1. The fourth annual Highcliffe Food Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday. There will be live cookery demonstrations in the Methodist Hall and new for this year is the Artisan Stage based in the Tesco car park, which will showcase local expert food producers. There will be a delicious selection of street food on offer from the likes of Dorset Artisan Cheese, Flo & Frankies Fudge and The Gourmet Grilled Cheese Co, plus there will be entertainment at both ends of the High Street as well as the return of the ever-popular Kidz Kitchen. The event takes place between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.

2. Pet owners will be able to show off their furry, scaly and feathered friends at Highcliffe Castle on Sunday when PetFest returns. The annual celebration of animals will see stands selling everything from tasty treats to pet accessories, a petting farm, birds of prey displays and even a dog show where pooches will have the chance to compete to be crowned Highcliffe Dog of the Year. Organisers say the event will be the biggest yet and it takes place between 10.30am and 4pm and entry costs £2 for adults and £1 for children.

3. Runners of all ages and abilities will come together for The Poole Festival of Running on Saturday and Sunday. This year’s event will see a new single lap 10k course take place on Poole Quay along with the inaugural Poole half marathon.

Other races include minithons for children with entry open on the day as well as a charity 5k. A family friendly beach party organised by Yellow Buses takes place at Boscombe on Saturday. The free event between 11am and 6pm, will see beach games, giveaways, live entertainment, face painting and a DJ.

4. A family friendly beach party organised by Yellow Buses takes place at Boscombe on Saturday. The free event between 11am and 6pm, will see beach games, giveaways, live entertainment, face painting and a DJ.

5. A BioBlitz event takes place at Druitt Gardens in Christchurch on Saturday between 10am and 3pm. The free event, which is open to all, will feature family friendly activities and walks with local experts.

6. A new monthly market will take place at Canford Cliffs Village Hall in Ravine Road on Saturday. The market replaces the Collectables and Craft Fayre and will be held on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors will be able to buy antiques, jewellery, books and more. Takes place between 9.30am and 2pm. Interested stall holders can text Eddie on 07896 911049 to book a space.

7. A Wildlife Weekend is being held at Corfe Castle from today until Sunday. Step inside the castle walls and join local experts in the nature tent to find out more about bats, moths and reptiles. Call 01929 481294 for details.

8. A Bugs and Mini-Beast Quiz is being held at Wimborne Model Town until Sunday. Search for clues around the miniature buildings, gardens and water features.

9. The Gruffalo’s Child is running at Lighthouse, Poole until Saturday at various times, based on the award-winning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Tickets £12.50, family ticket £45.

10. The Great Dorset Bike Ride takes place from Dorchester to Arne and back to Dorchester on Sunday. Riders will depart from Top o'Town, Dorchester, at 10am for a scenic peddle through the county. Registration forms can be found on line at akweb.org.uk/gdbr, at Mud Sweat and Gears cycle shops or can be completed at the start from 9am on the day. The £5 fee will go to Weldmar, MS and Cycling UK, which is organising the event.