The final week of August in Dorset features a packed schedule of creative exhibitions, engaging family activities, and lively outdoor entertainment. At Sandy Hill Arts, Robert Amesbury Brooks’ exhibition showcases evocative Corfe Castle landscapes, running daily throughout the week. Dorchester hosts a collection of powerful works by internationally recognised Malak Mattar, offering visitors a compelling artistic experience.
Families will find plenty to do, with hands-on bushcraft at The Blue Pool’s Wild Wednesdays and stimulating history talks at Dorset History Centre midweek. Wareham Quay welcomes Neon Night Raft Race and fireworks as part of Wareham Wednesdays, while Poole Quay continues its summer tradition with live music and dazzling displays on Thursday evenings.
Brownsea Island’s Summer of Play inspires imaginative nature activities for children, and Upton Country Park presents the Frontier Sapiens Open-air Adventure Film Festival, providing an unforgettable cinematic experience beneath the stars. Friday delivers variety: Millie College Open Day at Holton Lee celebrates three years with animal encounters and crafts; Portland Rocks Music Festival launches its weekend of live music and family entertainment. Poole Quay’s Car Nights focus on Japanese cars, while Knoll House Hotel screens Wicked outdoors for musical theatre fans. Bournemouth Friday Fireworks light up the night along the coast.
Saturday features Bournemouth’s Makers Market, a silent disco at Nothe Fort, and a Bob Dylan film under the stars in Careys Secret Garden. Elvis McGonagall brings his energetic blend of poetry and punkabilly to the stage, promising an evening of satirical entertainment. Sunday rounds off the week with the Abbotsbury Plant Fair and Bridport Vintage Market, perfect for discovering rare plants, vintage treasures, and regional food amidst a welcoming Dorset atmosphere.
Enjoy your week 😃
inDorset
Robert Amesbury Brooks exhibition at Sandy Hill Arts
23rd to 31st August 2025
Discover Robert Amesbury Brooks’ captivating Corfe Castle paintings at Sandy Hill Arts, Aug 23-31. See how this Slade-trained artist transforms Dorset’s iconic landscape. Read more…
Art Exhibition by Malak Mattar
25th to 30th August 2025
The work of internationally renowned Palestinian artist Malak Mattar will be showcased in Dorchester. Read more…
Wild Wednesdays – For Kids! at The Blue Pool
Wed, 27th August 2025
Kids aged 5-15 can enjoy hands-on bushcraft activities like bird box making, fire lighting and safety, paracord bracelet crafting and bug hunts. Read more…
Dorset History Centre – From the Stacks
Wed, 27th August 2025
On the last Wednesday of each month, Dorset History Centre will be hosting a short talk about some of our fascinating records led by one of the team. Read more…
Wareham Wednesdays!
Wed, 27th August 2025
It’s the last Wareham Wednesdays this week, bringing four weeks of lively summer celebrations on Wareham Quay to a close! For the week it’s Neon Night Raft Race at 7pm and Firework display at 10pm. Read more…
Poole Quay Summer Fireworks 2025
Thu, 28th August 2025
Experience the excitement at Poole Quay Summer Fireworks 2025—live music, family entertainment, and dazzling fireworks every Thursday. Read more…
Summer of play on Brownsea Island
Ends Sun, 31st August 2025
The National Trust’s Summer of Play events offers a packed calendar of hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and connect children with nature. Read more…
Frontier Sapiens Open-air Adventure Film Festival
Thu, 28th August 2025
Experience epic adventures under the stars at UK’s largest outdoor film festival. Join Frontier Sapiens at Upton Country Park Aug 28th for inspiring films & picnics. Read more…
Millie College Celebration Open Day @ Holton Lee
Fri, 29th August 2025
Looking for a unique educational experience with animals and crafts? Discover Millie College’s 3rd Anniversary Open Day featuring falconry displays, tours & more. Read more…
Portland Rocks 2025
Fri, 29th – Sun, 31st August 2025
Join us for the Portland Rocks Music Festival — the ultimate celebration of tunes, talent, and family fun. Read more…
Car Nights on Poole Quay 2025
Fri, 29th August 2025
Poole Quay hosts a unique, themed car event every Friday evening from 6pm – 9pm, showcasing a fantastic line-up of popular car marques. 29th August – is Japanese cars night. Read more…
Outdoor Cinema – Wicked at Knoll House Hotel Studland
Fri, 29th August 2025
Discover the dazzling Wicked musical starring Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande. Book discounted pre-film dining at Knoll House Hotel for the perfect evening out. Read more…
Bournemouth Friday Fireworks 2025
Fri, 29th August 2025
Enjoy Bournemouth Friday Fireworks! Spectacular displays every Friday, 10pm – this is teh last Friday, best viewed from the east of Bournemouth Pier. Don’t miss out. Read more…
South Coast Makers Market
Sat, 30th August 2025
Support your local creatives at our Makers Market in the centre of Bournemouth on the last Saturday of every month. Read more…
Silent Disco at Nothe Fort
Sat, 30th August 2025
Shush Events are back at the Fort by popular demand on Saturday 30th August – give Summer the send-off it deserves with another Nothe Fort Silent Disco. Read more…
Cinema Under The Stars: A Complete Unknown the Bob Dylan Story
Sat, 30th August 2025
Ready for cinema magic under the stars? Join Purbeck Film Festival’s open-air screening of Bob Dylan: A Complete Unknown at Careys Secret Garden, August 30th. Read more…
Elvis McGonagall & his Resurrectors
Sat, 30th August 2025
Discover Elvis McGonagall’s radical stand-up poetry and punkabilly rock fusion. Learn how satirical verse meets anarchic wit in this unique performer’s journey. Read more…
Abbotsbury Plant Fair
Sun, 31st August 2025
Unusual, difficult-to-find and some exotic plants available from more than 20 specialist nurseries & growers. Read more…
Bridport Vintage Market
Sun, 31st August 2025
Discover Bridport Vintage Market, held last Sunday of each month, March–October. Enjoy vintage finds, live music, food, and dog-friendly fun in Dorset. Read more…
With events ranging from visual arts and outdoor cinema to family-friendly festivals and community celebrations, Dorset offers diverse experiences for all interests.
