We've not hit a heatwave yet, but that doesn't mean you need to stay indoors this weekend. Here's 13 of the best events across the county...
Sign up to our What's On newsletter to get the latest on what's happening across Dorset sent to your inbox every Friday!
1. Take your place on the Quomps for a weekend of music
Christchurch Music Festival starts on Friday night with performances from 7.30pm on the Quomps, Christchurch Quay, and will continue all weekend. The Boscombe Ukulele Social start the Saturday action at 12.30pm. There's music until 9pm both nights and the final act of the festival is Lady Winwood's Maggot round off the event on Sunday night, plus there's a dance festival taking place in Christchurch town centre. www.christchurchfestival.co.uk
2. Visit Jur -ass - kick Park, a dinosaur themed Roller Derby at David English Sports Centre in Bournemouth.
Yes, you read that right. The dinosaur-themed four-hour roller derby extravaganza will see Severn Roller Torrent facing off against Surrey Roller Girls, with home team Dorset Roller Girls headlining, taking on Plymouth City Roller Girls.
3. Enjoy an old fashioned country fair at a modern school
Queens Park Academy is turning its school fair into a country show complete with WI judged backing, farmers market and bird of prey display. East Way. Saturday, July 5, 11am - 3pm
4. Join a parade
Burton's annual Scout carnival takes place on Saturday. The groups will be meeting at Burton Primary School before the parade goes to Burton Green and then the recreation ground in Martins Hill Lane. The parade will be led by a steam engine and tractors.
5. Go extreme at the Dolphin Centre
A 6ft x 15ft ramp will be set up in the Dolphin Centre this weekend to showcase bmx-ing and skateboarding. And if you fancy a go, shoppers and spectators will be invited to come and participate in 15 minute skateboard workshops.
6. Join tournament in memory of Gary
A six-a-side football tournament and fun day for the British Heart Foundation is being held in memory of 48-year-old Gary Chirnside who died on June 29, last year. The event, at Upton Recreation Ground, includes a BBQ, raffle, tombola and children's activities.
7. Sample the finest food Purbeck has to offer
Some of the finest locally produced food and drink in the area will be showcased at Corfe Castle over Saturday and Sunday, with regular cookery demonstrations. Expect lashings of ginger beer.
8. Practise your beach volleyball
The largest Junior Beach Volleyball Festival in the UK, the Sandbanks event attracts nearly 500 competitors over the two days. The players will be competing for the prestigious British Volleyball Champion titles in the Under 14's, 16's, 18's and 20's age groups. Play is from 9.30 am till 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday and entry is free.
7. Get on your bike for charity
Hundreds of cyclists will take to the roads around the county on Sunday for the 26th annual Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride. This year's ride, which starts from Corfe Mullen, will be started by veteran Macmillan cyclist Gerry Robinson, of Broadstone, who has raised more than £10,000 for Macmillan.
8. Cheer on the triathletes
Bournemouth's annual triathlon takes place on Bournemouth seafront on Sunday. So if you've ever wanted to try and tri, check offbeatevents.co.uk. It a sea swim to the west of the pier, fast bike course and a flat run along the promenade road past Boscome Pier and back.
9. Commemorate the New Forest's role in D-Day at Lepe Country Park
Throughout the weekend the Country Park will turn back the clock to the war years with displays, living history re-enactments, military vehicle displays, guided walks to the embarkation beach and bands playing music of the time.
10. Join in some touch rubgy - or just watch!
Meyricks Park and Oakmeadians RFC will play host to the O2 touch rugby event involving roughly 250 people - one of the biggest of its type in the country. Action starts at 1030am on Saturday.
11. Celebrate the Grand Depart of the Tour de France with Sky Ride Local Parklands Special
Starting at Littledown Centre on Sunday a 2pm, this is a beautiful traffic free route taking you from the Littledown Park through Littledown South public open space, to Kings Park using surfaced cycle paths. Allez allez allez!
12. Have fun on the cobbles at Gold Hill Fair
The charming historic market town of Shaftesbury is holding its annual Gold Hill Fair on Sunday. There will be music, dance, local foods, crafts and more on the famous cobbled hill and throughout the town.
13. Enjoy some rock and roll classics
Go back in time with nostalgia variety show That'll Be The Day when some of the biggest hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s will be performed at the Lighthouse tonight.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel