LOCAL EVENTS - Dorset Coast Radio

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 78b501fe-cae2-48f9-a1ca-75ca89b868c6.png

If you're holding a non-profit event soon please let us know and we'll let everyone across the Dorset Coast know!

Enter as many details as you can below and your event could also be mentioned on-air, once we've checked the details.

This service is for charities and non-profit organisations only. Commercial enterprise organisations and businesses are invited to consider the Dorset Coast Radio low-cost advertising packages. Click here for more details.

If you are travelling to an event, please check with the organisers that it is taking place before leaving, in case of cancellations.

If you're the event organiser and you need to let us know about an event cancellation, please use the form below to contact us.

Monday 31st August

Dorset Plane Pull - Aviation Business Park, Bournemouth International Airport
It’s a simple concept, but a monumental challenge: there's 20 teammates, 1 Boeing 737, and 50 metres of tarmac. The Plane Pull helps to raise valuable funds, and to date they've raised over £400,000 for their beneficiary charities. Search for 'Dorset Plane Pull' to find out more. Gates open at 10am, with the event finishing at around 5:30pm.

Music Day - Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre
Unwind in their visitor centre secret garden, for a gentle morning and afternoon of folk music, starting at 11am. https://www.visithengistburyhead.co.uk/whats-on

Harmans Cross Fete And Show - Harman's Cross Village Hall, Swanage
A traditional village hall family fair and charity fundraiser, from 12pm. https://www.harmanscrosshall.co.uk/

K-Pop Demon Hunters Kids Party - The Old Thatch, Ferndown
A dance party, with fun and games. £5 entry and gates open from 11:45am.

Summer Fun Day - Canford Magna Complex, Wimborne
A free event, with bouncy castles, face painting, a circus and fire show, penalty shoot out and more. Starts at 12pm.

Tuesday 2nd September

Bike Nights - Poole Quay
Every Tuesday until the end of September, from 5:30pm to 9pm. Bikers and spectators can enjoy a relaxed evening on Poole Quay. https://www.pooletourism.com/event/bike-nights-on-poole-quay

Friday 4th September

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Final weekend and tonight it's 'Labyrinth' (Rated PG) at the Blue Pool in Wareham, starting at 8pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Saturday 5th September

In The Night Garden Live! - Lighthouse Poole, Kingland Road
You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. The show is one for just under an hour, and with also feature a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk. Search for 'Lighthouse Poole In The Night Garden' for ticket details. Performances at 12pm and 3pm, with more tomorrow.

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
The Festival finishes tonight, and they're showing 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' (Rated 12A) at the Blue Pool in Wareham, starting at 8pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Get Medieval Knight School - Corfe Castle
Over the weekend, you can discover medieval warfare and the knightly art of sword fighting, with the expert team from Get Medieval. Suitable for ages 6 to 600! From 10am to 4:30pm both days. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle/events

Bird Fest - RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Wareham
A weekend of bird-themed guided-walks, talks, local producer stalls and more. They'll be joined by BBC Springwatch wildlife presenter, Jack Baddams, who will be leading walks to their tranquil lagoon both days, speaking about birds and signing his new book. From 8am to 5pm both days. https://events.rspb.org.uk/arne

The Poole And Bournemouth Stamp And Postcard Club Annual Fair - Upton Community Centre, Poole Road
Featuring stamp and postcard dealers, local history displays and refreshments. With free entry and free parking on site, from 10am to 4pm.

Aerial Arts Dorset Open Day - Riverside Park Industrial Estate, Wimborne
With kids and adult taster sessions, mini performances from their students, photoshoot opportunities, the chance to complete some fun challenges and win prizes and discounts. From 1 to 5pm. https://www.aerialartsdorset.co.uk/

Ferndown Fire Station Open Day - Ringwood Road
A day of fun, games, demonstrations and the chance to chat to the local crew, in aid of the Fire Fighters charity. From 10am until 4pm.

Sunday 6th September

Canford Heath Jumble Trail - Canford Heath
If you have items to sell, don't fancy a car boot sale and you live on Canford Heath you could run a sale in your own front garden. It's free to take part, so you keep all the money you make. The event is organised by the Association of Residents of Canford Heath. To be added to the sale map, register by 4th September via canfordheath.jumbletrails@outlook.com. From 10am until 2pm.

Rotary Dorset Bike Ride - Longthorns Campsite, Wareham
There are 5 routes of differing lengths to choose from, raising funds for Cancer Research UK. https://www.dorset-bike-ride.co.uk/

Get Medieval Knight School - Corfe Castle
Discover medieval warfare and the knightly art of sword fighting, with the expert team from Get Medieval. Suitable for ages 6 to 600! From 10am to 4:30pm. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle/events

Park Yoga Poole - Westfield, Poole Park (next to the Jungle Adventure Play Area)
Free outdoor Park Yoga sessions every Sunday throughout the summer, from 9.30am until 10.30am. It's suitable for people of all ages and abilities, including children. https://www.pooletourism.com/event/park-yoga-poole

Tuesday 8th September

Friday 11th September

Swanage Folk Festival - Across Swanage
A weekend of music, dance, stalls, and children’s activities around the Swanage, with the majority of events free, however some concerts are ticketed, and search for 'Swanage Folk Festival' for more. The first of three days.

Saturday 12th September

Poole Military Tattoo - Poole Stadium, Wimborne Road
'Salute to the Services' will celebrate the dedication, service, and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, uniformed services and veterans, while raising awareness and support for two highly respected charities: The Royal British Legion and Lewis Manning Hospice Care. Highlights will include large-scale marching bands, massed pipes and drums, a display of military vehicles and a classic aircraft flypast (subject to weather and availability). To ensure maximum accessibility, there will be two performances on the day. For ticket details, search for 'Poole Military Tattoo'.

Seafood And Sounds - Poole Old Town And Quay
Poole will once again come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the coast. The event celebrates Poole’s rich maritime heritage, combining live music, outstanding local seafood and family friendly entertainment. It's a free event, and for more details search for 'Poole Seafood And Sounds'. The first of two days.

Apple Day - Dorset Cider Farm, Lower Bushey Farm, Wareham
Their annual Apple Day is a family friendly event celebrating orchards, apples and cider making. Bring your fruit, enjoy live music, games, there's a BBQ and bar along with harvest and pressing demonstrations. Take along your surplus garden/orchard fruit, which will be pressed, fermented and left to mature until next Spring, when it will become part of the 2027 People's Choice Charity Cider, which will benefit a good cause decided by a public vote at the Apple Day. Their 2026 charity, the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, will be joining them to share the work they do and to receive their donation. Starts at 10am until 5pm. https://purbeckcidercompany.co.uk/pages/apple-day

South West Model Show - Tank Museum, Bovington
Across the weekend with a wargaming twist. The show features expert wargaming demonstrations, tonnes of traders, and even a full-on Bolt Action tournament! From 9:30am to 5pm both days. https://tankmuseum.org/events/autumn-model-show

WW2 Bunker Open Day - Moors Valley Country Park And Forest, Ashley Heath
A rare chance to see inside the Decoy bunker situated within Moors Valley. The bunker was used during the Second World War, to power and control lights to mimic the nearby RAF airfields at Hurn and Ibsley, including a 1km flare path whose location has been identified. This is an opportunity to take a closer look at the bunker which is not usually accessible to the public. From 10am to 2pm, and also on Sunday 20th. https://moors-valley.co.uk/events/bunker-open-day/

Heritage Open Days Week - Clavell Tower Open Days, Kimmeridge, Wareham
There's free entry this weekend, as part of this year's Heritage Open Days week which runs until next Sunday. Built in 1830 for an unknown purpose by John Richards Clavell, the tower was in danger of falling off the crumbling cliff until the Landmark Trust carried out a dramatic rescue in 2007, dismantling it piece by piece and re-erecting it further back from the edge. https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/opendays/clavell-open-days-26/

Sunday 13th September

Family Dog Show And Fun Day - The Horns Inn, Burtshill, Wimborne
Returning for its third year including prizes for best veteran, best rescue and best catch a ball! Registration is from 1.30 to 2.30pm, with the show starting at 3pm.

Bournemouth International Triathlon - West Cliff Gardens
Both sprint and standard distance swims start on the beach, just under the zig zag of West Cliff Gardens, before heading out of Bournemouth on a fast bike course towards Ringwood. Then it's a run along the promenade to finish back on the sand! Registration opens at 5:30am. https://www.britishtriathlon.org/events/bournemouth-international-triathlon_16989

Heritage Open Days Week - Clavell Tower Open Days, Kimmeridge, Wareham
There's free entry this weekend, as part of this year's Heritage Open Days week which runs until next Sunday. Built in 1830 for unknown purpose by John Richards Clavell, the tower was in danger of falling off the crumbling cliff until the Landmark Trust carried out a dramatic rescue in 2007, dismantling it piece by piece and re-erecting it further back from the edge. https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/opendays/clavell-open-days-26/

Tuesday 15th September

Behind The Scenes Tour - Dorset History Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester
Go behind the scenes at Dorset History Centre this September. They're offering behind the scene tours at 10.30am and 2pm on the 15th September, and also 10am and 11.30am on the 19th September. There are limited tickets available so go to https://www.ticketsource.com/dorset-history-centre to secure your place.

Heritage Open Days Week - Lulworth Castle And Park, East Lulworth
Today and tomorrow there's free entry, as part of Heritage Open Days. You can walk in the footsteps of Royalty as you explore the 17th Century Castle, and see unrivalled views from the Castle tower. There's also woodland walks and a children's playground. Parking charges apply.

Heritage Open Days Week - Christchurch Castle And Norman House Tours, High Street
Today and tomorrow there's free entry, as part of Heritage Open Days. Led by an expert volunteer, this Norman House tour uncovers the rich history behind two remarkable survivals of a once vast, elite residence. Today, the Norman House remains a remarkably rare surviving example of 12th century domestic architecture.

Wednesday 16th September

Heritage Open Days Week - Lulworth Castle And Park, East Lulworth
Today there's free entry, as part of Heritage Open Days. The Castle has been described as arguably the most important surviving house of the romantic and picturesque style of architecture, from the end of the 18th century. Explore at your own leisure or book a Guided Tour.

Heritage Open Days Week - Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive
Today there's free entry, as part of Heritage Open Days. You can walk in the footsteps of Royalty as you explore the 17th Century Castle, and see unrivalled views from the Castle tower. There's also woodland walks and a children's playground. Parking charges apply.

Heritage Open Days Week - Christchurch Castle And Norman House Tours, High Street
Today there's free entry, as part of Heritage Open Days. Led by an expert volunteer, this Norman House tour uncovers the rich history behind two remarkable survivals of a once vast, elite residence. Today, the Norman House remains a remarkably rare surviving example of 12th century domestic architecture.

Thursday 17th September

Purbeck WALX Festival - Around the Purbecks
On for four days until Sunday 20th, this event offers walks and workshops to suit all levels in iconic locations along the Jurassic Coast, such as Dancing Ledge, Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle and more. https://walx.co.uk/dorset-festival-2026/

Heritage Open Days Week - Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
There's free entry for the next three days as part of Heritage Open Days. You can wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world's oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy/events/0f598dc3-217d-4164-ac3c-a9c46d910380

Friday 18th September

Purbeck WALX Festival - Around the Purbecks
Continuing until Sunday 20th, this event offers walks and workshops to suit all levels in iconic locations along the Jurassic Coast, such as Dancing Ledge, Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle and more. https://walx.co.uk/dorset-festival-2026/

Heritage Open Days Week - Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
There's free entry until tomorrow, as part of Heritage Open Days. You can wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world's oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy/events/0f598dc3-217d-4164-ac3c-a9c46d910380

Saturday 19th September

The South Coast Swim - Undercliffe Drive, Boscombe
With distances ranging from 250m to 10km, there's something for everyone, whether you're dipping your toes in or chasing an Olympic challenge. Be a part of Open Water Swimming history and join the first ever South Coast Swim. From 12 to 5pm. https://wildswimevents.com/products/the-south-coast-swim

Wild And Wiser Festival - Wooders Campsite, Bere Regis
Running over the weekend, a festival for women, by women. Blending wellness, creativity and personal exploration. A chance to reconnect with yourself, other women and nature. https://www.wildandwiser.co.uk/

Wimborne Food Festival
Dorset’s very own Seaside Baker, and former Great British Bake Off contestant, Maggie Richardson will be appearing, with a special cookery demonstration. The festival will take place around the town between 11am and 4pm. https://www.wimbornefoodfestival.com/

Cardboard Camp Out - Diverse Abilities, Merritown Lane, Christchurch
Brave a night outside and raise funds to prevent a housing crisis amongst families with disabilities. https://diverseabilities.org.uk/daevents/cardboardcampout

Heritage Open Days - Corfe Castle
Every September, thousands of venues across England organise events as part of Heritage Open Days, so this is an opportunity to explore the castle ruins, go on a storytelling tour, and discover more about the fascinating history of Corfe Castle. Entry to the castle is free this weekend. From 10am to 4:30pm both days. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle/events

Heritage Open Days Week - Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
There's free today as part of Heritage Open Days. You can wander through the Japanese Garden to the Kitchen Garden, or explore the vast 8,500 acres of estate, featuring Iron Age hill forts, colourful heathland, water meadows and the world's oldest pedigree herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy/events/0f598dc3-217d-4164-ac3c-a9c46d910380

Planet Purbeck's Discovery Fest - Swanage Seafront
A free, family friendly seafront festival, which will celebrate Purbeck's community, coast and countryside. From 10am until 3pm. https://planetpurbeck.org/

Sunday 20th September

Purbeck WALX Festival - Around the Purbecks
Final day of this event, which offers walks and workshops to suit all levels in iconic locations along the Jurassic Coast, such as Dancing Ledge, Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle and more. https://walx.co.uk/dorset-festival-2026/

Wild And Wiser Festival - Wooders Campsite, Bere Regis
Final day of the festival for women, by women. Blending wellness, creativity and personal exploration. A chance to reconnect with yourself, other women and nature. https://www.wildandwiser.co.uk/

WW2 Bunker Open Day - Moors Valley Country Park And Forest, Ashley Heath
A rare chance to see inside the Decoy bunker situated within Moors Valley. The bunker was used during the Second World War, to power and control lights to mimic the nearby RAF airfields at Hurn and Ibsley, including a 1km flare path whose location has been identified. This is an opportunity to take a closer look at the bunker which is not usually accessible to the public. From 10am to 2pm. https://moors-valley.co.uk/events/bunker-open-day/

Heritage Open Days 'The Wrecks Of Studland Bay' - Ferry Road, Studland
Find out about the 17th century Swash Channel wreck, the Fame of Hoorn, and the 13th century mortar ship wreck. There's also clay tile making and pirate dress up for the kids. It's a free event, meeting at the Discovery Centre, Knoll Beach, from 10am to 4pm. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay/events

Purbeck Marathon - Peveril Point, Swanage
Featuring two routes: A Full Marathon with 1,032m elevation gain, or a 16-Mile Race with 627m elevation gain. Both routes take runners past the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle, along the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path, with the full marathon also going through the abandoned village of Tyneham. The race finishes on the seafront in Swanage, where runners can celebrate with a well-earned sea dip and locally made ice cream. https://thepurbeckmarathon.co.uk/

Tuesday 22nd September

Kingston Lacy Estate Walk: Pamphill And The Droves
The walk takes in Pamphill Green, Little Pamphill, Bear Wood and All Fools Lane. This volunteer led walk will discover some of the ancient woodlands of the estate, and you'll see some of the conservation work they're carrying out to preserve these special areas. It's a 5 mile walk, taking three hours, and starting at 10am. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy

Thursday 24th September

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time - Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
Revive Theatre presents Simon Stephens' acclaimed adaptation, which is based on the bestselling novel by Mark Haddon. On for three nights, starting at 7:30pm. https://www.tivoliwimborne.co.uk/events/curious-incident/

Friday 25th September

Arts By The Sea Festival - Bournemouth Gardens and Centre
The theme this year, ELEMENTAL, celebrates the powerful energies that connect us to each other and to the world around us. On both Friday and Saturday. https://artsbythesea.co.uk/

Saturday 26th September

The Time Travellers Kitchen - Corfe Castle
Join them for a weekend of medieval cooking demonstrations. Using authentic recipes and traditional methods over open fire, you'll see how food was prepared and enjoyed hundreds of years ago. From 10am to 4:30pm both days. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle/events

Tiger Tank Day Autumn - The Tank Museum, Bovington
See a WWII tank display, and explore The Tank Museum on a day dedicated to the world’s most infamous tank. From 8:30am until 5pm. https://tankmuseum.org/events/tiger-day-autumn

Sunday 27th September

Dorset Mind Big Walk - Sandbanks
You can choose between two walking challenges designed to suit different abilities and goals. The 30K Coastal Challenge is the ultimate challenge, from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head and back. If you're looking for a shorter and more accessible option, the 5K Wellbeing Walk starts at Sandbanks and heads towards Branksome Chine Beach. Anyone who fund raises £50 or more, will receive a free Dorset Mind BIG Walk t-shirt. https://dorsetmind.uk/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/the-dorset-mind-big-walk/

Tuesday 29th September

Thursday 1st October

Swanage Blues Festival - Various venues
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Swanage Blues Festival brings together an amazing collection of Blues musicians, fans and friends for a weekend of jams, open mics and headline performances. The first of 4 days. https://www.swanage-blues.org/

Friday 2nd October

Swanage Blues Festival - Various venues
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Swanage Blues Festival brings together an amazing collection of Blues musicians, fans and friends for a weekend of jams, open mics and headline performances. Continues until Sunday. https://www.swanage-blues.org/

Saturday 3rd October

Swanage Blues Festival - Various venues
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Swanage Blues Festival brings together an amazing collection of Blues musicians, fans and friends for a weekend of jams, open mics and headline performances. Continues until Sunday. https://www.swanage-blues.org/

Romance Writing Festival - Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth
The chance to join 100s of writers in Bournemouth for a full day of inspiration, panels, talks, free activities, and creative connection. https://www.romancewritingfestival.co.uk/

Sunday 4th October

Margaret Green Animal Rescue Country Fayre And Dog Show - Church Knowle
**New date** The day includes dog show classes, food and drink, stalls from local traders, live performances, and demonstrations. Gates will open from 11am, with the dog show starting at midday. The event aims to raise funds to support their work with rescue animals across Dorset, Devon and beyond. The centre offers free on-site parking. https://www.margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk/product/country-fayre-dog-show-2026/

Swanage Blues Festival - Various venues
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Swanage Blues Festival brings together an amazing collection of Blues musicians, fans and friends for a weekend of jams, open mics and headline performances. Last day of the festival. https://www.swanage-blues.org/

Monday 5th October

Learn To Sing In Harmony - Ocean Academy, Poole
Southern Union Chorus are Dorset’s only male Barbershop chorus, singing acappella in four-part harmony. They have a free course running on the next four consecutive Monday evenings, from 7:30pm. Run by a professional coach, it's open to all, with the only requirement being that you're able to sing reasonably in tune. https://suchorus.uk/

Friday 9th October

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time - The Mowlem, Swanage
Revive Theatre presents Simon Stephens' acclaimed adaptation, which is based on the bestselling novel by Mark Haddon. On for two nights, starting at 7:30pm. https://themowlem.com/event/the-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-night-time/

Saturday 10th October

Friday 16th October

Purbeck Film Festival - Various venues
Taking place in over 30 venues, including village halls, pubs, restaurants, hotels, arts centres, castles and more! First day of the festival, which continues until Sunday 1st November. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Wednesday 18th November

Banff Mountain Film Festival - Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
Big-screen adventure - incoming! The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is bringing a night of inspirational adventure films to venues around Dorset. There's climbing in Patagonia, mountain biking in Nepal and much more. The Banff Mountain Film Festival features cutting-edge expeditions from remote corners of the globe. Search for 'Banff Film Festival' for ticket details and showtimes.