mulberry Home interiors, they hope to bring you one of Dorset’s most memorable and unique dining experiences.

Sunday Lunch: Weekly.

Afternoon Tea: Daily

Cream Tea: Sundays.

Find out more

Dorset

Rustic Stomp Logo

Rustic Stomp Festival 2026

Date:  Fri 17 July 2026 - Mon 20 July 2026

Location: Pikes Farm, Organford Lane, Dorset, BH16 6ES

Event Information: Dorsets very own Alternative Americana Roots Festival is back again with over 60 acts playing 4 stages. Celebrating the best of Americana music and culture from all around the world, bringing together talented artists and fans for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a fan of folk, jazz, country, blues, rock, or any other Americana music, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you.

Price: Various, find full information here.

Find out more

Poole

Poole Goes Vintage

Poole Goes Vintage

Date: Poole Goes Vintage 2026 Date TBC

Location: Poole Quay

Event Information: This great summer event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all things vintage here in Poole!

Poole Goes Vintage offers a rare chance to revel in music, dance, fashion, memorabilia, entertainment, and classic cars on a 1940–60s theme!

Price: FREE

Find out more

Sandbanks

Sandfest 2026

Sandfest 2026

Date: Sunday 12th July 2026

Location: Sandbanks Beach, 1A Banks Road, Poole, BH13 7PS

Event Information: You will get to party on the golden shores of the internationally famous Sandbanks. Be among five thousand party people who gather to indulge in sand, sun, fun and seriously good music! SandFest is a boutique beach festival like no other. 

Price:

  • Second Release Single ticket General Admission - £50.00 + £5 fees
  • VIP Upgrade Ticket Single Ticket - £40.00 + £4.00 fees
  • VIP Ticket Single Ticket - £80.00 + £8.00 fees
  • VIP Table of 10 - £1,200.00 + £120.00 fees

Final Release Tickets are going on sale soon...

  • General Admission Single Ticket: £60 +£6.00 fees
  • VIP Single Ticket: £90.00 +£9.00 fees

GET TICKETS HERE

Find out more

Bournemouth

7s logo

Bournemouth 7s

Date: Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th May 2026

Location: Bournemouth Sports Club, Chapel Gate, East Parley, Christchurch, BH23 6BL

Event Information: Bournemouth 7s Festival is the world's largest sports and music festival. Amidst the sport, the main festival arena boasts 12 uniquely themed festival arenas, as well as numerous experiences such as Bingo Lingo, foam parties, a silent disco, a funfair and more. In regards to sport, get ready to watch Rugby, Dodgeball, Hockey and much more!

Price:

  • Camping Weekend - £219
  • VIP and Camping Weekend - £259
  • V.VIP Glamping - £359

Weekend Non-Camping

  • V.VIP - £139
  • Adult - £109
  • Student - £89

Day Non-Camping

  • V.VIP - £109
  • Adult - £89
  • Student - £79
Find out more

Wareham

Dorset Wed Fest

Dorset Wed Fest

Date: 24th May 2026

Location: Longthorns, Wareham, BH20 6HH

Event Information: The event was created to be relaxing for both visitors and wedding suppliers, so everyone can chat in an informal setting with no hard sell. There will be live bands, mobile bars, mobile caterers and LOTS of wedding suppliers!

BOOK HERE!

Dorchester

Minterne House Halloween Trail

Minterne House Halloween Trail

Date: 2026 Dates TBC

Location: Minterne House and Gardens

Event Information: Minterne House has organised an exciting Halloween Trail this Autumn! At Minterne House, you'll have 27 acres of untamed woodland garden to roam and discover during their Halloween Trail.

Expect - 

  • Ghostly appearances in the Gardens.
  • Skeletons rowing across the lake.
  • Spiders & Cobwebs hiding in the shrubbery.
  • Bats, Bats & more Bats!
  • Witches casting spells over their cauldrons!

Price:

  • Adult Ticket - £10.48
  • Children- £5.24
Find out more

Beaminster

Mapperton's Halloween Trail

Mapperton's Halloween Trail

Date: 2026 Dates TBC

Location: Minterne Estate

Event Information: Join Mapperton House this half term for a spellbinding Halloween trail as you help Pippa, Mapperton’s mischievous witch’s cat, on her magical mission.

Children will receive a special activity booklet and follow a mapped route through the gardens, uncovering decorative Halloween scenes. Each display hides a letter to collect and unscramble into a spooky secret word. From bubbling cauldrons and witchy washing lines to giant spiderwebs and golden pumpkins, every stop is filled with autumnal magic.

The trail ends at the Summerhouse, transformed into a Potion Room brimming with broomsticks, spellbooks, potion bottles and flickering candlelight. Here, children can mix their own mini potion to take home – made with dried ingredients and a sprinkle of imagination. Keep your eyes peeled for Pippa the Cat, hiding somewhere in the gardens – spot her and claim a sweet reward!

Free Activities in the Coach House: Alongside the trail, there are free Halloween activities in the Coach House Café, every day from 11am to 3pm. Children can enjoy spooky colouring, design their own biscuit, or help decorate the café with pumpkin-themed crafts. No need to book for the activities – just drop in and join the fun.

Price:

  • Trail price: £5 per child (includes garden entry, activity booklet, trail and potion-making)
  • Garden entry: For every child, one accompanying adult has FREE garden entry
Find out more
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