Events

Discover the best events across South East England, including Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight. From vibrant summer festivals and outdoor experiences to autumn celebrations and family-friendly days out, explore what’s on this weekend and throughout the seasons. Whether you’re planning a short break or looking for inspiration nearby, browse what’s on this week and beyond to start planning your next visit.

What's on in South East England: Events, Festivals & Days Out Across the Counties

In 2026, many of South East England's most popular events return, from internationally renowned, star-studded festivals attracting thousands of visitors to family-friendly entertainment during school holidays and weekends.

Summer Events in South East England - July

In early July, Parallel Windsor returns to Windsor Great Park - a festival of inclusivity for all ages, health conditions and abilities (5 July). Musical vibes fill the air of Southern Oxfordshire as the Henley Festival, brings five days of music to the banks of the River Thames (9 - 13 July), whilst in Kent Leeds Castle Concert, near Maidstone, offers a mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary hits (11th July 2026). Portsmouth celebrates the 100th anniversary of its city status with the Pride of Lions Art Trail (13 July - 13 September) (F) with forty five Lions in key locations across the city for visitors to enjoy, whilst in Windsor, Slough and Maidenhead it will be the elephants art trail bringing colour and entertainment to the towns across the Thames. One of the most exciting boat racing events returns to UK shores at Portsmouth, Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix (25 - 26 July), boats regularly reach speeds of 50 - 60mph just metres away from spectators on the shoreline of Southsea Common. Families can seek out 19 incredible brick-built dinosaurs across the town of Reading (25 July - 23 August) (F), a fun free way to explore this summer, whilst visitors to Hampshire can discover the South East's agricultural roots with a visit to the ever popular New Forest and Hampshire County Show, an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst (28th - 30th July). 

Events Not to Miss in August

Look to the skies in August, when the fantastic free Airbourne takes flight, with its sensational flying displays over Eastbourne seafront (13 - 16 August) (F) and the world famous Reading Festival sees over 90,000 people flocking to the Richfield Avenue site to experience this iconic event (27 - 30 August). For three days of packed entertainment and August bank holiday fun, head to Sandwich Kent, for the free Sandwich Festival with live demonstrations, music and the hand-crafted Giant parading through the streets (29 - 31 August) (F), whilst just down the coast near Folkestone, the Sandgate Sea and Food Festival kicks off at 7pm with music, stalls and a free fireworks display, followed by a full day of family fun on the Sunday (29 - 30 August) (F).

What's On in South East England - September

Autumn doesn't mean the end of the events season. September sees the annual Heritage Open Days return (11 - 20 September) (F) across the region, with participating venues in destinations, including Deal, Dover and Sandwich, Reading and Maidstone to name just a few, and Roald Dahl Day (13 September) with events and activities in his home village Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. For food lovers, the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival (11 - 13 September) offers a three day event of tasty treats, delicious wine and music against the backdrop of Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet. Whilst Mayflower Park, Southampton opens the hatches for the internationally renowned Southampton Boat Show (18 - 27 September) offering visitors the chance to try a boat, try Paddleboarding and kayaking, enjoy an expanded live music programme, and explore some of the 250+ crafts on display. Listen Up returns to Basingstoke town centre (26 September) (F) offering a whole afternoon of free music for visitors and residents alike to enjoy. 

Autumn events in South East England - October & November

In October, the multi-award winning Isle of Wight Walking Festival will return (3 - 11 October) with seasonal routes and free guided walks across the Island, whilst in East Sussex it will be 960 years since the Battle of Hastings took place, and visitors see the thrilling re-enactment take place at Battle Abbey (10 - 11 October). In Portsmouth and Southsea thousands of runners will pound the streets at this year's Great South Run (17- 18 October). Whilst in Winchester, the popular Winchester Christmas market returns (20 November - 22 December) (F), giving visitors and residents the chance to pick up an array of Christmas presents whilst enjoying a fantastic festive day out.

Events Near You

Whether you live nearby or are travelling to the South East for a day trip or longer holiday, find what's happening near you with our local events pages, showing what's on across each county. You can either scroll through the search results, use the date search filters to discover what's on this weekend or Map View to guide yourself through each county. Explore the top events for the county with our featured list, providing you with ideas and inspiration. Keep an eye out for the many free events (F).

Events Across South East England's Counties

• Events in Kent
• Events in Hampshire
• Events in Sussex
• Events in Berkshire
• Events in Surrey
• Events in Oxfordshire
• Events in Buckinghamshire
• Events on the Isle of Wight

If you're heading to the South East for an event, explore great places to stay or discover even more things to do across South East England. With so much to see and experience, planning your perfect trip starts here.

Plan Your Visit to South East England

Travelling by train to an event?

Travel sustainably and enjoy a comfortable journey with South Western Railway (SWR). Operating over 1,500 services each weekday, SWR connects South West London, the southern counties of England and the Isle of Wight, making it easy to reach events across the region.