Family Friendly Events in Dorset May 2026
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Need ideas for things to do with the family in May? You'll find lots of fun events and shows listed below.
ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY BRAMLEY HEDGE STORY TRAIL
Info: The trail takes visitors around the Swannery grounds, to discover more about the swans and the adventurous mice. Designed for families to enjoy, the trail includes interactive activities, stamp points and questions to answer, all alongside the swans and discovering more about the unique Swannery.
Dates: Saturday 14th March – Saturday 31st October 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery
SEALIFE ADVENTURE PARK PIRATE TRAIL
Info: Captain Careless needs your help! Follow the interactive trail, solve clues, and explore the aquarium to help track down the missing treasure. Prize waiting for every young explorer at the end.
Dates: Saturday 28th March – Saturday 23rd May 2026
Address: SEA LIFE Adventure Park, Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7SX
Website: SEA LIFE Adventure Park
TOWN MAYOR’S CHARITY SCAVENGER HUNT
Date: Friday 1st May 2026
Location: The Town Hall, Wimborne Minster, Dorset
Website: Wimborne Minster Town Council
TEDDY ROCKS FESTIVAL
Dates: Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd May 2026
Address: Charisworth Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9AL
Tickets: Teddy Rocks Festival
MINI STEAM ON THE QUAY
Info: A fun filled day for children old and young. Visit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bygone era of steam. This year’s event will be raising money for the St Gabriel’s Pre-School.
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Location: Poole Quay
Website: Discover Poole
MAY REVELS
Info: Step into the spirit of May with live music, traditional games, and dancing.
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Address: Red House Museum, Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU
Website: Red House Museum
BRIDPORT COUNTRY FAIR
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Address: Allington Hill, Bridport, North Allington, Dorset, DT6 5DR
Facebook: Allington Hill
DORSET TEAM SPRING FAIR
Info: The Spring Fair celebrates independent makers, artists and small business, bringing together a wide range of creative stalls.
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Address: The Allendale Centre, Hanham Road, Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 1AS
Facebook: Dorset Team
CINEMA ON THE BEACH
Info: Bring your blankets, deckchairs and favourite people, and settle in for a relaxed evening on the sandy beach. This years’ screening is the family favourite 'The Greatest Showman'.
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Location: Lyme Regis Beach
Facebook: Lyme Regis Town Council
THE KINGS ARMS FAMILY EVENT WITH LITTLE GIZMOS ENTERTAINMENT
Info: Meet the characters for photos opportunities and enjoy more family friendly activities.
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2026
Address: The Kings Arms, 252 Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH10 4HZ
Facebook: Little Gizmos
NOTHE FORT CASTLES & DRAGONS WEEKEND
Info: Bring the whole family along for a magical escape at Nothe Fort. The event features axe-throwing, historical combat demonstrations by local reenactors, dragon egg hunt, medieval games, and more!
Dates: Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May 2026
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
CORFE CASTLE MAY BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Info: Celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend at Corfe Castle with a variety of activities to keep all the family entertained and amused. Build your own castle in the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® marquee, dance around the disco maypole with Gobbledygook Theatre, try your hand at games such as archery and explore the castle ruins to discover 900 years of the castle's fascinating history.
Dates: Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May 2026
Address: Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Dorset, BH20 5EZ
Website: Corfe Castle
NICKS FARM FEST
Dates: Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May 2026
Address: Nicks Farm, Valley Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 0EB
Website: Nicks Farm
WINTON JUMBLE STROLL
Info: Stroll around the local area using a map, stopping at the homes taking part. It's relaxed, friendly, and a great way to meet people the neighbours and grab a bargain.
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026
Location: Winton, Bournemouth, Dorset
Facebook: Winton Jumble Stroll
SHAFTESBURY FOOD FESTIVAL
Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026
Location: Shaftesbury High Street & Surrounding Areas
Website: Shaftesbury Food Festival
MAPPERTON FOOD, DRINK & CRAFT MARKET
Dates: Sunday 3rd & Sunday 4th May 2026
Address: Mapperton, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
Website: Mapperton
MAY DAY FAMILY PARTY
Date: Monday 4th May 2026
Address: The Russell Court Hotel, 19 Bath Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2EP
Facebook: Just Dandy Parties & More
THE ENORMOUS CROCODILE: THE MUSICAL
Info: The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle to Lighthouse in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees… Only the other jungle creatures can foil his secret plans and clever tricks, but they’re going to have to find a large amount of courage to stop this greedy brute.
Dates: Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th May 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Website: Lighthouse Poole
SEASIDE SCRAMBLE
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026
Address: Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset
Website: Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance
SPRING OPEN DAY
Info: Enjoy games, a spring trail for children, sheep shearing demonstration, meet the animals, BBQ, refreshments and more.
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026
Address: Holtwood Community Farm, Holt Wood, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7DX
Website: Holtwood Community Farm
BRANCH OUT AT LARMER TREE
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026
Address: Larmer Tree Gardens, Tollard Royal, Salisbury, SP5 5PT
Website: Larmer Tree Eventbrite
DORSET SPRING SHOW
Info: Dorset's big spring celebration has a sheep show, food and drink village, workshops and demonstrations, Extreme BMX display, Titan the Robot, stalls, music, and so much more.
Dates: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May 2026
Address: Birch Lane Showground, Puddletown, Dorset, DT2 7LN
Website: Dorset Spring Show
SAILING WITH DINOSAURS
Dates: Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May 2026
Location: Poole Harbour
Website: Coastal Cruises Poole
SPRING FAYRE & CAR SHOW
Date: Sunday 10th May 2026
Address: Victoria Education Centre, 12 Lindsay Road, Branksome, Poole, Dorset, BH13 6AS
Facebook: Victoria Education Centre
EXCITING SCIENCE
Info: With fun and fact filled experiments, watch in amazement as the scientists recreate a volcanic eruption; turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile launcher or take aim at you with a smoke blaster! So, stand clear and prepare for action, as this show is full of wiz, bang, pop… And splurt!
Date: Sunday 10th May 2026
Address: The Regent, 51 High Street, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1AS
Booking: The Regent
DORCHESTER JUMBLE TRAIL
Date: Sunday 10th May 2026
Location: Monmouth & Surrounding Roads, Dorchester, Dorset
Facebook: Dorchester Jumble Trail
REDHILL SUMMER FETE
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Redhill Park, Redhill Avenue, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH9 2SP
Facebook: 34th Bournemouth Scouts
HIGH MEAD FARM SPRING FAYRE
Info: Meet the animals and learn more about life at High Mead. Wander through the gardens, take part in hands-on workshops and activities for all ages, enjoy games, browse the farm shop for local produce, and refuel with delicious food and drink.
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: High Mead Farm, Ham Lane, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9DP
Website: High Mead Farm
CERNE ABBAS BREWERY FAMILY FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Cerne Abbas Brewery, Dorchester Road, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7JS
Website: Maddison Mae Organisation
WESTBOURNE MOTOR SHOW
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Seamoor Road, Westbourne, Dorset
Website: Bournemouth Coastal BID
WEYMOUTH COMMUNITY EXPO
Info: There will be a variety of stalls showcasing the work of voluntary and community organisations in Weymouth.
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Location: Jubilee Clock, Weymouth Seafront, Dorset
Website: Weymouth Town Council
BRIDPORT COMMUNITY CHARTER FAIR
Date: Saturday 16th May 2026
Address: Millennium Green, Mountain and Bucky Doo Square, Bridport, Dorset
Website: Bridport & West Bay
DORCHESTER VEGAN MEGA MARKET
Date: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Maumbury Rings, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1TY
Facebook: Dorchester Vegan Market
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.
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Parley Lane, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6AD
Tickets: The Cheese and Chilli Festival
SHILLINGSTONE STEAM & VINTAGE RALLY
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Blandford Road, Shillingstone, Dorset, DT11 0SQ
Website: Three Oakfords Rally
LULWORTH MOTOR SHOW
Info: Over 250 incredible vehicles are on display, from classic cars to supercars and motorbikes. Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day, a showground packed with artisan stalls, local traders, and children’s activities, plus a wide choice of delicious food and drink.
Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5QS
Website: Lulworth
WIMBORNE DSME OPEN DAY
Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Wimborne DSME, Merley Park Road, Broadstone, Dorset, BH21 3DA
Website: Wimborne DSME
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.
Dates: Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Baiter Park, Poole, Dorset
Website: Magic of Thailand
BIPPO’S CIRCUS ADVENTURE
Info: Get ready for laughter-pack extravaganza with Bippo’s Circus Adventure! Starring Bippo the Clown, one of the UK’s top circus clowns for over 26 years, this family-friendly theatre show promises to be a whirlwind of hilarity and heart-pounding circus stunts.
Date: Sunday 17th May 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Booking: Weymouth Pavilion
BREDY REWIRED
Dates: Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Bredy Farm, Bredy Lane, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4ND
Website: Bredy Farm
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
Website: Bournemouth 7’s
CURSUS CIDER & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Dates: Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Myncen Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8DH
Tickets: Cursus Festival
CRANBORNE VILLAGE FETE
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Address: Cranborne Manor, Cranborne, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 5PP
Facebook: The Cranborne Village Fete
K POP FOREVER LIVE ON STAGE
Info: Immerse yourself in the worldwide phenomenon that is K-Pop with this all-action tribute concert. Featuring all-live performances of smash-hits including: Blackpink, BTS, Twice, Soda Pop, Golden and many more, this is the ultimate non-stop party! Amidst a back-drop of world class lighting and effects, the show takes audiences on a journey that they will never forget. With breathtaking choreography, plus songs inspired by the record breaking film K-Pop Demon Hunters, this production is one not to be missed.
Date: Saturday 23rd May 2026
Address: Weymouth Pavilion, Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8ED
Website: Weymouth Pavilion
BRYANSTON SUMMER FAIR
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Bryanston School, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0PX
Facebook: Bryanston School
WEST BAY PIRATES WEEKEND
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Location: West Bay, Dorset
Website: West Bay
SWANAGE PIRATE FESTIVAL
Info: Two thrilling days of family-friendly swashbuckling adventures on Sandpit Field. The free to attend event has cannon and sword displays, browse the stalls, and meander through the captivating 17th Century living history exhibits.
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Sandpit Field, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1NR
Facebook: Purbeck Pirate Festival
ABBOTSBURY SWANNERY FOOD & CRAFT FAIR
Info: Browse curated food and craft stalls, listen to live music and don’t miss out on seeing the swans and enjoy the Brambly Hedge Trail, Swan Maze and Pedal Go-Karts!
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, Dorset, DT3 4JG
Website: Abbotsbury Swannery
CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FEST LOCAL
Info: Get ready for another mouth-watering weekend as Food Fest Local returns to Christchurch High Street. This free family-friendly festival is all about great food, live music and community spirit.
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026
Location: Christchurch High Street
Website: Christchurch BID
CHRISTCHURCH FOOD FESTIVAL
Info: This popular food festival hosts renowned chefs, local producers, interactive workshops, tastings, live music and children’s activities.
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Monday 25th May 2026
Location: Christchurch Quay
Website: Christchurch Food Fest
WIPEOUT WORLD
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Littledown Centre, Chaseside, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH7 7DX
Facebook: Wipeout World
NOTHE FORT PIRATE WEEK
Info: Set sail for a week of pirate-themed fun with a pirate treasure hunt, parade ground pirate ship, buccaneer games, pirate dress up, family activities, and more!
Dates: Saturday 23rd – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 8UF
Website: Nothe Fort
MUDEFORD BLUE LIGHT DAY
Info: RNLI Mudeford's annual free event showcases and raises awareness of the all the emergency and support organisations that look after our local community.
Date: Sunday 24th May 2026
Address: Mudeford Quay Green, Dorset, BH23 4AB
Facebook: RNLI Mudeford Lifeboat
KIDS FEST
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: The Hamworthy Club, Magna Road, Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AP
Website: Bouncy Fun Play
SHERBORNE CASTLE COUNTRY FAIR
Info: The Sherborne Castle Country Fair presents a fun and varied programme of events, rural activities, stands and entertainment for all the family.
Date: Monday 25th May 2026
Address: Sherborne Castle, New Road, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5NR
Website: Sherborne Castle
ICE AGE ADVENTURE LIVE
Info: Join the fearless explorers as they trek through snow-packed valleys, outwit sabre-toothed surprises, and make friends with the coolest cavemen, even bringing back some extinct dodo friends for the ride. This icy adventure is sure to knock your snow boots off! Help the heroes save the wooly mammoth by joining in with the frosty fun in this live theatre show.
Date: Tuesday 26th May 2026
Address: Lighthouse Poole, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Booking: Lighthouse Poole
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.
Dates: Friday 29th May – Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: The Meadows, Julians Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1EF
Website: Family Fest
PIDDLEFEST
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Field next to Piddle Valley School, Piddletrenthide, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7QL
Website: Piddlefest
DORCHESTER FIRE STATION OPEN DAY
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Dorchester Fire Station, Peverell Avenue West, Poundbury, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3SU
Facebook: Dorchester Fire Station
THE GREAT OUT DORSET
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Upton Country Park, Poole Road, Upton, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BJ
Website: Upton Country Park
ALONG CAME A MAGPIE
Info: In the intimate setting of a potting shed, you meet the Gardener. She loves the smell of the flowers, the feel of the earth and watching her plants bloom. But along came a magpie who turns her potting shed upside down! Making friends is lots of fun, but can sometimes be tricky. Join the gardener and magpie on this playful and heart warming journey as they navigate the intricacies of friendship. Featuring puppetry, plants and lots of pots, this production is designed to delight ages 2-6 and their grownups.
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: The Barrington, Penny's Walk, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9TH
Website: The Barrington
UNICORN LIVE!
Info: Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as they use the power of song and dance to create the band, Unicorn Live! Featuring your favourite pop and musical theatre songs, dazzling costumes, and a real unicorn called Sparkle.
Date: Saturday 30th May 2026
Address: Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU
Booking: Bournemouth Pavilion
THOMAS HARDY VICTORIAN STREET FAIR
Info: Get ready for a day full of Victorian crafts, stalls, activities, and performances throughout the day.
Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Location: South Street & Brewery Square, Dorchester, Dorset
Facebook: The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair
DORSET DAY PARTY
Date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Address: Beaminster Memorial Playing Fields, Hogshill Street, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3BW
Website: Discover Beaminster
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