What’s On

Plays, talks, family activities, music, debates – there is something for everyone at Shire Hall Museum! Keep an eye on this page to see what’s coming up.

Exhibition
The Fabrics of Protest: A Unite Southwest Banners’ Exhibition

The Fabrics of Protest: A Unite Southwest Banners’ Exhibition

Monday, 3rd November - Saturday, 24th January 2026
Explore the rich history of protest through the iconic banners of Unite the Union’s Southwest region
EventFamily event
Neurodivergent Dorchester – Community Group Meet Up

Neurodivergent Dorchester – Community Group Meet Up

Monday 10th November, 8th December and 12th January from 2pm to 4pm
A place for people of Dorchester to connect whether you are neurodivergent, suspect you might be, or have friends, family or colleagues that are.
Event
Billy Bragg: A Short History of Protest Songs – SOLD OUT

Billy Bragg: A Short History of Protest Songs – SOLD OUT

Saturday 24th January 2026
We are thrilled to present A Short History of Protest Songs, a special acoustic performance by Billy Bragg, who is generously supporting the Shire Hall Trust.
Event
Winter Readings

Winter Readings

Saturday, 21st February at 2pm
Join Mark Damon Chutter, Chair of the Thomas Hardy Society, for winter readings from Thomas Hardy, William Barnes, the Powys brothers and Sylvia Townsend Warner
Talk
Law, Order and Subversion in Hardy

Law, Order and Subversion in Hardy

Saturday 30th May 2026 - from 2pm
Join Mark Damon Chutter, Chairman and Academic Director of the Thomas Hardy Society to find out more about Hardy's Justice of the Peace role.
Exhibition
The Final Journey Exhibition

The Final Journey Exhibition

Wednesday 25th February to Saturday 4th April
A multimedia exhibition by 20 local artists seeking to break the taboo that still pervades death and dying.
Event
Dorchester Death Café

Dorchester Death Café

Saturday 28th February and Saturday 28th March - 10.15am to 11.45am
Join us as we eat cake, drink tea and reflect on life's journey. Every meeting is unique