Need ideas for things to do with the family in September?  You'll find lots of fun events and shows listed below.

 

ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY BRAMLEY HEDGE TRAIL

Info: Based on the Summer Story book, the trail includes fun facts, stamp points and an activity booklet. The trail runs alongside the daily mass swan feeds, willow swan maze and pedal go-karts.

Dates: Ongoing
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery

    

SANDWORLD LOCAL RESIDENTS OFFER

Dates: Thursday 4th – Tuesday 30th September 2025
Address: Sandworld, Lodmoor Country Park, Preston Beach Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: Sandworld

   

B-SIDE ARTS FESTIVAL

Info: B-side is an internationally recognised and locally loved arts organisation that both embodies and enriches its place of origin - the Isle of Portland.

Dates: Thursday 11th - Sunday 14th September 2025
Location: Across Portland
Website: B-Side Festival

 

INSIDE OUT DORSET

Info: Inside Out Dorset is an international outdoor arts festival. Expect live performance in unexpected places – in town centres, by the sea, on hilltops and in woodland, all for everyone to enjoy.

Dates: Friday 12th - Sunday 21st September 2025
Locations: Across Dorset
Website: Inside Out Dorset

 

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Dates: Friday 12th - Sunday 21st September 2025
Locations: Across Dorset
Dorsetmums Blog: Heritage Open Days in Dorset

 

SWANAGE BOATHOUSE OPEN DAY

Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Address: Swanage Lifeboat Station, Peveril Point Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2AY
Facebook: Swanage Lifeboat Station

 

WELDMAR’S SUMMER FETE

Info: Set in the beautiful grounds of the hospice, this much-loved annual event brings together local talent, family-friendly entertainment, and a whole host of activities for all ages.

Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Address: Weldmar Hospicecare Inpatient Unit, Herringston Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2SL
Website: Weldmar Hospicecare

 

STURTS FARM FAMILY FUN DAY

Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Address: Sturts Farm, Three Cross Road, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0NF
Website: Gullivers Farm

 

SEAFOOD & SOUNDS

Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September 2025
Location: Poole Quay
Website: Seafood and Sounds

 

STURMINSTER NEWTON CHEESE FESTIVAL

Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September 2025
Address: Sturminster Newton Recreation Ground, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 1BY
Website: Cheese Festival

 

DUSK 'TIL DARK

Info: Watch an amazing fusion of contemporary dance, martial arts and live soundscapes coming from boom bikes.  The performance starts at Weymouth Town Bridge and weaves through the streets to the beach.

Dates: Friday 19th & Saturday 20th September 2025
Location: Weymouth Town & Beach
Website: We Are Weymouth

 

DISCOVERY FEST

Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
Address: Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset
Website: Dorset Coast

 

LITTLEMOOR FAMILY FUN DAY

Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
Address: Top Club, Louviers Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 6AY
Website: Big 4 Littlemoor

 

RINGWOOD CARNIVAL

Info: Ringwood Carnival consists of 2 processions - an afternoon children’s procession and an evening illuminated parade.  In addition to this, there is live entertainment across the town throughout the day plus stalls, fireworks and fun fair.

Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
Location: Ringwood Town
Website: Ringwood Carnival

 

THE DORSET BIKE FESTIVAL

Dates: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September 2025
Address: Wooders Campsite, Bere Regis, Dorset, BH20 7NN
Website: Dorset Bike Festival

 

SHAFTESBURY CARNIVAL WEEK

Dates: Saturday 20th – Sunday 28th September 2025
Location: Across Shaftesbury
Website: Shaftesbury Carnival

 

THE WALLED GARDEN FETE

Date: Sunday 21st September 2025
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Road, Moreton, Dorset, DT2 8RH
Website: The Walled Garden

 

WESSEX HEAVY HORSE SHOW & COUNTRY FAIR

Date: Sunday 21st September 2025
Address: Turnpike Showground, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9PL
Website: Wessex Heavy Horse Society

 

ARTS BY THE SEA FESTIVAL

Dates: Friday 26th - Sunday 28th September 2025
Location: Bournemouth Town
Website: Arts by the Sea Festival

 

STINSFORD VILLAGE FETE

Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
Address: The Old Vicarage & Stinsford Church, Stinsford, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8XW

 

THE ZOO THAT COMES TO YOU

Info: The Zoo That Comes To You follows the impassioned attempts of two animal enthusiasts to share their love of and concern for animals with the world.  They take in animals that need respite, care or a temporary home and have, accidentally, ended up with a whole sanctuary, but with no visitors!  So everybody, animals and humans alike, have decided it is time to get out, see the world, and bring the zoo, to you.  Featuring puppetry, live music and playful characters, Scarlet Oak Theatre welcomes you to join the conversation about animal conservation.

Date: Saturday 27th September 2025
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole

 

THE ALLENDALE FREE FILM CLUB

Date: Sunday 28th September 2025
Address: The Allendale, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Website: The Allendale

 

GILLINGHAM CARNIVAL WEEK

Info: The week features a variety of traditional carnival events, including a walking treasure hunt, a baby show, bingo, a quiz night, and a fun fair.

Dates: Sunday 28th September – Saturday 4th October 2025
Location: Across Gillingham
Website: Gillingham Carnival

 

Please always check an event is running before travelling as cancellations can occur.  If you know of any more family friendly events in September then please do Contact Us.

 

Need more ideas for the things to do with the family?

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