What's On in Shaftesbury

Featured Events

Shaftesbury Book Festival

Literary festival in the market town of Shaftesbury with talks, author events and book-related activities. Running from 20-22 March 2026 across multiple venues in the town.

Various Venues, Shaftesbury

Mix of free and ticketed events

The Shaftesbury Food festival

The Shaftesbury Food Festival is a day packed full of fun food and festivities, held on 3rd May 2026 — the bank holiday. Set in the stunning historic hilltop town of Shaftesbury, the festival brings together local food producers, regional Dorset cuisine, and a vibrant community celebration. Stretching across the high street, Park Walk and surrounding areas, the festival features over 100 trade stands and food outlets, the world-famous Gold Hill Cheese Race, chef talks organised by The Kitchen Table, live entertainment and much more. The festival is run entirely by volunteers from the Shaftesbury Chamber of Commerce and proudly supported by Shaftesbury Town Council. It celebrates the best of what this historic hilltop town has to offer — from vibrant shops, bars and restaurants to the unique character of one of England's most beautiful small towns.

Various Venues, Shaftesbury

Free

What's On

Discover upcoming events, festivals, markets and community gatherings in and around our beautiful hilltop town in Dorset.

Shaftesbury Book Festival - Reading the Land

Arts & Culture

Fri, Mar 20

10:00

Shaftesbury Book Festival - Reading the Land

Nature-focused book festival with a range of talks from award-winning authors and children's activities.

Various Venues, Shaftesbury

Shaftesbury Book Festival

Literary festival in the market town of Shaftesbury with talks, author events and book-related activities. Running from 20-22 March 2026 across multiple venues in the town.

Various Venues, Shaftesbury

Mix of free and ticketed events

Sports & Recreation

Sat, Mar 21

15:00

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Malvern Town

Southern League Division One South fixture. Home match: Shaftesbury vs Malvern Town. Kick-off at 15:00.

Cockrams - Shaftesbury FC

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Portishead Town (Away)

Sports & Recreation

Sat, Mar 28

15:00

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Portishead Town (Away)

Southern League Division One South fixture. Away match: Portishead Town vs Shaftesbury. Kick-off at 15:00.

Portishead Town Ground

Sports & Recreation

Fri, Apr 3

15:00

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Falmouth Town

Southern League Division One South fixture. Home match: Shaftesbury vs Falmouth Town. Kick-off at 15:00.

Cockrams - Shaftesbury FC

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Frome Town (Away)

Sports & Recreation

Mon, Apr 6

15:00

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Frome Town (Away)

Southern League Division One South fixture. Away match: Frome Town vs Shaftesbury. Kick-off at 15:00.

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Winchester City

Southern League Division One South fixture. Home match: Shaftesbury vs Winchester City. Kick-off at 15:00.

Cockrams - Shaftesbury FC

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Westbury United (Away)

Sports & Recreation

Sat, Apr 18

15:00

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Westbury United (Away)

Southern League Division One South fixture. Away match: Westbury United vs Shaftesbury. Kick-off at 15:00.

Westbury United Ground

Sports & Recreation

Sat, Apr 25

15:00

Shaftesbury Town FC vs Exmouth Town

Southern League Division One South fixture. Home match: Shaftesbury vs Exmouth Town. Kick-off at 15:00.

Cockrams - Shaftesbury FC

Real Talk Fridays: An Audience With Jess Gough - A Modern Smallholder

Education & Workshops

Fri, May 1

19:30

Real Talk Fridays: An Audience With Jess Gough - A Modern Smallholder

Jess Gough shares her journey to self-sufficiency, transforming Somerset land into a thriving homestead while working full time. Practical tips on growing food, keeping animals, organic growing, and encouraging biodiversity for aspiring growers and smallholders.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre

The Shaftesbury Food festival

Various Venues, Shaftesbury

Gold Hill Cheese Race 2026

The Gold Hill Cheese race is back for 2026

A Feast for the Eyes

An exhibition of art with food at its heart, featuring painting, ceramics, and three-dimensional creations. The exhibition explores food as culture, memory, ritual, and visual delight, tying in with Shaftesbury Food Festival on May 3rd 2026.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre

When Judas Met John: Songs of Dylan and Lennon

Music & Entertainment

Sat, May 9

19:30

When Judas Met John: Songs of Dylan and Lennon

Irish duo Brothers Broke present a raw and unplugged show comparing the socially conscious lyrics of Dylan and Lennon. This sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show explores the influence, jealousy, and respect between these two musical legends.

Shaftesbury Arts Centre

£18-£20