Autumn Events in Dorchester 2021

Thursday, September 30th, 2021

Autumn is here and with it a great selection of things to do and events in Dorchester in 2021. Heritage tours, halloween events and firework displays ensure there’s something for all the family. As well as the fantastic Dorchester Literary Festival which makes a very welcome return in its 6th year.

Here’s our guide to some of the main autumn events in Dorchester this season and the key dates for the diary…

Roman Town House Tours

9th and 23rd October 2021, in timed slots at 10:30am and 2pm

A real treasure of Dorchester is The Roman Town House, one of the best examples of its kind in the country. Extensive refurbishment of the covered Roman Town House structure and grounds have made the site more visitor friendly. Now thanks to a partnership between Dorset Museum and Dorset Council, guided tours are being run for a great way to experience The Roman Town House and grounds.

The tour starts at Dorset Museum with a brief history of the site and a look at precious artefacts. After this, the tour guides will take you to the site of the Roman Town House and allow you to enter the covered building which hosts a number of really special features including some of the original wall paint and mosaics and a beautifully preserved example of an underfloor heating system. Each tour is approximately 1.5hrs and this activity is not suitable for under 5s. Find out more.

Dorchester Literary Festival

9th – 16th October 2021, The Dorford Centre, Dorchester Library & Dorset Museum

The Dorchester Literary Festival is organised by writers for all those who enjoy the written word. The aim of the festival is to give the opportunity to hear stimulating talks and discussions by leading authors in a relaxed and beautiful setting. Over the course of the week the 2021 event over 30 different talks will take place. These include top TV presenters Kate Humble, Jeremy Vine and many more award-winning writers.

Visit www.dorchesterliteraryfestival.com for more information and to book your tickets.

You can also follow Dorchester Literary Festival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #DLF2021

Half Term Halloween Fun

25th – 30th October, Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum

Shire Hall are hosting a half-term week of spooktacular activities this October. Among the scarily fun activities will be slime-making workshops (11-3pm) and a spiders trail. Round off the visit with some halloween-themed treats from the café. Booking is not required for these events. Visit the Shire Hall event page on Facebook for more information and entry fees.

Halloween Ghost Hunt at Brewery Square

30th – 31st October, Brewery Square

Brewery Square’s Halloween Ghost Hunt is back in October on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October from 10am until 4pm. To take part simply pop in to the Concierge Office (DT1 1GH) to collect your entry form. Then head off in pursuit of all the ghosts located around Brewery Square. When you’ve completed the form return it to the Concierge Office to claim your free prize!

Join the event page on Facebook here.

Bincombe Bumps Pumpkin Picking

9th, 16th and 23rd October, West Farm, Bincombe, DT3 5PS

For a charming autumnal experience just outside Dorchester why not try Bincombe Bumps pumpkin farm. A fantastic day out, the kids will love to walk in the pumpkin field and choose a pumpkin to take home and carve. Find out more.

Tom Browns Halloween Picnic

31st October, 2pm – 4pm, Tom Browns Pub.

A child friendly acoustic show of well known children’s favourites performed by local musician Jamie Parker. A free event with table booking advised but not essential. Fun for all the family with fancy dress encouraged!

See Tom Browns event listings for live music and comedy night during autumn/winter.

Firework display

5th November, Dorchester Rugby Club

Plans are in place for Dorchester Rugby Club will once again host their community firework display. A wide choice of food and fully stocked bar make it the biggest and best annual display in Dorchester!

The event takes place on 5th of November at Dorchester Rugby Club – not to be missed!

Make sure to put the date in your diary and keep up with the latest updates on Dorchester Rugby Club’s Facebook page.

We hope this guide to autumn events in Dorchester 2021 has provided inspiration for great things to do in the County Town. Happy halloween, ghost hunting and pumpkin picking this season! 🎃