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  1. Dorset hosts lots of brilliant festivals where families can enjoy live music, local food and drink, workshops, performances, creative arts, fun fairs and children’s entertainment.

    To see what’s coming up near you in 2026, please see our list below.

    Unsplash Festival annie-spratt-WS2anBsrum0-unsplash

       

    DORSETFEST

    Info: The 2 day event offers a fabulous range of music, entertainment and food. It is run and organised by volunteers with all money going to local charities.

    Good to know: Children under 3 go FREE!

    Dates: Friday 26th & Saturday 27th June 2026
    Address: Warren Farm, Bulbarrow, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0HQ
    Tickets: DorsetFest

     

    SHERBORNE SUMMER FESTIVAL

    Info: Set in the stunning Pageant Gardens, this festival features fantastic live music, food, beverages, stalls, and much more.

    Good to know: FREE ENTRY!

    Date: Saturday 27th June 2026
    Address: Pageant Gardens, Station Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3LP
    Facebook: Sherborne Summer Festival

    June 27 Sherborne Summer Festival 2026

     

    UPTON COUNTRY PARK FESTIVAL

    Info: Bring your own food and drink, or enjoy the food stalls and bar on site, and dance the night away to some of the best tribute bands and artists.

    Good to know: Infants 2 and under go FREE!

    Dates: Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th July 2026
    Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
    Tickets: Upton Country Park Festival

    July 3 and 4 Upton Country Park Festival 2026

     

    FOODIE FEST

    Info: This year’s festival is set to be bigger and better than ever. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a day of great food, drinks and entertainment.

    Good to know: FREE ENTRY!

    Date: Saturday 4th July 2026
    Address: Muscliff Park, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3LR
    Website: Foodie Fest

    July 4 Foodie Fest 2026

     

    SKYGLOW MUSIC FESTIVAL

    Info: SkyGlow Music Festival is a full day of family fun, filled with live tribute music, stunt shows, inflatables, and hands-on activities for all ages. The event is designed to be exciting for children and relaxed for parents, with something happening throughout the day.

    Date: Saturday 4th July 2026
    Address: Dorchester Showground, Dorchester, DT2 7SD
    Website: SkyGlow Music Festival

    July 4 Sky Glow Dorchester 2026

     

    THE DORSET SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

    Info: Enjoy an amazing choice of locally caught seafood, drinks, gifts and shopping, live entertainment, chefs’ theatre stages, and family fun.

    Good to know: FREE ENTRY!

    Dates: Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th July 2026
    Location: Weymouth Harbour
    Website: Dorset Seafood

     

    FAMFEST LIVE!

    Info: FamFest Live is a festival packed with everything you love – live entertainment, amazing food, and fun experiences for all ages!

    Good to know: Children under 10 go FREE!

    Date: Sunday 5th July 2026
    Address: Dorchester Showground, Acland Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1EF
    Website: FamFest Live

    July 5 FamFest Live Dorchester Dorset 2026

     

    COUNTRY IN THE PARK

    Info: Country in the Park brings the best of country music together with southern state USA activities, vehicles, stalls, food and drink for the ultimate celebration of Americana.

    Good to know: Children 2 and under go FREE!

    Date: Sunday 5th July 2026
    Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
    Website: Country in the Park

    July 5 Country in the Park Poole 2026

     

    BREDY REUNION

    Info: A small festival in the heart of Dorset with an incredible line-up of some of the best dance acts and DJ’s around! Camping and glamping options are available.

    Dates: Thursday 9th – Saturday 11th July 2026
    Address: Bredy Farm, Bredy Lane, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4ND
    Website: Bredy Farm

    July 9 to 11 Bredy Reunion Festival Dorset 2026

     

    DORSET VOLKSFEST

    Info: Family friendly weekend of live entertainment, beer, great street food, and VWs!

    Good to know: Children 11 and under go FREE!

    Dates: Friday 10th – Sunday 12th July 2026
    Address: The Showground, Worgret Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6AB
    Tickets: Dorset Volkfest

     

    WESTIVAL

    Info: There’s an amazing day of activities and attractions planned with live music, thrilling mountain bike stunt shows, kids’ magic and entertainment, creative kids’ crafts, spectacular birds of prey flying displays, small animal petting, car show, climbing wall and bouldering cave, stalls, food and drinks.

    Good to know: FREE EVENT!

    Date: Saturday 11th July 2026
    Address: Fryer Field, West Moors, Dorset, BH22 0LL
    Website: West Moors Town Council

    July 11 Westival West Moors 2026 
     

    SUMMER CAMP OUT

    Info: Get ready for a full-on ska explosion. There’s 40+ bands and DJ’s over the weekend, local food and drink, plus family friendly activities for all ages.

    Good to know: Kids under 5 go FREE!

    Dates: Thursday 16th – Sunday 19th July 2026
    Address: Pilford Farm, Pilford Heath Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7BD
    Website: Summer Camp Out

     

    THE RUSTIC STOMP

    Info: A family-friendly, roots-driven music festival in the heart of Dorset. Enjoy three days of Americana, folk, blues and alternative music across four unique stages.

    Good to know: Children under 16 go FREE!

    Dates: Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026
    Address: Knoll Farm, Soldiers Road, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5DU
    Website: Rustic Stomp

    July 17 to 19 Rustic Stomp Festival Dorset 2026

     

    TOLPUDDLE MARTYRS’ FESTIVAL

    Info: The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival returns with an inspiring programme of discussion, music, performance, children's activities, speakers, food stalls, and more.

    Dates: Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026
    Location: Tolpuddle Village
    Tickets: Tolpuddle Martyrs

     

    CHRISTCHURCH MUSIC FESTIVAL

    Info: The festival which is held on The Quomps offers 3 days of non-stop music and entertainment.

    Dates: Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026
    Address: Christchurch Quay, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
    Tickets: Christchurch Music Festival

     

    SUMMERFEST

    Info: Summerfest promises an action packed day full of entertainment, live music, sports tournaments, food and drink stalls, and family entertainment.

    Date: Saturday 18th July 2026
    Address: Redlands Leisure Centre, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5AW
    Website: Weymouth Round Table

     

    BOURNEMOUTH REGGAE WEEKENDER

    Info: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is an independently run 3 day unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and heritage in Bournemouth through reggae music with a full range of entertainment and traditional activities that supports creative arts and performing artists through music, poetry, storytelling, and dance workshops.

    Good to know: Under 18’s go FREE!

    Dates: Friday 24th – Sunday 26th July 2026
    Address: King’s Park, Kings Park Drive, Bournemouth, BH7 6JD
    Tickets: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

     

    CAMP BESTIVAL

    Info: Undoubtedly Dorset’s largest family friendly festival. Camp Bestival has numerous stages, headline acts, multiple children’s activities, stalls, food and drink, workshops and so much more. Camping options and day tickets are available.

    Dates: Thursday 30th July – Sunday 2nd August 2026
    Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QS
    Tickets: Camp Bestival Dorset

    July 30 to Aug 2 Camp Bestival Dorset 2026

     

    POOLE HARBOUR FESTIVAL

    Info: Poole Harbour Festival has 60 live acts across 5 stages, plus an array of street food, bars, stalls, children’s entertainers and workshops.

    Dates: Friday 31st July – Sunday 2nd August 2026
    Address: Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1TQ
    Tickets: Poole Harbour Festival

    July 31 to Aug 2 Poole Harbour Festival New 2026 

     

    GREAT DORSET CHILLI FESTIVAL

    Info: A great weekend for chilli enthusiasts, food lovers and families with stalls, artisan food producers, music, chilli eating competitions, street food and more.

    Good to know: Children aged 10 and under go FREE!

    Dates: Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd August 2026 
    Address: Stock Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2BG
    Website: Great Dorset Chilli Festival

    Aug 1 and 2 Cheese and Chilli Festival Sturminster Newton 2026

     

    ONE WORLD FESTIVAL

    Info: This festival celebrates the diversity of cultures in Dorchester through music, dance, food and activities. You can expect live music, stalls, workshops for adults and children plus a bouncy castle.

    Good to know: FREE ENTRY!

    Date: Saturday 8th August 2026
    Address: The Borough Gardens, Cornwall Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1RG
    Website: South West Dorset Multicultural Network

     

    JURASSIC FIELDS MUSIC FESTIVAL

    Info: Jurassic Fields showcases amazing live music, food and entertainment. Camping options are available.

    Dates: Friday 14th – Sunday 16th August 2026
    Address: West Bay Fields, Nr Broomhill Farm, West Bay Fields, Bridport, DT6 5LB
    Website: Jurassic Fields Music Festival

    Aug 14 to 16 Jurassic Fields Festival 2026

     

    LIL GIANT FESTIVAL

    Info: Get ready for an unforgettable weekend escape filled with electrifying live music, incredible food, outdoor adventure, and the simple joy of camping — all included in your ticket. Expect a seriously good soundtrack all weekend long. From some of the best DJs on the South Coast, to spoken-word poetry and funk, the music is as varied as it is vibrant. Expect real ale brewed on site, alongside a mouth-watering food. There are loads of activities to dive into, whatever your age. Get hands-on with bushcraft sessions, jump into family games, cheer on the talent show, and keep the kids buzzing with dedicated activities. Balance it all out with wellbeing experiences like yoga and sound baths or wander through stalls hosted by eclectic local traders offering everything from clothing and crafts to unique handmade treasures.

    Dates: Friday 14th – Sunday 16th August 2026
    Address: Cerne Abbas Brewery, Dorchester Road, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7JS
    Website: South Coast Family Events

    Aug 14 to 16 Lil Giant Fest Cerne 2026 New

     

    RIVERSIDE FEST

    Info: A music festival in the beautiful countryside in the heart of North Dorset. Raising money for Children With Cancer UK, The Vale Pantry and the Big Yellow Bus Project. There will be a fantastic line up of live music, stalls, workshops and children’s entertainment.

    Date: Saturday 15th August 2026
    Address: Riverside Meadows, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2BS
    Facebook: Riverside Fest

    Aug 15 Riverside Fest 2026

     

    WE OUT HERE FESTIVAL

    Info: The 4 day festival celebrates world-class music, alongside wellness, family and cultural activities.

    Good to know: Children 3 years and under go FREE!

    Dates: Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd August 2026
    Address: St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, BH21 5NA
    Tickets: We Out Here Festival

     

    PURBECK VALLEY FOLK FESTIVAL

    Info: Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is a small festival set on a farm with a good variety of local music, workshops, children’s area, crafts, food and drink. Camping options and day tickets are available.

    Good to know: Children 3 and under go FREE!

    Dates: Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd August 2026
    Address: Purbeck Valley Farm, Valley Road, Harman’s Cross, Dorset, BH20 5HU
    Tickets: Purbeck Valley Folk Festival

    Aug 20 to 23 Purbeck Valley Folk Festival 2026

     

    VDUB AT THE PUB

    Info: A great family friendly festival with live music and DJ’s, stalls, food and drink, sports games, children’s activities and of course VW’s. Camping options and day tickets are available.

    Good to know: Children 12 years and under are only £1!

    Dates: Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd August 2026
    Address: Julians Field, Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3DH
    Tickets: Vdub at the Pub

     

    BECIDER SEASIDE 22

    Info: The little music festival that packs a big punch – a super friendly and chilled atmosphere meaning you can relax, let your hair down and enjoy yourselves without a care in the world! Camping and glamping options are available.

    Dates: Friday 28th – Sunday 30th August 2026
    Address: Bredy Farm, Bredy Lane, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4ND
    Website: Bredy Farm

    Aug 28 to 30 Becider Seaside Festival Dorset 2026

     

    SWANAGE FOLK FESTIVAL

    Info: A weekend of music, dance, stalls, and children’s activities around the beautiful town of Swanage.

    Good to know: The majority of events are FREE however some concerts are ticketed.

    Dates: Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September 2026
    Location: Across Swanage
    Website: Swanage Folk Festival

     

    SEAFOOD & SOUNDS

    Info: Poole will once again come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the coast. Taking place over 2 days, the event celebrates Poole’s rich maritime heritage, combining live music, outstanding local seafood and family friendly entertainment.

    Good to know: FREE EVENT!

    Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
    Location: Poole Old Town & Quay
    Website: Seafood and Sounds

     

    STURMINSTER NEWTON CHEESE FESTIVAL

    Info: If you love cheese then this one is for you! Meet local producers, browse food and craft stalls, children’s activities and live music.

    Good to know: Kids 15 and under go FREE!

    Dates: Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September 2026
    Address: Recreation Ground, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BY
    Website: Cheese Festival

     

    If you know of any more family friendly festivals in Dorset then please do Contact Us.

     

    Need more ideas for things to do with the family?

    Dorset Attractions 

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    Family Friendly Campsites

    Unsplash Festival annie-spratt-WS2anBsrum0-unsplash

    Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. Please also note that an event or venue may cancel or close at any time.

  2. Do you enjoy visiting National Trust properties, or maybe you have never been to one before?  From now until Friday 6th March 2026 you can visit a National Trust site with the family for FREE!

    You can use the pass at over 200 England, Wales and Northern Ireland locations which include gardens, castles and historic houses.  In Dorset we have Kingston Lacy where you can explore the stunning house, beautiful gardens, acres of parkland and 2 fun play areas, or visit Corfe Castle which was established by William the Conqueror and partially destroyed in the English Civil War.  Please note that Brownsea Island, Hardy’s Cottage, Max Gate and Cloud’s Hill are often included in the offer however all are closed for winter and will re-open after the offer expiry date.

    This single-use pass allows FREE entry for two adults and up to three children, or one adult and up to four children, from the date of issue up until Friday 6th March 2026.  This pass does not include free parking at locations which charge a fee.

    Some places may be busier at certain times and on certain days, weekdays are usually quieter than weekends.  Some properties may require booking in advance and it is advisable to check the webpage of the place you’d like to visit to see if you need to pre-book.

    To check which locations are included the offer, please visit the National Trust.

    To take advantage of this offer, pick up a copy of the Express, Daily Star or The Mirror from Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th January 2026. Inside, you will find your voucher to bring to a National Trust property of your choice.

    Please note, passes may be limited and terms and conditions may apply.

    National Trust Jan Offer 2026

    Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. Please also note that an offer or location may cancel or close at any time and you should consider contacting beforehand to check an event is running.