A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend in Zeals

10 picks around Zeals, from 7 local venues. The map pin is doing actual work here.

25–26 July Near Zeals

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 25 July to Sunday 26 July.
Picked for Zeals, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Zeals

ROKiT from the Musicals1

ROKiT from the Musicals

at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton

Following last year’s sell-out concert, ROKiT Choir returns with ROKiT From the Musicals, bringing another unforgettable evening to The Exchange. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s show promises all the energy, heart, and entertainment that made the last performance such a huge success. Featuring over 100 singers from one of the area’s fastest-growing independent choirs, the performance will also proudly include the brand new Sturminster Newton ROKiT Choir group—making this a truly special local celebration of music and community. Audiences can look forward to a fantastic selection of songs from some of the most loved musicals around. From the powerful drama of Les Miserable to the feel-good anthems of We Will Rock You, alongside hits from Rock of Ages, Ghost and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. ROKiT are known for their vibrant performances, big sound, and welcoming atmosphere, making this the perfect night out whether you’re a musical theatre enthusiast or simply after some top-quality live entertainment. Adding an extra splash of fun, the evening will also feature special guests Opera-lele—a unique comedy duo combining opera, ukulele, and a brilliantly British sense of humour. Expect laughs, surprises, and something a little bit different. With last year’s show selling out, tickets are expected to go quickly—so don’t miss your chance to be part of another fantastic night of music, laughter, and community spirit.

10.5 milesSat 25 Jul20:30
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music
ROKiT from the Musicals2Free! (worth double-checking)

ROKiT from the Musicals

at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton

Following last year’s sell-out concert, ROKiT Choir returns with ROKiT From the Musicals, bringing another unforgettable evening to The Exchange. Bigger and better than ever, this year’s show promises all the energy, heart, and entertainment that made the last performance such a huge success. Featuring over 100 singers from one of the area’s fastest-growing independent choirs, the performance will also proudly include the brand new Sturminster Newton ROKiT Choir group—making this a truly special local celebration of music and community. Audiences can look forward to a fantastic selection of songs from some of the most loved musicals around. From the powerful drama of Les Miserable to the feel-good anthems of We Will Rock You, alongside hits from Rock of Ages, Ghost and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. ROKiT are known for their vibrant performances, big sound, and welcoming atmosphere, making this the perfect night out whether you’re a musical theatre enthusiast or simply after some top-quality live entertainment. Adding an extra splash of fun, the evening will also feature special guests Opera-lele—a unique comedy duo combining opera, ukulele, and a brilliantly British sense of humour. Expect laughs, surprises, and something a little bit different. With last year’s show selling out, tickets are expected to go quickly—so don’t miss your chance to be part of another fantastic night of music, laughter, and community spirit.

10.5 milesSat 25 Jul21:30
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music

Don't miss the next one

Local events near you, in your inbox

One email a week with the local stuff worth knowing — before it's already happened.

Sign me up

Free. Unsubscribe whenever you like.

Bowlore Medieval Display Weekend3Free! (worth double-checking)

Bowlore Medieval Display Weekend

at Glastonbury Abbey

Across the weekend of the 25th & 26th of July Bowlore will be performing two shows per day - one archery, one weapons (both approximately 45 mins+) showing the use of a range of arrowheads and edged hand/pole weapons from the whole medieval period, including choreographed combat and sharp-sword cutting demonstrations. The shows will be fully commentated and include plenty of history, humour and audience participation elements. Between shows there will be have-a-go archery and sword-school (suitable for all ages, for a small fee) plus a hands-on display of weapons and armour, talks and Q&A, set within their medieval tented encampment. This event is included with the cost of admission and Glastonbury Abbey members can enjoy it free of charge (additional charges apply for have a go activities). Save on the cost of admission by ordering in advance online. Buy Admission

18.1 milesSat 25 Jul11:00
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Bowlore Medieval Display Weekend4Free! (worth double-checking)

Bowlore Medieval Display Weekend

at Glastonbury Abbey

Across the weekend of the 25th & 26th of July Bowlore will be performing two shows per day - one archery, one weapons (both approximately 45 mins+) showing the use of a range of arrowheads and edged hand/pole weapons from the whole medieval period, including choreographed combat and sharp-sword cutting demonstrations. The shows will be fully commentated and include plenty of history, humour and audience participation elements. Between shows there will be have-a-go archery and sword-school (suitable for all ages, for a small fee) plus a hands-on display of weapons and armour, talks and Q&A, set within their medieval tented encampment. This event is included with the cost of admission and Glastonbury Abbey members can enjoy it free of charge (additional charges apply for have a go activities). Save on the cost of admission by ordering in advance online. Buy Admission

18.1 milesSun 26 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Bowlore Medieval Display Weekend5Free! (worth double-checking)

Bowlore Medieval Display Weekend

at Glastonbury Abbey

Across the weekend of the 25th & 26th of July Bowlore will be performing two shows per day - one archery, one weapons (both approximately 45 mins+) showing the use of a range of arrowheads and edged hand/pole weapons from the whole medieval period, including choreographed combat and sharp-sword cutting demonstrations. The shows will be fully commentated and include plenty of history, humour and audience participation elements. Between shows there will be have-a-go archery and sword-school (suitable for all ages, for a small fee) plus a hands-on display of weapons and armour, talks and Q&A, set within their medieval tented encampment. This event is included with the cost of admission and Glastonbury Abbey members can enjoy it free of charge (additional charges apply for have a go activities). Save on the cost of admission by ordering in advance online. Buy Admission

18.1 milesSun 26 Jul11:00
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Three Bad Men (1926) With live piano score by Meg Morley6

Three Bad Men (1926) With live piano score by Meg Morley

at The Pound Arts Centre

A new series of silent-era classics arrives at The Pound Arts Centre, all accompanied by live piano score performed by BFI Southbank’s resident pianist Meg Morley. Since performing for her first silent film in 2016, Meg has quickly become one of the UK’s pre-eminent silent film accompanists, performing at various international film festivals and playing reguarly at the London Cinema Museum. In the 1870s, gold is discovered in the Dakota Territory, and wanted men Bull Stanley (Tom Santschi) and Mike Costigan (J. Farrell MacDonald) join thousands of other pioneers on a westward journey in search of wealth. Soon, Bull and Mike see a gang of thugs attacking Lee (Olive Borden), a young woman. They rescue her, but her father is killed during the assault, so Mike and Bull become her guardians. Before long, Bull and Mike leave their criminal pasts behind and devote themselves to Lee.

24.8 milesSat 25 Jul20:30
Local gemSee the details→
Community
The Last Viking7

The Last Viking

at Strode Theatre

Anker is released from prison following a fifteen-year sentence for robbery. The money from the heist was buried by Anker’s brother, Manfred. Only he knows where it is. Unfortunately, Manfred has since developed a mental illness causing him to forget all. Together, the brothers embark on an unexpected journey to locate the money and discover who they really are.

18.7 milesSat 25 Jul£ 5.00 - £ 8.80
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Mount Pleasant Jazz Club (click link for more)8

Mount Pleasant Jazz Club (click link for more)

at Mount Pleasant Community Centre

Mount Pleasant Jazz Club (click link for more) - May Jazz at the Mount Pleasant Centre is a return of Jon Pearce on Sax/Synth on Sunday 10th May at 2.30pm. Tickets £10 on the door no advance booking. Tea, cake, soft and alcoholic drinks available. Jon gave a great performance last year of Jazz Standards and his own material which was very well received and we welcome him back. or email for more info.

19 milesSun 26 Jul15:30£10
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music
John Challenger's Organ Recital [Summer of Music '26]9

John Challenger's Organ Recital [Summer of Music '26]

at Avon Valley Churches

John Challenger (concert organist and Assistant Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral) will give an organ concert at St Mary's Church, Fordingbridge. His varied programme will include well known works such as Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach, and Crown Imperial by Walton. Please join us for refreshments afterwards - an opportunity to meet this international concert organist!

24.5 milesSat 25 Jul£12.50
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music
Foxy's Den Open Mic Afternoon10Free! (worth double-checking)

Foxy's Den Open Mic Afternoon

at Foxy's Den

A warm and encouraging environment to help you be the best you can be. If you are a performer, we welcome bands, solo artists, comedians, magicians, poets and entertainers of all ages.

11.4 milesSun 26 Jul15:00
Local gemSee the details→
Live Music

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.