Food, Music and Family Fun Festivals in Dorset 2026
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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.
TEDDY ROCKS FESTIVAL
Info: Teddy Rocks is a 3 day family friendly music festival with over 100+ acts. Day tickets and camping options are available. Teddy Rocks Festival donates 100% of profits to children's cancer charities.
Good to know: Under 5’s go FREE
Dates: Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd May 2026
Address: Charisworth Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9AL
Tickets: Teddy Rocks Festival
SHAFTESBURY FOOD FESTIVAL
Info: Enjoy a day out in Shaftesbury where you will find a street market, cooking demos, food trail and the popular cheese race!
Good to know: FREE EVENT!
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026
Location: Shaftesbury High Street & Surrounding Areas
Website: Shaftesbury Food Festival
CERNE ABBAS BREWERY FAMILY FESTIVAL
Info: This event is raising money for the Maddison Mae Organisation. The family festival will have live music, food and drink, kids crafts, circus workshops, magician, bouncy castle, stalls and much more.
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Cerne Abbas Brewery, Dorchester Road, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7JS
Website: Maddison Mae Organisation
THE CHEESE AND CHILLI FESTIVAL
Info: This festival celebrates all things cheese and chilli and has food to try, live music, traders, mini fun fair, cooking demos, chilli challenges and kids entertainment.
Good to know: Children 15 and under go FREE!
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Parley Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AD
Tickets: The Cheese and Chilli Festival
MAGIC OF THAILAND FESTIVAL
Info: Enjoy delicious Thai food and dancing, browse arts and craft stalls, Muay Thai demos, eating competitions, Monk blessings, Thai massage, and much more.
Good to know: Children under 15 go FREE!
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset
Tickets: Magic of Thailand
SWANAGE PIRATE FESTIVAL
Info: Pirates are heading to Swanage again with a parade, living history displays and talks, battles, canon and sword displays, stalls and family fun.
Good to know: FREE EVENT!
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Location: Sandpit Field, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1NR
Facebook: Swanage Pirate Festival
BOURNEMOUTH 7S FESTIVAL
Info: Festival for sport and music lovers with sporting competitions, fun fair and over 100 acts and DJ’s.
Dates: Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Chapel Gate, East Parley, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6BD
Tickets: Bournemouth 7’s
CURSUS CIDER & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Info: Cursus prides itself on being a fun, inclusive and grassroots event. This 3 day family festival has great music, food and plenty of cider. Children will love the DIY Den with self-led activities across the weekend, and everyone can enjoy rural craft demonstrations, communal campfire, Tuk Tuk rides, Curmudgeon’s Corner, fire show and a chilled campsite immediately next to the arena.
Good to know: One under 18 goes free with each adult ticket, extra under 18's are half price.
Dates: Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Myncen Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8DH
Tickets: Cursus Festival
BREDY REWIRED
Info: Bredy Rewired blends an eclectic mix of genres, featuring a vibrant line-up of live acts with a healthy dose of DJs in the mix!
Dates: Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Bredy Farm, Bredy Lane, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4ND
Website: Bredy Farm
CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FESTIVAL
Info: This popular food festival hosts renowned chefs, local producers, interactive workshops, tastings, live music and children’s activities.
Good to know: FREE EVENT!
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th May 2026
Location: Christchurch Quay
Website: Christchurch Food Fest
FAMILY FEST
Info: Set within 12 acres of working farmland, in the stunning countryside of Wimborne. There’s craft, food and small business traders, 3 days of live music on the main stage, children's shows, family shows and activities, mascot appearances, bars, fabulous foods, and tons more. Weekend camping and day tickets are available.
Dates: Friday 29th May – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Meadows, Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Website: Family Fest
PIDDLEFEST
Info: Piddlefest is a small festival featuring some of Dorset’s best bands and performers. Supporting Piddle Valley School, Community Funds and the Air Ambulance.
Good to know: Children under 14 go FREE!
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Field next to Piddle Valley School, Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7QL
Tickets: Piddlefest
DORSET TRACTOR FEST
Info: Family festival where legendary rock, pop and country music meets the very best of tractors, rural fun and entertainment.
Dates: Friday 5th – Sunday 7th June 2026
Address: Turnpike Showground, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 9PL
Website: Dorset Tractor Fest
SUMMERFEST
Info: Summerfest promises an action packed day full of entertainment, live music, sports tournaments, food and drink stalls, and family entertainment.
Date: Saturday 6th June 2026
Address: Redlands Leisure Centre, Dorchester Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 5AW
Website: Weymouth Round Table
WEST MOORS FARM FEST
Info: Experience the best of farm life with great food, stalls, entertainment, family activities, games, silent disco, and much more!
Good to know: Children aged 6 and under go FREE!
Date: Saturday 6th June 2026
Address: Sturts Farm, Three Cross Road, West Moors, Dorset, BH22 0NF
Tickets: Eventbrite
LIFE FESTIVAL
Info: Experience the magic of coming together with like-minded individuals to honour and appreciate all life forms. Enjoy live music, delicious food, and activities that promote harmony and connection with the world around us.
Good to know: FREE ENTRY!
Date: Sunday 7th June 2026
Address: The Triangle, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5RY
Facebook: Life Festival
WIMBORNE MINSTER FOLK FESTIVAL
Info: The historic town of Wimborne Minster plays host to this folk festival with live music, dancing, stalls, and children’s activities.
Good to know: The majority of events across the town are FREE however some headline acts are ticketed.
Dates: Friday 12th – Sunday 14th June 2026
Location: Wimborne Town
Website: Wimborne Minster Folk Festival
UPTON HOUSE FOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
Info: Set in the beautiful grounds of Upton Country Park, the music festival has 3 days of live music, street food, and children’s entertainment.
Good to know: Under 5’s go FREE!
Dates: Friday 12th – Sunday 14th June 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton House Food and Music Festival
HIGHCLIFFE FOOD AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Info: This festival celebrates local produce, crafts and cookery. You’ll find artisan stalls, street food, celebrity chefs, cookery demonstrations, live music, children’s entertainment and much more.
Good to know: FREE EVENT!
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2026
Location: Highcliffe High Street & Recreation Ground
Website: Highcliffe Food & Arts Festival
LYME REGIS FOSSIL FESTIVAL
Info: The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival is an annual event held on the Jurassic Coast. It exists to celebrate the unique geological heritage of Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast and to educate the public on advances in natural environment research, and especially palaeontology.
Good to know: FREE ENTRY!
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2026
Location: Across Lyme Regis
Website: Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
SWANAGE FISH FESTIVAL
Info: The Swanage Fish Festival showcases Purbeck businesses with delicious food, drinks and crafts, plus entertainment for the whole family.
Good to know: FREE EVENT!
Dates: Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June 2026
Location: Sandpit Field, Shore Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1NP
Website: Swanage Fish Fest
GROOVES ON THE GREEN
Info: Enjoy live music and family entertainment with local food stalls and bars. Dance to family-friendly tunes, and enjoy a variety of entertainments that cater to all ages.
Good to know: Kids under 3 go FREE!
Dates: Friday 19th – Sunday 21st June 2026
Address: Ashley Cross Green, Poole, Dorset
Website: Grooves on the Green
DORSET BIKE FESTIVAL
Info: Dorset Bike Festival is a family friendly festival for bikers and they are dedicated to raising funds for the Docbike charity while providing an exciting line-up of activities, including ride-outs, demonstrations, educational talks and workshops, live music, amazing stands, delicious food and drink. Camping options are available.
Good to know: Children 12 years and under go FREE!
Dates: Saturday 19th – Sunday 21st June 2026
Address: Wooders Campsite, Bere Regis, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7NN
Tickets: Dorset Bike Fest
TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
Info: This vibrant family-friendly event is the ultimate foodie fiesta celebrating the colorful flavours and rich traditions of the Caribbean islands. From the moment you step through the gates, you’ll be greeted by aromatic spices, infectious music, and the warm hospitality that makes Caribbean culture so special.
Good to know: Kids under 14 go FREE!
Date: Saturday 20th June 2026
Address: Muscliff Park, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3LR
Website: Taste of the Caribbean
DORSET MELA FESTIVAL
Info: The Dorset Mela is a vibrant and culturally enriching event that celebrates the diversity of South Asian heritage, arts, music, and cuisine.
Good to know: FREE ENTRY!
Date: Saturday 20th June 2026
Address: Poole Park, Parkstone Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2SF
Website: Dorset Mela
TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL
Info: This vibrant family-friendly event is the ultimate foodie fiesta celebrating the colorful flavours and rich traditions of the Caribbean islands. From the moment you step through the gates, you’ll be greeted by aromatic spices, infectious music, and the warm hospitality that makes Caribbean culture so special.
Good to know: Kids under 14 go FREE!
Date: Saturday 20th June 2026
Address: Muscliff Park, Shillingstone Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 3LR
Website: Taste of the Caribbean
BEAUTIFUL WORLD FESTIVAL
Info: Beautiful World Festival brings together global sounds, international cuisines, and cultural experiences in one extraordinary celebration.
Good to know: Kids 15 and under go FREE!
Date: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June 2026
Address: Kings Park, King's Park Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 6JD
Website: Beautiful World Festival
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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.
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