Set within the idyllic countryside and sun-soaked coast, Dorset is a truly beautiful setting for any event, which is perhaps why it’s become the home for so many!
If you love to dance your way through the weekend then checking out Dorset’s ever-expanding list of music festivals is a must. Don’t worry if you’re after more than just a good rock or pop tune, from fossils to steam engines (and a good portion of food festivals), Dorset has something for everyone. Here are just some of the best music festivals and events in Dorset in 2024…
Teddy Rocks Festival
When: 3rd – 5th May
Where: Blandford
Access: Free parking and several car parks in Blandford where you can catch a shuttle bus to the festival or there is free parking at the festival that is first-come, first-serve
If you go down to the woods today you’ll find a family-friendly music festival with buckets of character, fantastic performances and tonnes to do – all in the name of charity. Teddy Rocks began in 2011 to raise money for Teddy20, a children’s cancer charity, and has continued to grow in size, popularity, and pure awesomeness ever since, with all proceeds going to the charity. Across the three days, you’ll have your pick of bumper cars, bungee trampolines, petting zoos… oh, and some unforgettable performances from the likes of Atomic Kitten and Five.
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Bournemouth’s 7’s Festival
When: 24th – 26th May
Where: Christchurch
Access: Parking on site
Sports lovers and party-goers unite, this one’s for you! Three days of everything sport, music, and fun can be found at Bournemouth’s 7’s, from dodgeball to rugby to beer tents. This festival has been named the Sporting Glastonbury and we have to say, there has never been a more accurate description as thousands of people descend to the south coast to make the most of the May Bank Holiday weekend in the name of friendly competition and fun. Catch the likes of Rudimental, Wilkinson, and Joel Corry, who will be taking to the stage across the weekend to lend their talents to the array of events.
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Wimborne Minster Folk Festival
When: 7th – 9th June
Where: Wimborne Minster
Access: The are lots of car parks around the town as well as the Allenbourne School fields, which will be opening up for cars on the Saturday and Sunday
If you’re a fan of folk then June is the time to visit Dorset! Soak up a little bit of everything at the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, which brings together art, dance, music, comedy and much more in one fabulous melting pot of culture. Returning for its 42nd Birthday, 2024 is set to be the festival’s biggest and best year yet with an incredible lineup of performances, exhibits, and loads of local artwork – it really is a feast for the cultural senses!
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Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
When: 8th – 9th June
Where: Lyme Regis
Access: Parking throughout the town
From fossils you can hold in your hand to life-sized statues that really put things into perspective, the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival is one huge celebration of all things big and scaly and it takes place right here on one of Dorset's most famous beaches. Take part in some fossil hunting in one of the richest palaeontological stretches in the world, get stuck into some fantastic hands-on science, and let your mind wander and expand at the fascinating talks. There are also some amazing coastal walks nearby, which offer many opportunities to hunt for fossils. And if, while discovering the past, your belly rumbles in the present, simply head to the vibrant street food market for some chompingly good grub right in the heart of the Jurassic Coast!
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DorsetFest
When: 21st – 22nd June
Where: Bulbarrow
Access: Car park at the festival
Round up the whole family for this rural musical getaway that combines eclectic music with a raucous combination of entertainment and activities. In between the toe-tapping sets on stage, explore the eye-catching array of locally stocked stalls, let your nose lead the way for a tasty treat and keep the kids entertained with a circus workshop or mesmerising bubble show. Nestled in the beautiful Dorset countryside, this family-friendly festival is an unforgettable weekend for all.
The Summer Festival
When: 25th – 29th June
Where: Dorchester
Access: Ample parking at the venue
Set in the tranquil Sculpture by the Lakes, this award-winning, five-day long arts festival showcases a variety of local artists and makers as visitors are given the chance to watch incredible works of art come to life in front of their eyes. Watch as pots are thrown, portraits are painted, and sculptures are brought forth from a variety of materials. Over 60 creators will be exhibiting while a tummy-rumbling assortment of food stalls and specialist traders feed the stomach as well as the soul.
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Sandfest
When: 14th July
Where: Poole
Access: There are car parks around the festival site or further afield with a short walk in
Is summer complete without a boutique beach festival? We certainly don’t think so! With the sun-soaked south coast as your backdrop and seriously soft sand underfoot, this beachside party will have your hands in the air like you just don’t care in no time as act after act takes to the stage for a performance of a lifetime. This year, Dizzee Rascal is just one of the artists you can look forward to seeing (with more being announced) as you don your sunglasses and glitter for a wonderful weekend.
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Camp Bestival
When: 25th – 28th July
Where: Lulworth
Access: Parking is available on-site with parking tickets available online
Situated at the iconic Lulworth Castle, Camp Bestival is one of the friendliest and most colourful festivals going with some serious entertainment options ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Unleash your inner dance monster to Paloma Faith and McFly, let your jaw drop as you watch incredible fire spinners, or shed your stress at the soul-soothing gong bath – seriously, why doesn’t every event have one of these? And if you’re taking the tots with you, feel safe in the knowledge that they’ll be well catered for thanks to a whole host of animal-themed entertainment - not to mention a fascinating planetarium for curious minds. The whole event ends with a jaw-dropping firework show that leaves eyes sparkling and memories chock-full of good times.
Explore cottages in Lulworth Cove.
Poole Harbour Festival
When: 26th - 28th July
Where: Poole
Access: There is parking on site as well as a nearby short-stay car park
Taking place in Poole’s historic harbour, this musically minded festival is all about good tunes and good times. Headlining in 2024, Razorlight and The Coral are just two of the incredible acts that will take to the stage to delight and entertain the crowds. A great one for families, there are lots of activities for the little ones, from dinosaur and animal shows to a giddy mix of children’s entertainment. When it comes to food, Poole Harbour Festival has you well and truly covered, with a dizzying array of stalls offering up the very best Dorset fare. Feast on everything from tacos to waffles and wash it all down with a refreshing cocktail or creamy milkshake, before browsing some lovely handmade jewellery - this fabulous harbourside affair really does have it all!
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Shaftesbury Fringe
When: 26th – 28th July
Where: Shaftesbury
Access: There are several car parks around the town
Comedians in cafés, musicians in salons, dancers at the dentists… you never quite know what you’re going to get at Shaftesbury Fringe and we love it! Taking place all over this pretty town, you’ll find an eclectic display of local and national talent from theatre to music and everything in between. Simply download the app and spend your days ambling along the cobbled streets looking for the next great performance.
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Swanage Carnival
When: 27th July – 3rd August
Where: Swanage
Access: Parking around Swanage
Oh, we do love a carnival! You might be wondering what could possibly fill up eight days of unbridled fun and with over 100 different events the answer is lots! Air displays and no less than three firework displays will ensure the sky is used to the max while a variety of games, competitions, and sports give plenty of opportunities to let your competitive side out.
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Bournemouth Air Festival
When: 29th – 31st August
Where: Bournemouth
Access: Park and ride available from Kings Park and Redhill Park
Entertaining onlookers from the land, air, and sea, the Bournemouth Air Festival will have your necks craning for each action-packed display. Catch everyone’s favourites Red Arrows as they fill the sky with streams of colour while you stroll down the 1.5 miles of terrific traders and activities – who’s up for a dip in the Royal Navy Dive Tank?
Explore cottages in Bournemouth.
Make the most of Dorset’s fabulous festivals and events with a stay in one of our beautiful cottages.
