Dorchester Science Festival 2026

Crazy about science? There’s a whole world waiting to be explored, from the vast reaches of the solar system to the wonders of the natural world and fascinating chemical reactions you might not even realise exist.

Dorchester is once again hosting the 2026 Science Festival in celebration of National British Science Week.

This year’s programme promises to be bigger and better than ever, with businesses across the town hosting an exciting variety of experiments, talks and hands-on discoveries. Join in the fun from Friday 6th to Sunday 15th March 2026, as Dorchester comes alive with science at the start of March.

Whether you’re a budding scientist or simply curious about how the world works, here’s what’s happening in Dorchester during Science Week.

What’s on at Dorchester Science Festival

Over 15 events and talks are being hosted in Dorchester to celebrate the Dorchester Science Festival, so there’s plenty to get involved with over the next 10 days, and you’re bound to find something you’d love to get stuck into. Here’s what’s going on from Friday 6th – Sunday 15th March 2026.

Sensory Science Day

7th March, Borough Gardens

Get involved in some pretty cool interactive experiments that you can learn and try at home, especially for those who are neurodivergent or prefer a quieter environment. These are free drop-in sessions. Click here for more details.

Lego Club Curiosity Special

7th March, Dorchester Library

Use your imagination and come and create something wild with LEGO. They’ve got plenty to create your ultimate science masterpiece! Click here for more details about te Lego Club Curiosity Special.

Code Club Curiosity Special

12th March, Dorchester Library

Curious about programming? Welcome to the world of code and immerse yourself in what it takes to create interactive projects using Scratch, a programming language and coding website. Want to build your own adventure science game? Well, now you can! Click here for more details about the Code Club Curiosity Special.

Explosive Food with the Royal Institution

13th March, The Thomas Hardye School

Did you know that food can sometimes go bang? No? Then are you ready to be WOWED? This science show is packed with immersive demonstrations and experiments that’ll leave you feeling engaged. Click here for more details about the Explosive Food with the Royal Institution.

Become a Museum Curator

14th March, Dorchester Museum

Ever thought about what it’s like to look after important artefacts in museums? Come and explore parts of the museum that are not often open to the public. Get behind the scenes and learn how to protect our history. Click here for more details about the Become a Museum Curator session.

Bone Builders

14th March, Dorchester Museum

Want to learn more about how human excavations are carried out? Get behind the scenes with the archaeology team from Bournemouth University to learn about how human remains are received, conserved and displayed, and even how to reconstruct a skeleton! Click here for more details about the Bone Builder session.

Mini Professors for British Science Week

15th March, Waterstones

Get hands-on in experiments with interactive learning experiences. Perfect for curious children who love getting stuck in and want to learn more about science. Click here for more details about the Mini Professors session.

Family Science Day

14th March, Corn Exchange

Following the enormous success from last year, Family Science Day is back and blasting up the Corn Exchange on 14th March. Come along to discover over 20 stalls all featuring some exciting activities to get involved in, from forensics, wildlife tracking, to using VR for face recognition.

Family Science Day in Dorchester is free, but must be booked in advance online. Click here to book on the Family Science Day.

Science Talks Programme

Along with the many cool events happening across the Dorset county town, many businesses are hosting science talks with local experts. Educating guests on a range of inspiring topics from biology to space.

• Dragonflies to Diatoms, 6th March at Sculpture by the Lakes
• Solar System Walk with Weymouth Astronomy Club
• Exploring the Cosmos: From Space Travel to Astrophotography with three local experts
• Underwater sound: Sea life to Submarines with TKMS ATLAS UK
• Cook or Kill at Dorset County Hospital
• Sounds of the Sky: From Bats to Bugs with two local experts
• Explosive Food with the Royal Institution

Visit Dorchester During British Science Week

The Dorchester Science Festival is something you wouldn’t want to miss as a science enthusiast. Fun for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and to learn about during the festivities. While you’re here, don’t forget to grab a treat at a local cafe or find something meaningful for Mother’s Day with our lovely selection of independent gift shops. Dorchester is just one of those places that keeps on surprising, with many hidden gems and cool finds.

See what’s on locally by visiting the Discover Dorchester website or download the app.

FAQs for Dorchester Science Festival 2026

1. What is the Dorchester Science Festival and when does it take place?
The Dorchester Science Festival is a 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths held as part of British Science Week. In 2026, it runs from Friday 6th March to Sunday 15th March with a range of interactive activities, talks and family-friendly events in Dorchester.

2. Where are the festival events held?
The festival events take place across various venues in Dorchester – including the Corn Exchange, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Borough Gardens, Dorchester Library, The Thomas Hardye School and community spaces throughout the town.

3. What types of events are part of the festival?
The programme includes hands-on science activities and demonstrations, themed talks, LEGO and coding sessions, outdoor astronomy walks, forensic and wildlife workshops, sensory-friendly sessions, museum experiences, and much more.

4. What is Family Science Day and do I need a ticket?
Family Science Day is the festival highlight featuring 20+ hands-on science stalls hosted by local scientists. Entry is free, but booking is essential via Eventbrite – and spaces can fill up fast.

5. Is the festival suitable for children and families?
Yes — many events are designed for all ages, with specific sessions suitable for young children, families and curious adults alike. Some events are especially aimed at ages 4 + and “all ages” activities are also available.

6. Are any festival activities sensory-friendly?
Yes – the festival includes a Sensory Safe Science Day with quieter, interactive sessions ideal for neurodivergent children or those who prefer a calmer environment.

7. How do I book tickets for festival events?
Many events, including Family Science Day and some workshops, require advance booking – usually through their Eventbrite listings or organiser websites. Details and links are available on the festival programme page or on the official festival social channels.

8. Is there a cost to attend the festival?
While many festival activities and workshops are free to attend, some may require booking. Always check individual event listings for cost information.

9. Who organises the Dorchester Science Festival?
The festival is coordinated by Dorchester Town Council with partners including Bournemouth University, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Biology and local organisations across Dorset.

10. Can I attend just one event or do I need to go to all days?
You can attend individual events – you don’t have to attend the full 10-day festival. Choose specific talks, workshops or days that interest you.

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