Autumn is closing in but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do in Dorset and around. Whatever you choose this weekend, remember there are more than 100 roads closed through Bournemouth for the Bournemouth Marathon Festival, so check your journey before you leave.

1. Help the Gruffalo’s Child find the big bad Mouse at Moors Valley

Moors Valley launches it's autumn Gruffalo's Child activity trail on Friday. Every parent knows that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood - but just in case yours are feeling particularly brave, follow the characters around a ten stop trail that will have you building nests, collecting trasures and listening hard for animal sounds. Trail activity packs cost £2, plus you'll pay for parking.

2. Take your dog for dinner. Yes, really.

The National Trust is hosting dinner for your and your dog at the Knoll Beach Cafe on Saturday lunch time.  The £15 ticket includes a 1 course meal for you and a meal and homemade dog biscuit for your furry friend. If you don't have a dog, there are lots of special offers running at the cafe as part of British Food Fortnight. More Information on 01929 450500. 

3. Get your Big Draw on

Staying on Studland, Sunday sees the Big Draw on Foot day, with walking, drawing, geocaching and even charcoal making activities. Explore the woodlands and dunes at Studland before getting creative using only natural materials. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Free. 

3. Hunt for Red squirrels on Brownsea Island

The National Trusts is running guided walks around Brownsea Island to see the rare red squirrels. At this time of year they come down from the canopy of trees to store food and can be seen playing in the low branches so you've also got a fair chance of seeing them just on a stroll around the island.

The walks are free but normal admission and ferry charges do apply.

4. Channel your inner BB King at Swanage Blues Festival

Every March and October thousands of music lovers come to Swanage Blues Festivals, where over 100 musicians perform at 60 events in 15 indoor venues. There’s "music, drinking, eating, dancing, fun and laughter" from Thursday evening and till late Sunday evening.

Aspiring performers can take part in the Electric Jam sessions, Open Mic sessions and Stan's Blues Jamboree too. Weekend wristbands are £10. More details at swanage-blues.org

4. Take your grandfolks to Farmer Palmers

Farmer Palmers at Organford are offering free grandparent entry for every paying child this Sunday. Print this voucher, and away you go. 

5. See the Jurassic Coast in a whole new way with art inspired by maps

Explore this innovative art exhibition at Durlston Country Park celebrating our relationship with maps. Antonia Phillips and Cathy Veale explore the intricacies of the coast through paint and printmaking, inspired by grid reference squares from OS Explorer Map 15.  Free. More details here

6. Get on your bike for the Big Breeze

Saturday is the women only Big Breeze cycle ride through Verwood to Ringwood and back, aimed at encouraging women to get into cycling. The route starts at Potterne Park, then heads through Moors Valley joining the Castleman Trailway through to Ringwood where there's a stop for tea and cakes. Read more here 

7. Celebrate the harvest

Blandford Parish Church is holding it's "Harvest of Land & Sea" concert on Saturday in aid of the church's restoration project. Expect sea shanties, harvest songs and accounts of old village customs by Purbeck Village Quire with a Ploughman's Supper and Apple Pie served during the interval. Entry by pre-ordered ticket only. 01258 456260 or 01258456367. Details here.

8. Look at life through a lens

Bournemouth Electric Camera Club and Bournemouth Photographic Society are holding their annual photoggraphic exhibition on Sunday feature the best shots from their members. Expect amazing landscapes and wildlife shots. Entry is free but donations are invited in aid of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. More details here

9. Take in some Art by the Sea

There are lots of Arts By the Sea events happening this weekend, but if you're after something free to enter, check out Bathing Beauties at The Gallery, Arts University Bournemouth. It's a selection of miniature beach huts reimagined by 240 national and international architects, artists and designers and includes beach huts reimagined as saunas, wind turbines and elaborate pods. More details and some gallery shots here.

10. Get inspired at the Bournemouth Marathon Festival

Unless you've already got a place, you can't run in any of this weekend's events, but there will still be plenty to see and lots of runners to cheer on over the second two-day marathon festival. The Half and full marathons are on Sunday morning, whicle Saturday sees the junior events. All the details here 

Please note: we try to highlight as many free events as possible but over the winter months some may carry a fee so please read carefully! If you have any community events to add to future lists, go to events.bournemouthecho.co.uk and follow the instructions.