10th September 2026 -
13th September 2026
This year’s festival theme is -That Other Place.
Drawing inspiration from the Isle of Portland’s proud oddness, the now-defunct Portland Fair, and local resident David Palmer’s extraordinary Fair archives.
That Other Place is about island-ness, otherness, and oddness as creative forces; new ways of seeing and living that can open up better futures.
In 2026, we’re bringing this to life through artists and communities responding to the long lost Portland Fair alongside four ambitious, year-long artist projects rooted in the island.
We can’t wait to welcome audiences to Portland to experience this. There’s something extraordinary in the meeting of artists, communities, and landscape that you can’t find anywhere else.
See you at b-side.
b-side festival 2026 guide is here!
Our printed Festival Guide is waiting for you at briilant cultural venues, cafes, TIC's and community venues in Dorset. If you can't grab yourself a copy though here's a digital version - enjoy!
Scroll down for all festival events.
b-side festival 2026 Events
Festival 26
Siren Song
10th - 13th September 2026
Multiple dates
The Cove House Inn
A playful and poignant promenade performance inspired by Portland's folklore
Festival 26
Ghosts of the Fair
10th - 13th September 2026
Multiple dates
Bakers Ground, Brandy Row Car Park, Clements Lane, Masonic Hall, Royal Manor Theatre
An immersive audio trail
Festival 26
TRIBE – Walk & Workshop
10th September 2026
High Angle Battery
A walk and gentle improvisation workshop
Festival 26
Heritage Walks
11th September 2026
Multiple dates
High Angle Battery
A guided walk with Dorset Council's Senior Archaeologist
Festival 26
St Pauls and The Marbled White
12th September 2026
Memory Stones
Join artist Simon Lee Dicker and friends for a guided walk.
Festival 26
Trishaw Rides
12th - 13th September 2026
Multiple dates
Old Engine Shed, The Beehive Cafe
FREE trishaw tours with Cycling Without Age.
Festival 26
Weyline Wanderer Festival Bus
12th September 2026
Multiple dates
Masonic Car Park
Weyline Wanderer accessible Festival Bus tour
Festival 26
Queer as Plants
13th September 2026
France Quarry -meeting point
A guided walk through France Quarry.
Festival 26
Whispers from the Wood
13th September 2026
France Quarry -meeting point
A collaboration between young people, landscape, and art
Festival 26
Portland Parade 2026
13th September 2026
Easton Gardens
Join us for the weirdest and most joyful Portland Parade yet!
Plan Your Visit
Time to get practical – let us help you plan your b-side getaway from one day to a long weekend in this glorious place, experiencing incredible artwork and making new friends. Here’s some information on how to get here and some ideas on where to stay too.
b-side festival 2026 That Other Place Artists
SEE ALL ARTISTS
