The summer season in Dorset is shaping up to be one for the history books, with a plethora of arts and culture coming to the area for the sunny season.

We rounded up some of the must-attend events being hosted in Dorset over the summer; and you’re sure to find at least one to add to your calendar.

Dorset Chamber Summer Business Networking Breakfast, Poole Harbour Cruise June 22

City Cruises is hosting Dorset Chamber’s Business Networking Breakfast on board a cruise setting sail from Poole Harbour at 8.00am on June 22. The event, sponsored by Foundry, will give businesses the chance to both network and enjoy the views of Brownsea Island, the Sandbanks Peninsula, Millionaire’s Row, and many more. Companies are limited to two tickets per organization and bookings close on the 12th June at 4pm. Click here for tickets and more information.

Poole Harbour, credit: David Dixon

Dorset Chamber’s GU6 – Business Leader Resilience Event, The Retreat, Christchurch, June 30

This event, sponsored by Lester Aldridge, is focused on providing business leaders with the opportunity to meet like-minded people and share their personal experiences relating to resilience and wellbeing. The event will feature an impressive line-up of guest speakers including CEO of Interchange Paul Tansey, ex CEO of Mind Marianne Storey, and business improvement consultant Mark D’Arcy. Tickets for the event can be purchased here, with rates varying for members and non-members of the Dorset Chamber.

BEAF Arts Festival 2023 June 16 – 25

The biggest independent arts festival in Bournemouth returns this summer. This years festival theme is ‘Unheard Voices’  including a dance circus showcase by Joli Vyann, a custom built festival arts pavilion for performances and workshops, performances from The Outsiders project, and many many more showcases of the area’s artistic flair. The centre-piece of the festival is without a doubt Boscombe World by Harold Offeh, a visual and sensory art installation, inviting play, participation and contemplation. Book tickets for the launch party, which will feature a variety of music artists, at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth here. 

Harold Offeh, credit: BEAF

Dorset Youth Pride 2023, Saturday June 10 at Shire Hall

An inclusive celebration of the LGBTQ+ community hosted at Shire Hall on Saturday June 10.  Entry to this wonderful event, which is sponsored by RiskSTOP Group, is totally free and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in inclusive events whilst exploring one of Dorset’s most richly historic buildings. Other organizations partnering with the festival include Vinyl Van, Weymouth Gay Group, Pop ‘n’ Olly, The Keep Military Museum, Space Youth Project, Dorset Youth Voice, and Budmouth College.

Dorset Youth Pride at Shire Hall, credit: Shire Hall

Alice in Spring, May 13-14 in Bournemouth town centre

This year marks the return of Alice in Spring, the Lewis Carroll themed festival taking place in Bournemouth town centre from the 13th-14th of May. The event, hosted in collaboration by Bournemouth Town Centre BID and the Events Management team at Arts University Bournemouth, will feature magic and bubble shows from popular entertainers such as Jamie Jambo, live theatre, interactive experiences, free wellness activities, and a carnival procession produced by internationally renowned artist and theatre designer Clary Salandy. Entry to Alice in Spring is totally free.

The White Rabbit and Alice at Alice in Spring, Credit: Arts University Bournemouth

The Dorset Ukrainian Community’s ‘The Grateful Lunch’, May 6 at Parkstone United Reformed Church

From 10:00am to 2:oopm on May 6 the Dorset Ukrainian Community is hosting ‘The Grateful Lunch’ to celebrate local support for the Ukrainian community amidst the troubles of recent times. Attendees can watch a screening of the coronation at the event and enjoy a delicious, freshly made Ukrainian lunch.  The event is being funded by the money earned by the Dorset Ukrainian Community at the Poole Soup community crowdfunding event. Head down to Parkstone United Reformed Church this Saturday to enjoy the festivities.

Photo of Poole Soup Community Crowdfunding event, credit: The Dorset Ukrainian Community

The Dolphin and Dorset Mind’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 15-21

Dorset’s largest indoor shopping centre The Dolphin is collaborating with mental health charity Dorset Mind to host Mental Health Awareness Week from May 15th to May 21st. Over the course of the week starting May 15th visitors to the Dolphin will have the chance to attend a variety of mental health themed events in various parts of the shopping centre including signposting sessions, talks from Dorset Mind’s ‘Active Monitoring’ practitioners, a chance to meet Dorset Mind’s ‘Mentoring Minds’ team, and a Music and Mindfulness workshop. All activities are free but pre-booking is suggested because spaces at each event are limited. Sign up for one or more of the various mental health themed activities/events here.

Representatives from Dorset Mind, credit: Dorset Mind

Swanage Railway Diesel Gala and Beer Festival May 12-14

Swanage Railway is putting on a one of a kind event hosted over three days and is split into two categories, an intensive train service and a beer festival held in Corfe Castle Goods yard. The train service operates on a ten mile line between Swanage and Wareham, going as far as the railway’s boundary with Network Rail on ”Bridge 4” over the River Frome. Ticket-holders will have the chance to ride on a number of special locomotives all of which are listed on the Swanage Railway page. The Beer Festival will feature 31 real ales and 5 ciders, hot food will also be available throughout the day. Purchase tickets and check timetables for the various services here.

DorsetFest 2023 June 16-17 

DorsetFest is a family-friendly music festival hosted over the course of two days with the backdrop of  Dorset’s very own Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The range of music, food, drink, and entertainment at this weekend bonanza is vast. Festival-goers can choose to attend for a single day or purchase camping tickets if they are looking to make a full weekend out of the festivities. DorsetFest is organised and run by volunteers and is one of the area’s finest examples of community spirit. All money raised by the festival is donated to the three local churches and The Weldmar Hospice. Performers at this years rendition of DorsetFest include: Rootstone, The Stickhill Hoot, Tom Clements, Tim Burton Tai Chi, Piano Pete, and many others. Sponsors of the festival include Langham Wine Estate, Kernon Kelleher Solicitors, Dorset Opera Festival, and Aller Dorset. Purchase tickets here.

DorsetFest, credit: David Lewis

DorsetFest, credit: David Lewis

For at list of upcoming events hosted by BlackOx click here.