Wednesday, August 5

There will be a floral demonstration by Carrie Diamond at Dorchester and District Gardening Club’s meeting at United Church Hall, 49/51 Charles Street, (DT1 1EE). Carrie will be exploring some of the options for water storage for arrangements now people are trying to use less floral foam. Doors 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. £4 on door. Bring and buy and draw. All welcome. Jane, secretary 01305 268523 or dorchestergardening@ gmail.com
Kids can enjoy free creative playdays thanks to The Octagon and Westlands. Today, 11am-3pm at Mudford Rec in Yeovil, Cat & Mouse Theatre Co perform their production Blockbuster. Search for ‘Westlands playdays’ and click on the link to book.

Thursday, August 6

Watch giant paddle board racing at The Official Test Centre, Portland (DT5 1SA) for Weymouth Lifeboat Week. First race 6pm, finish 8.30pm.
Beaminster Museum’s summer exhibition Fire Flood Frost runs throughout August, exploring how the area has battled the elements. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and bank holidays, 10.30am-4pm, Sundays 2pm-4.30pm. Free, donations welcome. DT8 3NB. beaminstermuseum.co.uk

Friday, August 7

Kids can enjoy a free creative playday thanks to The Octagon and Westlands. Today, 11am-3pm at Chard Rugby Club (TA20 1RH), Tit for Tat Circus Theatre Company perform their new show Disorder of Knights. Search for ‘Westlands playdays’ and click on the link to book.

Saturday, August 8

There’s a host of fun in Weymouth today, with a Lifeboat Open Day from 10.30am-3pm on Nothe Parade (DT4 8TX), a family fun day and emergency services display noon-6pm in Nothe Gardens (DT4 8UF), a blessing of the Lifeboats, 1pm, featuring the Salvation Army Band, Nothe Parade, Weymouth (DT4 8TX) and a lifeboat display at 4pm in Newton’s Cove (DT4 8UR).
One World Festival will be held in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens today from 11am-4pm – a brilliant free annual event celebrating local cultural diversity through world music, dance, activities, and a global food village. The WDM will be there – come and say hello!
There’s a flea market at the Digby Memorial Hall, Sherborne DT9 3NL, from 8.30am (£5 entry, £3 after 9am), closing at 1.30pm. Contact Hilary on 07736 666414 or hilarychisholm@ aol.com to book a stall.
There’s bingo at Maiden Newton Village Hall, doors 2pm, eyes down 2.30pm.
It’s Cider Saturday at Dorset Nectar Cider! Every week, 5.30pm to 8pm at the farm in Waytown, Bridport DT6 5FT. Food and live music from Lynn and Kitty.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 8 mile walk from Abbotsbury. Call 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/ visitors welcome.
Darron Garnett will bring cool swing style to Greenhill Gardens in Weymouth 2pm-4pm, showcasing the songs of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, Nat King Cole, Michael Bublé and many more! Live music is hosted by The Friends of Greenhill Gardens (FOGG) every Sunday afternoon in summer.
Wellworthy Bowls Club at Dumbarton Road, Wyke Regis, is holding an open morning today and every Saturday 10am-noon. Come and try your hand at bowls! Wear flat-bottomed shoes. Contact: Carol on 07817 393178 or caroldixon55@gmail.com
A summer fayre is being held at St Paul’s Church, Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth, (DT4 0BJ) 11am-1pm. All the fun of the fair including a tombola, refreshments, toys and games plus a barbecue and grand draw!

Sunday, August 9

Margaret Green Animal rescue is holding its Country Fayre and Dog Show at the Church Knowle Centre between 11am and 4pm.
The Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre is holding an open day 11.30am-3.30pm. Tea, coffee and basic refreshments, picnic area, toilet. Wheelchair access to all areas except for the visitor centre and toilet. Park in Oborne Road. Entry by donation. New members and volunteers warmly welcomed. Sswc.co.uk
Friends of Lodmoor Country Park Weymouth invite you to their Summer sPARKle – a free event for children (accompanied by an adult) to make nature-themed crafts, by the children’s play area 2pm-4pm. Donations welcome to help maintain and improve the park.

Monday, August 10

There’s a firework display at 9.30pm, Weymouth Esplanade.
Dorchester Oddfellows host an afternoon of tabletop games 2pm-5pm at PIP Café Poundbury, St John Way, (DT1 2FG). Play or learn to play backgammon, Scrabble, Rummikub, mah jong and more. Free event to include tea, coffee and cake. Rosemary 07788 436797/ rosemarywdt2@gmail.com
Culture Quest 2026 and ASCape are hosting a woodworking session at 10.30am-noon for autistic or socially anxious children aged eight to 12 at Core near Corscombe (BA22 9QU). A parent-carer must stay with their child. £5 per child and £3 per sibling (discounts available). All young people need to be registered with ASCape and booking is essential. To register and book go to ascapegroup.org

Tuesday, August 11

Royal British Legion, Dorchester Branch hold a meet and greet social event 11am-1pm at The Junction Hotel, Great Western Road, DT1 1UF. 2nd Tuesday of each month. All welcome.
Kids can enjoy a free creative playday thanks to The Octagon and Westlands. Today, 11am-3pm at Cale Park in Wincanton. The Herd Theatre will perform their interactive show, Essential Playworks. Search for ‘Westlands playdays’ and click on the link to book.
A crabbing contest will be held from 11am at Nothe Parade, Weymouth (DT4 8TX).
The Leggomen will play at 7.30pm at The Boat on Weymouth Esplanade.
A friendly drawing, painting and mixed media class is held every Tuesday 10am-12.30pm upstairs at the Dorset Craft Workshop, The Mews, Durngate street, Dorchester, DT1 1JP. £12. Friendly mixed group of all levels – all welcome. Email Eian Mantle at eianmantle@yahoo.co.uk
Local women’s storytelling initiative The Loom will host an evening of autobiographical and fictional storytelling at The Wishing Well in Upwey from 6pm. Light refreshments, then stories 7.15pm-9pm. A welcoming and supportive space for women to listen, connect, and share personal mythologies and creative prose. Pre-ordered supper available. More Information at megansimson.com/theloom-upweywishingwell

Wednesday, August 12

There’s a lifeboat display at Bowleaze Cove at 7pm.
Weymouth Memory Café is held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 2pm-3.30pm at St Andrew’s Church Rooms, 4 Church Road, Preston (DT3 6BU). People living with dementia and their carers/families can just turn up. Free, no need to book. Contact admindorset@ alzheimers.org.uk or call Mel on 07860 592407 or Jim on 07719 074485.
Live Laugh Love Ladies Club meet at Crossroads, 1 Crown Square, Poundbury 7pm-9pm. Guest speaker is Sue Coombs The Nannapreneur – Older, Wiser and Not Done Yet. Call Sally 07703 171545, email sallyannchildsslade@gmail.com or visit livelaughloveladies. club/sallycs

Thursday, August 13

A working farm near Bere Regis that transforms into a beautiful campsite every summer is holding its fifth Wild Weekend from today until Sunday, August 16. Wooders Campsite (BH20 7NN) is offering live music from Bullitt, Milk & Two, Deadwood & Whiskey and more, balloon madness, circus skills workshops, birds of prey, magic with Mr Merlin, pottery and painting plus gorgeous Dorset food & drink. Tickets from wooderscampsite.co.uk
Kids can enjoy a free creative playday thanks to The Octagon and Westlands, 11am-3pm alongside the River Parrett at Cocklemoor, Langport (TA10 9RA). Watch and take part in the new show from Cat & Mouse Theatre Co, Stand & Deliver. Search for ‘Westlands playdays’ and click on the link to book.
Royal British Legion, Dorchester Branch will hold a meet and greet social event 11am-1pm at The Junction Hotel, Great Western Road, DT1 1UF. Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.
Sherborne & District Gardeners’ Association meet at the Main Digby Hall, Hound Street for their 81st summer show. Staging from 2.30pm, presentations 7.30pm. Non-members £3. Richard Newcombe 01935 389375.

Friday, August 14

Dorchester Oddfellows host a coffee and get together with bring and buy 10.30-noon at Crossways Village Hall. Mary Brewer 01305 853125 marybrewer44@icloud.com

Saturday, August 15

Wessex Military Band is playing a concert in Bucky Doo Square Bridport – free, with a collection – from 10am-12.30pm, weather-dependent.
Culture Quest 2026 and ASCape are co-hosting music workshops for autistic and socially anxious children aged four to 12, 10am-12.15pm at the Bridport Youth and Community Centre. ASCape’s amazing music leaders James and Tim will invite the children to experiment with different instruments, sounds and genres, and guide the group to write and record a group song! All instruments will be provided (bring your own if you want). Parent/carer will need to stay. Tickets £5 and £3 per sibling. Register and book at ascapegroup.org
ASCape are also holding an afternoon of fun activities at Bridport Leisure Centre from 1.15pm-4pm today, for autistic children of all ages and their families. The pool will be equipped with floats, woggles and toys. The music will be off. Adults are welcome to join their children in the pool (or spectate on poolside if their child is a confident swimmer over the age of eight). Free play after in the sports hall with slides, small trampolines, diddy cars, goals and balls. Tickets £7 and £4 per sibling. Book at ascapegroup.org
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Little Bredy. 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
It’s Cider Saturday at Dorset Nectar Cider. Every week, 5.30pm to 8pm at the farm in Waytown, Bridport DT6 5FT and enjoy delicious food (veggie option) and live music from Nina Garcia.
Piddle Valley Gardens Club are holding their summer show 2pm-4pm at Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall DT2 7QF. Flowers, fruit and veg, cookery, photography, arts and crafts. More info at piddlevalley.life
A tabletop sale will be held at 22 Lodmoor Avenue, Weymouth (DT3 5AF) 9am-5pm in aid of a student’s volunteering trip to South America. Lots of bargains promised!
Riverside Fest will be held noon to 10pm at Riverside Meadows, The Bridge, Sturminster Newton (DT10 2BS). A music festival for all the family, including live bands, bar, food stalls, trade stands, eating contests, mountain bike displays, reptile show, circus workshop and much more. Tickets from 1855 in Sturminster Newton and ticketsource.co.uk
Beaminster Horticultural Society will hold its open summer show at the Public Hall, Fleet Street, (DT8 3EF) from 2pm – cups presented at 4pm. Closing date for entries is 2pm on Wednesday, August 12. Entry box in the Post Office. Admission £1. Tea and cake £3, raffle. Schedules and further information: beaminstershowsec@icloud.com

Sunday, August 16

11th Hour will play 60s, 70s and 80s music in Greenhill Gardens 2pm-4pm.
Maiden Newton holds its annual flower and produce show at the village hall, with staging 9.30am-noon then viewing and prizegiving 2pm-4.30pm. Free entry.
Flowers, vegetables, fruit, cookery, jams, arts & crafts, photography and various children’s classes. Brochures at Maiden Newton Village Stores. Open to everyone. Teas, coffee and cakes, plus tombola.
There will be a scarecrow competition, dog show and treasure hunt at Chesil Bank Country Fayre, held at Chesil Recreation Ground, off Chapel Lane, near Portesham, noon-4pm. Craft displays, a sack race, food and refreshments, music and family games, plus the ever-popular Chesil Bank Bake Off. More info: 07815 307965.

Monday, August 17

You Do Music, ASCape’s three-day summer workshop for autistic teenagers is back for a 3rd year, from today until Wednesday, August 19. Meet fellow musicians, jam with others, learn new skills and write and record your own song! Music leaders will take you through the steps of writing, laying down and producing your own music track using state-of-the-art equipment at Bridport Youth and Community Centre. Total cost £25. Discounts available. Full details at ascapegroup.org
A valuation day will be held at Duke’s, Dorchester, DT1 1GA from 9.15am-4.45pm. Jewellery, watches, silver, coins, wines and spirits can all be taken in for a professional evaluation.

Tuesday, August 18

An annual arts & crafts fair will be held at Weymouth Bay Methodist Church, Melcombe Avenue, from today until Friday, August 21, 10am-3pm, featuring arts and crafts stalls alongside a café. Browse and buy, plus cake, bacon rolls and drinks available all day.
Continental Circus Berlin will bring brilliant circus acts from all four corners of the globe to Lodmoor, Weymouth, until Sunday, August 23. Acts include a sensational high wire which has never been seen before in the UK, with the troupe flying in all the way from Spain & Africa for the performance, and a stunt riding team will perform the Globe of Death. circusberlin.co.uk

Wednesday, August 19

A lunchtime concert with clarinet and saxophonist Natalie Burton and organist Ian Burton will be held at St Peter’s Church in Dorchester 12.30pm-1pm. Free.
Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show will be held at the Turnpike Showground, Motcombe (SP7 9PL), today and tomorrow. See more on P44.

Saturday, August 22

Cider Saturday at Dorset Nectar Cider, 5.30pm to 8pm at the farm in Waytown, Bridport DT6 5FT. Food and live music from Cobalt Blue.
ASCape is holding its annual summer family picnic at Salwayash Village Hall (DT6 5HX) 2pm-5pm. All families with neurodivergent, autistic or ADHD children aged 0-25 welcome, with or without a diagnosis. Relaxed afternoon with exciting activities for the whole family, including field games, friendly animals from Meadow Barn Care Farm, National Trust display with VR headsets, barbecue, cake sale, face painting, craft table, tombola, sensory toys and games sale, LEGO display, low sensory area…and more! Register at ascapegroup.org to attend.

Sunday, August 23

The Dorset Wrecks will play in Greenhill Gardens Weymouth 2pm-4pm. Free.
There’s a large plant fair at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (DT3 4LA) 10am-3pm, organised by Plant Heritage. Admission £7.50 adults, £5 child and includes admission to the extensive gardens (normally £15). Some 25 independent nursery and garden stalls, including rare and exotic plants, grasses, shrubs, autumn-flowering perennials, succulents etc. Cash and cards for purchases. Tickets on the day or abbotsburygardens.co.uk/events. Free parking, dogs on short leads welcome. Proceeds support plant conservation and education in Dorset.
St Mary’s Church in Charminster (DT2 9RD) invites you to a delicious summer cream tea from 3pm-5pm. £6 or £2 for children, proceeds towards church funds.

Monday, August 24

Make a piece of furniture! ASCape is hosting a series of two-day woodworking workshops for autistic and socially anxious young people aged 12+ at The Common Practice Studio in Bridport, Denhay Farm Shed (DT6 5NW). If support is needed, a parent-carer is very welcome to stay on site to support their young person with their project. Each workshop runs 10am-4pm. Tickets £25 for two days (discounts available). Workshops will be held today and tomorrow, then Wednesday and Thursday then Friday and Saturday this week. Register and book at ascapegroup.org

Tuesday, August 25

Pamela Simpson will give a talk to Bridport U3A about Scottish Colourists at United Church Hall, East Street, DT6 3LJ at 2pm. The talk lasts for 1 hour followed by Q&A then refreshments. Guests £3.
A Quiz at Sea will be hosted by Coastal Vibes Cruises from Weymouth at 6.30pm – quiz starts at 7.30pm. The four-hour voyage is open to over 18s. Minimum two, max six, £15pp. Over £250 worth of prizes to be won! Enjoy mini prizes throughout the night – including free shots, bar tabs and exclusive vouchers – plus a grand prize of a £100 Coastal Vibes gift voucher for the winning team. coastalvibescruises.com

Thursday, August 27

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.25 mile walk from Winsham. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/ visitors welcome.
Melplash Show is happening today! See P55 for details. Tickets at melplashshow.co.uk

Saturday, August 29

Cider Saturday at Dorset Nectar Cider 5.30pm-8pm at the farm in Waytown, Bridport DT6 5FT. Delicious food and live music from Cobalt Blue.

Sunday, August 30

Georgy & The Duke Rat Pack duo will play Greenhill Gardens 2pm-4pm. Free.
Bridport will come alive with its fabulous monthly vintage market. Head to St Michael’s, behind Waitrose for stalls, live music, food and more.

Monday, August 31

Alweston car boot sale: Sellers 7am, buyers before 7.30am £5, buyers after 7.30am, donation. See Facebook for more.
Tony Lowe, the Weymouth-born swing singer, is returning from Belgium with his ‘velvet voice’ to entertain at the bandstand in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens 2pm-4pm. Expect cool swing such as Frank Sinatra. Event is in aid of Weldmar.

Thursday, September 3

Dorchester Art Club’s new term starts today 2pm-4pm at St George’s Church Hall, Fordington, DT1 1LB. Plenty of free parking. Free entry for first taster session. All welcome. Penny 07747 049501.

Friday, September 4

St Peter’s Church Dorchester hosts a choral concert by Siglo de Oro, 7pm-8.15pm. Tickets £20 at ticketsource.com/ st-peters-church-dorchester
Cider Saturday at Dorset Nectar Cider 5.30pm-8pm in Waytown, Bridport DT6 5FT. Food and live music from Lynn and Kitty.

Saturday, September 5

Oborne Village Fete will be held 12.30pm-4pm at the playing field and church (DT9 4JY). Stalls such as Granny’s Attic, tombola, BBQ, produce and children’s corner, plus skittles, a duck race and jazz band. Entry £1.
Dorset County Show will be held at Cokers Frome, just outside Dorchester, today and tomorrow. More details on page 41.

Sunday, September 6

A Taize service will be held at 6pm at St Mary’s Church, Dorchester DT1 2HJ. A multisensory act of worship with beautiful chants, silence and iconography.

Tuesday, September 8

Royal British Legion, Dorchester Branch will hold a social event 11am-1pm at The Junction Hotel, Great Western Road, DT1 1UF. All welcome.
Southill Gardening Club meets at Southill Community Centre at 7.30pm to hear a talk by Simon and Anne Pugh-Jones from the specialist Isle of Portland Orchids nursery. They raise orchids from seed or division, and they invite anyone attending the meeting to bring along an orchid to get their expert advice. Isle of Portland Orchids recently received an RHS Gold Medal and the Award for Best Exhibit at the 2026 RHS Orchid Show at Wisley. Non-members welcome. Info: Nigel Smith on 01305 788939.
A friendly drawing/ painting/ mixed media class is held every Tuesday 10am to 12.30pm upstairs at the Dorset Craft Workshop, The Mews, Durngate street, Dorchester, DT1 1JP. Each session costs £12. They are a friendly mixed group of all levels and welcome anyone who wants to draw or paint. Experienced members are able to give advice and help to beginners. Email Eian Mantle at eianmantle@yahoo.co.uk for more information.
Share a glass of wine or cup of tea with Blackmore Vale U3A at Henstridge Village Hall. All refreshments are free. 2.30pm-4pm, BA8 0QB. Call 07580 127810 or 07919 585547 for information or go to blackmorevale.u3asite.uk

Wednesday, September 9

Live Laugh Love Ladies Club meet at Crossroads, 1 Crown Square, Poundbury 7pm-9pm. Guest speaker is High Sheriff of Dorset Helena Conibear, who is walking the Dorset County Line while raising the awareness of county lines drug exploitation. Call Sally 07703 171545.

Thursday, September 10

Sherborne & District Gardeners’ Association meet at the Main Digby Hall, Hound Street to hear from Deborah Harris on growing flowers for a succession of cutting at 7.30pm. Non-members £3. Richard Newcombe 01935 389375.

Friday, September 11

Dorchester Oddfellows host a coffee and get together with bring and buy 10.30-noon Crossways Village Hall. Mary Brewer 01305 853125 marybrewer44@icloud.com
Antique clothing and bridal wear from the 1860s to 1970 will be modelled in A Walk Down the Aisle presented by Theresa Weller at St Mary’s Church, Bridport. Wine and refreshments for donations to the Red Dress Project. Doors 6.15pm, start at 7pm. Tickets £15 from Bridport TIC 01308 424901.

Saturday, September 12

Wessex Military Band is playing a concert in Bucky Doo Square Bridport – free, with a collection – from 10am-12.30pm, weather dependent.
There’s bingo at Maiden Newton Village Hall, doors 2pm, eyes down 2.30pm.
Jumble sale at Corscombe Village Hall, DT2 0NU 2pm, entry £1. Jumble, bric-a-brac, plants, tools, cakes, raffle etc. Proceeds to hall and church.
Cider Saturday at Dorset Nectar Cider, Waytown, Bridport DT6 5FT 5.30pm-8pm. Food, music by Cobalt Blue.

Sunday, September 13

The Sherborne Steam and Waterwheel Centre is holding an open day 11.30am-3.30pm. The Waterwheel and Steam engines will be running. Tea, coffee and basic refreshments. Wheelchair access to all areas except for the visitor centre and toilet. Entry by donation.