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Upton Country Park
Muddy Dog Dash 2026 - Fun Run for Dogs and Owners in Dorset
Date: Saturday 28th March 2026
Location: Upton Country Park
Event Information: Join in with your furry friends, or run solo, at one of the biggest events in Dorset! The Muddy Dog Dash 2026 is a dog-tastic obstacle course designed for all ages and abilities. Choose between 3km or 5km routes and navigate muddy ditches, tunnels, wiggle poles, tyre runs, rope jumps, and more.
Whether you're dashing, running, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s one of the best events in Dorset for families and dog lovers alike. All money raised will support vital services provided by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, making this fun day out meaningful as well as muddy!
Wareham
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
Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour Festival 2026 – Music, Food & Family Fun in Dorset
Date: 31st July – 2nd August 2026
Location: Poole Harbour
Event Information: Experience one of the biggest events in Dorset at the stunning Poole Harbour! The Poole Harbour Festival 2026 brings three days of fantastic music and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy two stages of live music, family-friendly performances, delicious food stalls, and much more.
Whether you’re attending with friends, family, or just looking for a fun day out, this festival is among the best events in Dorset this summer. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Poole Harbour, it’s a must-visit event for locals and visitors alike.
Dorchester
Music at Minterne
Event Information: Minterne House are now looking forward to their third year of Concerts at Minterne and are delighted to welcome 2 Quartets from the Royal Academy of Music.
Dates:
- Tuesday 17th February
- Wednesday 18th February
- Saturday 9th May
- Sunday 10th May
- Monday 5th October
Poole
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.
Wimborne
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.
Price: Various, view here.
Dorset
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:
6th February Big Kid Energy - Time for the big kids to play. Think Fun House, think birthday parties, think ‘80s, ‘90s’, ‘00s fun.
19th February Playtime! - We’re opening the doors of our soft play centre to everyone, helping to raise valuable funds for the charity.
26th February Swish It - New Year, New You - but make it eco! Bring what you’re clearing out, and leave with new things.
3rd March Bird Houses & Balls - Join their Outdoor Learning Lead to customise your own bird house and make treats for your local feathered friends.
Moors Valley
Room on the Broom Trail
Date: From 27 January
Location: Moors Valley
Event Information: Join Witch and her friends on an enchanting adventure at Moors Valley Country Park.
- Grade – Easy
- Trail length – 1.9km
- Age – This trail is aimed at children aged 3-9, but can be enjoyed by all.
This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun.
As you explore, help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand, and collect the special ingredients she needs to complete her spell – but watch out for Dragon along the way! Once you’ve finished the trail, snap a photo with Witch and her animal friends on their magnificent new broom.
Start your adventure with a Room on the Broom trail pack, available for just £4 from the Visitor Centre. Each pack is filled with everything you need to bring the magic to life, including:
- Craft card with pop-out star to make to your own witchy wand.
- Kraft bag to colour in, and a pencil
- Room on the Broom lanyard to wear.
- Ingredient stickers and spell cards to fill in.
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.
Dorset
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.
Sandbanks
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
Bournemouth
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
Wareham
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!
Dorchester
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
Beaminster
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Events in Dorset
What are the biggest events in Dorset in 2026?
Some of the biggest and best events in Dorset in 2026 include major music festivals, food and drink celebrations, seasonal markets, agricultural shows, and coastal events. Highlights take place across Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, and Dorset’s rural towns and villages throughout the year.
When is the best time to visit Dorset for events?
The busiest period for events in Dorset is from late spring through summer, when festivals, outdoor concerts, and seaside events take place. However, autumn food festivals, winter Christmas markets, and spring cultural events also make Dorset a great year-round destination.
Where can I find an events calendar for Dorset?
You can find a regularly updated events calendar for Dorset on this site, featuring upcoming festivals, live entertainment, family events, and seasonal activities. The calendar makes it easy to see what’s on today, this weekend, or later in 2026.
Are there family-friendly events in Dorset?
Yes, Dorset hosts a wide range of family-friendly events, including fairs, outdoor theatre, children’s festivals, animal events, and interactive attractions. Many of the best events in Dorset are suitable for all ages and take place during school holidays.
Do I need tickets for Dorset events?
Some of Dorset’s biggest events and festivals require advance tickets, especially popular music and food events. Many local and community events in Dorset are free to attend. It’s always recommended to check event details in advance to avoid disappointment.
Where should I stay when attending events in Dorset?
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Dorset, including seaside hotels, countryside cottages, campsites, and short-stay apartments. Booking early is advised for major events and festivals, as accommodation near event locations can fill up quickly.
Are there free events in Dorset?
Yes, many events in Dorset are free, including village fêtes, markets, beach events, seasonal celebrations, and local festivals. Free events are especially common during the summer and holiday periods.
Do events in Dorset run all year round?
Events take place in Dorset throughout the year. While summer is the peak season for festivals and outdoor events, winter brings Christmas markets and light displays, and spring and autumn feature food festivals, arts events, and countryside shows.