We give you a run down of the fun and interesting things happening in Dorset in June.
As restrictions lifted even further in May, venues and organisations are continuing to add events to the calendar that you'd be sorry to miss. We've grouped by category so you can plan your month and make the most of the last days of spring. If you are looking for family fun over the half term, then we have a separate article to check out here.
Please practice social distancing where necessary on your visit and we recommend you book ahead as much as possible to avoid disappointment.
Performances
2nd - 3rd June: Treasure Island, Nothe Fort
This Is My Theatre are back and this time with performances of everyone's favourite swashbuckling adventure. Enjoy some family fun theatre at an atmospheric location this month.
12th - 13th June: Ondine, Abbotsbury
Enjoy a night of interactive and outdoor performance with the Teatro Vivo theatre company. Expect dazzling sights and circus dramatics like no other.
18th - 20th June: Raising Spirit Festival, Came House
This brand new music festival promises an amazing line up of local artists and performers. Included in the price of your ticket is all alcoholic and soft drinks, as well as tea and coffee.
24th June: Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Maumbury Rings
Dorchester Arts Centre is kicking off their Summer series with a performance of Thomas Hardy's tragic tale. The show is brought to you by Hotbuckle who were well loved for their 2017 performance of Far From the Madding Crowd. This is sure to be an atmospheric and breath taking evening.
26th June: Folk on the Quay, Poole
This is a free festival in the heart of Poole. Enjoy a mix of music and dance at several locations with audience participation encouraged.
27th June: Macbeth, Durlston Country Park
Enjoy an outdoor production of Shakespeare's infamous Scottish Play. This will be performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, the UK’s premier all male theatre company.
Various Dates: Coastal Comedy, Poole and Bournemouth
Enjoy a night of hilarity with the Coastal Comedy line up this month. Including big names like Paul McCaffrey, Mark Simmons, and Angela Barnes, there's something for everyone and some can even be enjoyed outside.
Exhibitions
22nd May - 6th June: Dorset Art Weeks
By now you'll probably have noticed signs or exhibitions that are part of this festival. It celebrates and helps visitors find all of the amazing local art that is being created in the county. There's even an app to help you find just what you're looking for.
Find the full list of partnered venues here.
4th - 8th June: Bees Through the Seasons, Lyme Regis
Explore the wonders of everyone's favourite pollinator with this delightful exhibition at The Town Mill. Experts will be on hand to discuss bee keeping and offer advice, plus you will be able to purchase local produce.
5th - 20th June: Saltwater Series Two, Bridport
Sou' Sou' West Gallery are delighted to be sharing the works of local artist Kim Pragnell. As the title suggests, the works will be focused on the ocean and the coasts of Dorset.
6th June: RC Tanks, Nothe Fort
Southern Armour Group are returning to the fort and this time they are bring with them a collection of remote controlled tanks. The day will include plenty of displays and opportunities to discuss the vehicles with experts.
9th - 22nd June: Layers and Light, Lyme Regis
Taking place at The Town Mill, this exhibition celebrates the work of Lisa Parkyn and her intuitive eye for the natural world. The venue will also have several other exhibitions to enjoy at the same time, such as Dorset Hues by John Dimech and Ruth Paris.
Outdoors
5th June: Open Gardens and Studio, Chedington
Explore 14 incredible gardens across the village and learn more about the artistic talents of those who live there. Plants and produce will be available for sale, as will refreshments.
5th June: Summer Pop-Up Market, The Tank Museum
Enjoy some local delicacies and support local businesses at this popular market that is held once a month. It is located outside The Tank Museum entrance and has free parking.
6th June: The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair, Dorchester
Step back in time and appreciate how Dorchester would have been during the time of the great poet and writer. This fair is a mixture of online talks and activities, alongside outdoor events such as a market, live music, and guided walks.
6th June: Life in the Meadows Guided Walk, Durlston Country Park
Join a ranger and learn more about the local flora and fauna of the amazing Dorset countryside.
19th - 20th June: Mid-Summer Market, Shire Hall
Enjoy more than 20 stalls of local produce and crafts at this highly popular market in Dorchester.
Various Dates: Open Gardens, Various
Through the National Garden Scheme, curious onlookers can finally explore beautiful private gardens across the county. There are more than 40 locations in Dorset alone that offer many delights and unusual collections.
Every Friday: Seabird Boat Trip, Swanage
Enjoy a cruise along the Jurassic Coast and look for the birds that live there. Expect to see Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Peregrine Falcons and more.
