Wetting your whistle at October Beer Festival, Brewers Quay, Weymouth. October 2-3
Supported by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), Dorset’s own Octoberfest will give visitors the opportunity to try more than 50 real ales and ciders from Wessex and the South West.
Food will be available throughout, accompanied by live music in the evenings.
Admission 11am-3pm £2, 6pm-11pm £3. Camrawdorset.org.uk
A little horseplay at The Horse of the Year Show Birmingham NEC, October 7–11
The world’s most famous horse show is back! So saddle up and head for five days of not-to-be-missed showing and show jumping championships.
This year’s show will also include an impressive line-up of other equestrian entertainment with a distinctive Broadway feel.
Visitors will also get to enjoy more luxurious surroundings following the NEC’s recent £28 million re-development.
Feeling the need for speed at Weymouth Speed Week, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy October 10 -16
It’s that time again; when speed freaks descend on Weymouth’s Portland Harbour for Weymouth Speed Week.
Portland Harbour is to be the sailing venue for the 2012 Olympic games but during speed week, speed sailors take a crack at the world sailing speed record and in particular aim to hit the elusive 50 knot barrier for the first time.
All manner of craft enter, including sailboards, kite boards and some exceptionally engineered cutting-edge designs.
The unique geographical location of Portland harbour results in ideal speed sailing conditions of smooth, strong winds and flat waters.
Spectators are encouraged at the event, which usually includes workshops and demonstrations, and the Weymouth Sailing Centre is open to all during Speed Week.
Seeing the wood for the trees Cranborne Chase Woodfair, Larmer Tree, Tollard Royal, October 10-11
A variety of exhibitors and demonstrators from the wonderful world of wood will be displaying their products and skills at this year’s Woodfair.
Visitors will be able to see why heavy horses are still one of the most effective means of logging; learn why wood is an efficient and renewable source of fuel and admire the traditional skills of a wide range of craftsmen and artists.
Getting on yer bike for Cancer Research UK charity bike ride, Lulworth, October 11
Brighten up your October by enjoying the beautiful countryside of Lulworth and surrounding areas by bike.
The Lulworth Cycle Challenge has three distances and you can help raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK's research into breast cancer. Lulworth.com
Getting well versed at Bournemouth Literary Festival October 12 –18
A line-up of events includes a heritage walk, poetry and comedy, a children’s creative writing workshop and talks and advice from authors. bournemouthliteraryfestival.co.uk
All the fun of the fair at the Country House Fair Lulworth Castle, October 15
This Country House Fair at Lulworth Castle offers a great range of stalls with a choice of stylish gifts for those early Christmas presents, including plants, clothing, children’s toys and lots more.
Entry to the Country House Fair, in aid of The Red Cross, is offered at a special reduced price and includes entry to the castle, chapel, adventure playground and animal farm. 10.30am – 4pm, lulworth.com
Celebrating local fare at the Wimborne Food Festival, October 24-25
A celebration of regional food and drink. This will be an exciting weekend with lots of delicious things to eat and drink and great workshops & activities for all ages.
The event is completely free, so bring your family and friends! wimbornefoodfestival.co.uk
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