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.

    

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.

 

Need more ideas for things to do with the family?

Dorset Attractions 

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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.

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 10^th to Sunday 18^th 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.

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.