12 Summer Events in Dorchester 2021
Friday, July 16th, 2021Summer in Dorchester is always a great time to enjoy a variety of pop-up festivals, outdoor shows and events. The pandemic has made things challenging for event organisers, but there are still some fun activities taking place this year.
With the sun coming out and restrictions being lifted it will be a great time to reconnect with friends and family. Here’s a selection of some of the events and entertainment on offer, in and around Dorchester this summer.
Crazy Golf at Brewery Square
11am, 17th July, Brewery Square
Put your putting skills to the test with friends and family at Brewery Square. Although this event is FREE to attend, booking is essential.
Available time slots are –
11am – 12noon
12noon – 1pm
1pm – 2pm
2pm – 3pm
All events at Brewery Square are subject to government guidelines at the time of the event. Check out the Facebook event page for all the terms and conditions.
Sunday Craft Activity
10:00-11:00am & 2:00-3:00pm, 18th July, Dorset Museum
– Suitable for under 11s
– Maximum of 1 adult to supervise children in each group
– Maximum of 30 people for each session
– Sessions run at 10am and 2pm for 45mins-1hour
Apothecary: The talking Cure
6:30pm, 23rd July, Roman Town House
An evening of Poetry and Spoken Word at the Roman Town House from some of Dorset’s finest wordsmiths. Hosted by The Second Bard of Dorchester and co-host of Bridport Apothecary Peter Roe. Guaranteed to banish those post lockdown blues. Facebook event page.
The Importance of Being Earnest Live Performance
7pm, 29th July, Maumbury Rings
Dorchester Arts is presenting a series of outdoor live theatre performance at Maumbury Rings. From the creators of The HandleBards comes a fantastically wild(e) new production, ripping up the rule book and celebrating silliness. We ask that you prepare to witness the impossible – the entirety of Oscar Wilde’s classic play of manners, affairs and handbags being performed by just two rather dashing entertainers.
Don’t forget to bring your own seats, picnic blankets and filled hampers to the proceedings, and wear attire suitable for the meteorological conditions. Find out more on the Facebook event page.
Dorset Summer Show
10am, 31st July, Dorchester Market
The County Show is without question one of the top summer events in Dorchester. Sadly the annual event at the showground had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. However, the team at Dorset Country Show are hosting an event at Dorchester Market. Perfect for a family day out, including; food & craft market, entertainment, homecraft & horticulture competitions and much more.
Find out more on the Facebook event page.
Summer Holidays at Brewery Square
Midday, 1st August, Brewery Square
Celebrate the great British Summertime at Brewery Square! Take advantage of a photo opportunity on the giant beach deck chair. There will be an appearance from caricature artist Kevin Rye of Rye Smile Caricatures. As well as live music, ice cream, garden games and more. This promises to be a great event for all the family!
All events at Brewery Square are subject to government guidelines at the time of the event. Check out the Facebook event page for the very latest event information.
Dorset Food and Arts Festival-lite
10am, 7th August, The Great Field, Poundbury
Dorset Food and Arts Festival is back on the menu! Celebrating the best of Dorset and showcasing a great line up of local food, drink, art, and craft.
Taking place on the Great Field in Poundbury, event organisers are bringing together a FREE ‘pop-up’ festival market. A ‘lite’ version of the popular event which normally has its home in Queen Mother Square. Alterations to the event mean no live music or cookery demonstrations, but may include a few ‘gentle’ buskers to give the event a chilled vibe. Keep up-to-date with the latest on the Facebook page.
She Stoops to Conquer Live Performance
7pm, 10th August, Maumbury Rings
Rain or Shine Theatre Company are pleased as punch to present… She Stoops to Conquer – an 18th Century farce for all the family.
Set against the increasingly chaotic proceedings of one very long night, She Stoops to Conquer is a delightful romantic romp filled with ludicrous misunderstanding, mischief and mayhem, suitable for lords and ladies from 6 to 106!
So pack your picnic, rugs and chairs, pop open some bubbly and sit back and relax in the summer sunshine, while we whisk you away to the time of big wigs, and even bigger dresses, where fops and foolery abound! Find out more here.
Punch and Judy at Brewery Square
Midday & 2pm, 14th August, Brewery Square
“That’s the Way to do it!!”
Punch and Judy come to Brewery Square, this summer. Join in the summertime fun and laughter with a Punch and Judy performance.
Two shows are going ahead on the day, each lasting 30 minutes each. Enjoy a delicious ice cream from Creams Café while you’re there!
Showtimes are:
12noon – 12:30pm
2:00pm – 2:30pm
Join the event page here.
Mr Stink Live Performance
6pm, 14th August, Maumbury Rings
At Maumbury Rings you can experience an outdoor re-telling of David Walliams’ best-seller Mr Stink. Packed with fun, humour, and a heart-warming message, this touching tale provides the perfect family entertainment.
Alice in Wonderland Live Performance
5pm, 15th August, Maumbury Rings
Descend down the rabbit hole into a strange world of caterpillars, cards and tea parties. Join Alice as she tries to navigate this curious world of curiouser creatures – but don’t lose your head! This promises to be a wonderful experience of original toe-tapping songs, colourful characters, costumes and hilarious comedy in Boxtree Production’s unique and energetic style.
Jason and the Argonauts on Tour
10am, 16th-17th August, Borough Gardens
Jason and the Argonauts are coming to Dorchester this August! Award-winning artist, Jason Wilsher-Mills is bringing his inflatable sculptures to Borough Gardens in a summer event organised by Shire Hall Museum.
Dorchester Cider Festival
2pm, 21st August, Borough Gardens
Organised by Dorchester Round Table, The 6th annual Dorchester Cider Festival returns to Borough Gardens on Saturday 21st August 2021 at 14:00.
A FREE family friendly celebration of the regions finest cider producers, special guests, great food and live music throughout the day. When it comes to summer events in Dorchester, the Cider Festival is not to be missed!
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