Looking for something different to do this weekend? then look no further as there's lots going on to keep all the family entertained over the next 48 hours.

Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival will amaze and delight in equal measure with a host of events going on as the town is transformed into an artistic arena.

Don't fancy that? there's a street food festival, historic re-enactment and even a visual effects and animation festival to get involved in.

The weather forecast looks overcast but warm for the weekend so there's no excuse not to get out and about.

See a Heavy Horse Show and Country Fayre on Sunday.

The event, at Gillingham and Shaftesbury Showground, typically draws forty or more entries.

It features the West of England In Hand and Harness Championships, vintage vehicles, stationary engines, gun-dogs, terrier racing, children's activities, farriery demonstrations and a Fun Dog Show.

Classes start at 9am. Entry is £6 for adults, £3 for children (5-16) and £15 for families.

Seek out some jumble at St Mary's Catholic School in Dorchester tomorrow from 10am.

Entrance is £1 for adults and 50p for children.

See a play incorporating of Hardy's lesser known works at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton tomorrow (27).

Wessex Scenes by the New Hardy Players features scenes from 'The Dynasts' by Thomas Hardy, which was written to raise money for the Red Cross It begins at 7.30pm. Call 01258 475137 to book tickets.

Walk through the beautiful Chaldon Valley to find out more about its history and landscape.

A guided walk takes place on Sunday (28), leaving from the Sailor's Return at East Chaldon.

Expect strenuous and steep terrain- and be back just in time for a pub lunch.

The walk starts at 10am and costs £3 for adults and £1 for children.

Embrace all things autumnal at the Kingston Lacy Autumnal Fair on Sunday (28).

Browse a vast array of stalls covering everything from Dorset food and drink to a wide selection of artisan arts and crafts, all reflecting local talent and skills.

Sit back and listen to the ukulele band whilst enjoying a glass of cider or browse the displays of vintage agricultural equipment showing how times have changed.

It starts at 10.30am. See nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

Soak up the atmosphere at Shaftesbury Carnival

Shaftesbury Carnival celebrates its 133rd year on Saturday. The popular annual event will see a children’s procession at 3pm and band parade in the High Street at 6pm ahead of an illuminated procession starting from the fire station at 7.15pm.

Step back into history at Corfe Castle

A full scale re-enactment of the fall of Corfe Castle tops off a month of English Civil War-themed activities this weekend. Lord Hopton's Regiment of Foote will be demonstrating all aspects of 17th century encampment, including drills and weapon displays. There will also be a dramatic re-enactment on Saturday and Sunday of when the castle was finally taken called ‘Besieged and Betrayed’. The events are free but normal castle admission charges still apply.

Take a walk through Purbeck

Burn off some calories and take in stunning views in Purbeck this weekend. The 2014 Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival continues until Sunday and with a number of walks on offer there will be something to suit everyone. For the more energetic there’s an 11-mile walk on Saturday or for those with little ones to entertain there’s a family bug walk around Durlston Country Park on Sunday. Book online at walkswanage.com or phone Swanage TIC on 01929 422885 / Wareham TIC on 01929 552740.

Explore Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival

Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival is back and this weekend sees a host of exciting events taking place. The third event kicked off last night with a 360 degree panoramic performance under the night sky with new commission, Fuel on the Roof.

The show, which takes place on a stage at Pier Approach, is set within the reality of a game, the 360° panoramic, open aired, nigh-time setting and free running characters is set to suck up the audience, making them feel as though they are taking part. Tickets are £12/£10 advance, £15 on door. Group discounts available. Age 12+.

French street theatre company Compagnie Carabosse will be taking over the Lower Gardens tonight and tomorrow with their spectacular Fire Gardens display. The free event takes place between 5pm and 11pm. For those of you who like to dance the night away, there will be a silent disco at Pavilion Dance on Saturday from 10pm. Tickets cost £8 on the day or £6 if booked in advance.

There will also be jiving in The Square, vintage mobile cinema in the Lower Gardens and the chance to build your own boat from recycled materials on Saturday.

For more details about events visit http://artsbournemouth.org.uk/arts-bournemouth/arts-by-the-sea/

Have a nosh-up at Bournemouth Street Food Festival

Calling all foodies! Bournemouth’s first ever street food festival comes takes place on Saturday between 12noon and 7pm. The event will be a chance to sample delights from established and upcoming street food traders in and around Dorset and will be held at the newly revamped Horseshoe Common. There will be fresh and varied food on the menu to tickle your taste buds including gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, paella, wood fired pizza, African Cuisine plus Cold pressed seasonal organic juices and smoothies.