The first week of September 2025 brings an exceptional array of events across Dorset, with something spectacular happening every day from Monday 1st through Sunday 7th. Visitors can experience everything from world-class chamber music and vibrant folk festivals to historic re-enactments and outdoor cinema, making this week a perfect time to explore the county’s diverse cultural offerings.
The weekend of 5th-7th September stands out as particularly eventful, with the Swanage Folk Festival filling the seaside town with hundreds of colourful dancers and international folk bands. Meanwhile, the Dorset County Show on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th celebrates rural life with agricultural displays, the new Paul Hannam Stunt Show featuring extreme motorbike stunts, and Ben Atkinson’s Action Horses. The Classic & Steam Vehicle Show at Norden, Corfe Castle showcases vintage vehicles from Friday through Sunday, whilst Corfe Castle itself hosts dramatic Civil War Re-enactment performances depicting the famous 1646 siege.
Earlier in the week offers equally compelling attractions. The Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival runs Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th September across historic venues, curated by renowned cellist Natalie Clein with this year’s theme ‘Love in all its forms’. Art enthusiasts can visit Tiggy Rawling’s ‘Second Retrospective – The Indian Influences’ Exhibition at Walford Mill, opening Wednesday 3rd September. Friday evening brings Outdoor Cinema at The Blue Pool featuring “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” under the stars, whilst Saturday offers diverse entertainment from ABBA by Moonlight at Athelhampton House to the mystical “Fairytales for Grown-ups: Queen of Between” at Cranborne Earthouse.
Hope you all have a great week!
inDorset Team
Summer Holidays: Season of STEM
Ends Tue, 2nd September 2025
Experience the biggest day out in history with interactive exhibitions, 300 tanks, STEM-themed activities, and more at Dorset’s largest indoor attraction. Read more…
Historical guided walk with cream tea in Brownsea Castle
Tue, 2nd September 2025
Embark on a captivating journey through Brownsea Island’s rich history as you explore the island and the castle’s picturesque grounds. Read more…
Tiggy Rawling ‘Second retrospective – The Indian influences’ Exhibition
Wed, 3rd – Sun, 14th September 2025
Because of the fantastic response to the first Retrospective Exhibition back in October 2024, Walford Mill is staging Tiggy’s work for a second time. Read more…
Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival 2025
Thu, 4th – Sun, 7th September 2025
The Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival returns from 4th to 7th September 2025, offering outstanding chamber music in the heart of Dorset’s beautiful Isle of Purbeck. Read more…
Classic & Steam Vehicle Show 2025
Fri, 5th – Sun, 7th September 2025
The 2025 Classic & Steam Vehicle Show will be taking place in Norden, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DW on the 5th, 6th & 7th September. Read more…
Outdoor Cinema at The Blue Pool – Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
Fri, 5th September 2025
Join us under the stars for an unforgettable outdoor cinema experience as part of this year’s Purbeck Film Festival. Read more…
Swanage Folk Festival 2025
Fri, 5th – Sun, 7th September 2025
The Swanage Folk Festival is a spectacular weekend of fun filling the seaside town of Swanage with hundreds of colourful dancers and top class International Folk bands. Read more…
The Dorset County Show 2025
Sat, 6th – Sun, 7th September 2025
The Dorset County Show returns the 6th and 7th of September 2025, a weekend filled with agricultural displays, local produce, and family-friendly entertainment. Read More…
Civil War Re-enactment weekend at Corfe Castle
Sat, 6th – Sun, 7th September 2025
Join us in the grounds of Corfe Castle for a dramatic re-enactment, portraying the events of 1646 when Corfe Castle was taken. Read More…
Fairytales for Grown-ups: Queen of Between
Sat, 6th September 2025
Discover the magical Cranborne Earthouse storytelling experience! Learn how Queen of Between performances blend mythology with live storytelling in Dorset’s unique venue. Read More…
ABBA by Moonlight
Sat, 6th September 2025
ABBA by Moonlight’s faithful recreation of ABBA’s signature harmonies and iconic looks makes for one electrifying live performance. Read More…
Car Boot Sale at Poole Stadium
Sun, 7th September 2025
Poole Stadium Car Boot Sale is open every Sunday (including Bank Holiday Monday’s) throughout the year. Read More…
