Pop-up Pride Dorchester is back for its second year with a fabulous and packed programme.
The initiative, led by Dorchester Town Council, brings together events happening throughout Pride month in June, hosted by a range of local businesses and organisations.
Events include talks, films, music activities, a drag act, poetry, craft, an art exhibition, writing workshops, a walk and more! There’s even a couple of great trails to participate in. You can check out the full range of activities at Discover Dorchester, or on Facebook and Instagram by searching for Pop-Up Pride Dorchester.
This year the organisers have offered free posters saying ‘Everyone Welcome’ to any local businesses that would like to put them up. Some shops have also been given Pride Packs containing bunting, flags and more.
Events happening in Dorchester throughout Pride Month
Book Display at Dorchester Library
Celebrate Pride month with this vibrant display highlighting stories of acceptance, equality, and inclusion. Usual opening hours apply.
Pride booksale at Weldmar Bookshop
To support Pop Up Pride Dorchester 2026, the Weldmar Bookshop will be stocking a great selection of LGBTQIA+ books for the duration of June.
Teasel and Skylark LGBTQIA+ Writers Display
Check out their lovely window display of books from classic and contemporary LGBTQIA+ writers.
Dorset Museum and Art Gallery Pride Colours Trail
Join their colourful trail this Pride Month! Find 13 artworks in the Museum’s galleries that feature the colours of the Progress Pride Flag!
The Sydney Arms Sashay & Sing with Ms Cassidy
Ms Cassidy takes the stage from 9pm, bringing a night full of laughs, feel good vibes and fabulous fun. Expect interactive games, sing-along moments and plenty of dancing in a warm, welcoming space where everyone can join in and be themselves. Saturday 13th June, 9:00pm – 12:00am
Vinyl Van The Joy of Decks – Pride Special!
Their Open Decks night, the Joy of Decks will be a Pride special celebrating queer artists and music that will fill the dance floor. Bring 3 tunes and take over the decks, 10 minutes maximum to make sure everyone gets a go. Everyone welcome. All ages welcome, Under 15s up to 10pm. Thursday 18th June, 7:30pm – 11:00pm.
Trans Solidarity Dorset Pride Walk: Be Queer – Get Outside!
Join fellow LGBTQ+ folk for a ramble to proudly enjoy Dorchester’s beautiful countryside. 6km (4 mile) route with gentle hills & stiles, inclusive pace with regular breaks. Bring sensible footwear & clothing and a picnic to enjoy at one of our stops.
The walk is facilitated and guided, as always in the queer community we look out for each other. By taking part, you do so at your own risk and to be responsible for yourself. Meeting outside County Hall. Sunday 21st June 11:00am – 1:00pm.
Dorset County Hospital Pride Film Nights
Staff, families, patients and community are welcomed into the hospital to share LGBTQIA+ themed films. Dress up for a premier or come as you are, the choice is yours. Let the usherette supply you with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks at a reasonable price.
The film choice is yours, email them your favourite LGBTQIA+ themed film to be included in the poll. Email: pride.network@dchft.nhs.uk.
Venue: Education Centre Lecture Theatre. Age: Film dependant. Tuesday 23rd June 5:30pm – 7:30pm. £2.50, Includes a drink.
The Poet Laureate Open Mic Night Celebrating Our Local LGBTQIA+ Community
Join in for a warm and inclusive evening of poetry and spoken word.
Featuring Jenny Corfield, a member of the local LGBTQIA+ community, alongside an open mic welcoming LGBTQIA+ poets and spoken word performers. We warmly encourage members of the community and allies to come along, share their work, or simply enjoy a supportive and celebratory space. 15+ years. Tuesday 23rd June 7:30pm – 11:00pm.
Tom Browns Pint & Paint with Pride
Come along for a queer creative drop-in, grab a pint at the bar and join in for some pride painting. They will have drawings, colour-by-numbers and some blank pages to really let your own ideas shine. The best original queer painting design will be transferred onto a t-shirt! 18+ years. Wednesday 24th June, 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
Dorchester Library: The Pride We Write: Crafting LGBTQIA+ Narratives
Come and explore queer representation in fiction with Victoria L Humphreys discussing how LGBTQIA+ narratives are crafted, challenged and celebrated in contemporary writing. Drawing on themes from her novel The Other Way, she reflects on how hidden histories and marginalised identities shape the stories we tell.
The session includes a Q&A with opportunity for audience questions. All ages welcome but aimed at adults. Saturday 27th June 10:30am – 12:00pm.
Have you been to see the Pop-Up Pride Pop Up Gallery yet? Featuring incredible pieces from LGBTQIA+ artists and creative and a very special exhibition of the Tiny Travelling Gallery!
Dorchester Corn Exchange, throughout June, Tues to Sat 10am-4pm – FREE entry.
Want more county town news? Check out our Dorchester pages.
