Visit Our
Local Events & Markets
Whether you want to sample some fantastically famous local produce or discover something brand new made in Dorset, our wonderful food and drink businesses participate in events and markets throughout the year. Â Use this page to find the next opportunity or a wonderful local market to mooch around – always time well spent!Â
September
12sep(sep 12)10:00 am13(sep 13)4:00 pmSeafood & Sounds 2026
Event Details
Old Town Poole & The Quay – Sat 12th & Sun 13th September 2026 Now in its third year, Seafood and Sounds is a vibrant community festival celebrating the very best
Event Details
Old Town Poole & The Quay – Sat 12th & Sun 13th September 2026
Now in its third year, Seafood and Sounds is a vibrant community festival celebrating the very best of locally sourced seafood and talented Dorset musicians, all set against the charming backdrop of Old Town Poole and The Quay.
About the Event
Seafood and Sounds was created by five passionate local business owners:
- Coastal Cruises Poole
- The Custom House
- The Poole Arms
- Saint Tropez Restaurant
- Truly Scrumptious
Together, they have built an inspiring event that brings people together, supports local enterprise, and showcases Poole as a fantastic destination for food, music, and culture.
What to Expect
- Exceptional local seafood, prepared and served by established Poole businesses
- Live music performances by talented Dorset artists
- Atmospheric waterfront locations throughout Old Town and The Quay
- A community-focused celebration, championing local businesses and residents
This two-day event offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in incredible food while enjoying unforgettable musical performances in one of Dorset’s most beautiful settings.
Join them this September for Seafood and Sounds 2026 — a celebration of food, music, and community by the sea.
Time
12sep(sep 12)10:00 am13(sep 13)5:00 pmSturminster Newton Cheese Festival 2026
Event Details
The countdown is on for the return of the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, taking place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2026! Organised entirely by volunteers and held in the
Event Details
The countdown is on for the return of the Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival, taking place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2026!
Organised entirely by volunteers and held in the heart of the Blackmore Vale, the festival has become one of Dorset’s most popular food and community events, attracting thousands of visitors each year from across the South West.
The festival celebrates the very best of local food, drink, crafts, music and community spirit. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of artisan cheese producers, local food exhibitors, craft stalls, live entertainment, family activities, demonstrations, real ale, cider and wine bars, alongside a variety of refreshments throughout the weekend.
More than just a celebration of cheese, the festival is a charitable event run under the auspices of the Sturminster Newton Rotary Club. Thanks to the support of visitors, exhibitors, volunteers and sponsors, the festival has donated more than £450,000 to local charities, community groups and good causes over the last decade.
Recent beneficiaries have included local schools, youth organisations, community projects and charities that make a significant difference to people across Dorset and the surrounding counties.
The festival continues its commitment to being an affordable family day out, with children aged 15 and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Visitors can expect:
• Award-winning cheese and food producers
• Artisan crafts and gifts
• Live music and entertainment throughout the weekend
• Children’s entertainment and family activities
• Real ale, cider and wine bars
• Local charity and community organisation displays
• A warm welcome from our volunteer team
Advance tickets are available now through the festival website.
For tickets, programme updates and further information visit – Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival or
Email: info@cheesefestival.co.uk
What Three Words: doted.deleting.sway
*For satnav users, the postcode for the car park is DT10 1DQ
Time
Location
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Sturminster Newton Recreation Ground
17sep6:30 pm9:30 pmThe Butcher, The Baker, The Pollinator
Event Details
An evening of local food, lived experience and conversation, bringing you closer to the people and places behind what we eat. The Nutrition Advisory Team invites you to gather around the
Event Details
An evening of local food, lived experience and conversation, bringing you closer to the people and places behind what we eat.
The Nutrition Advisory Team invites you to gather around the table with our three guests — Reg Pielesz, The Butcher; Steve Oxford, The Baker; and Gill Perkins, The Pollinator — as they share stories from their work, their knowledge and their very different perspectives on our food system.
Together, we’ll explore provenance, the relationships between food and nature, and why knowing where our food comes from — and who produces it — matters.
Alongside the conversation, enjoy a generous spread of artisan charcuterie and cheeses from Jurassic Fine Foods, and freshly baked bread, seasonal quiche, and Dorset Apple Cake from our hosts, Oxfords Bakery, Alweston.
Come hungry for good food, new perspectives and conversation.
Local food. Three perspectives. One shared table.
Buy tickets – The Butcher, The Baker, The Pollinator – Oxford’s Bakery, Alweston
The Butcher, The Baker, The Pollinator is created and curated by The Nutrition Advisory Team (The NAT) — connecting people with food, nature and each other through learning, experiences and conversation.
Bring a NAT experience to your organisation, school or community, explore our learning programmes, or join us at the next table: thenat.co.uk
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Time
October
No Events
November
07nov(nov 7)10:00 am08(nov 8)3:00 pmAthelhampton Winter Food Fair 2026
Event Details
Set within the grounds of Athelhampton House & Gardens, The Winter Food Fair offers a weekend of food, drink and artisan shopping in a unique historic setting.
Event Details
Set within the grounds of Athelhampton House & Gardens, The Winter Food Fair offers a weekend of food, drink and artisan shopping in a unique historic setting. Athelhampton hosts a programme of seasonal events throughout the year, making full use of its Tudor house, gardens and estate surroundings.
Visitors can explore a wide range of stands featuring regional food and drink, handcrafted products and distinctive gifts, while enjoying the atmosphere of one of Dorset’s most celebrated country houses. Athelhampton is renowned for its historic interiors, award-winning gardens and year-round visitor experiences.
Whether you’re searching for something special, enjoying a day out with family and friends, or simply taking the opportunity to discover new flavours and local craftsmanship, The Winter Food Fair provides a wonderful excuse to visit Athelhampton in the quieter months of the year.
Time
Location
Athelhampton House
Athelhampton, Puddletown
December
No Events
January
No Events
February
No Events
March
No Events
April
No Events
May
No Events
June
No Events
July
No Events
August
No Events