Events

Stuck for ideas on what to do in South East England? The South East hosts thousands of exciting events all year round, from internationally renowned star-studded events that welcome thousands of visitors to family friendly entertainment over the school holidays and weekends. You'll find sporting events, food and drink festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, historical enactments, anniversaries and much more that we know you will love. Take a look at what's happening near you with our events calendar and find memory-making inspiration for all ages. 

Events near me

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 you what's on in a specific county. You can either scroll through the search results, use our online calendar or the map view button to guide yourself through each county, or explore the top events for the county on our featured list, providing you with ideas and inspiration. Keep an eye out for the many free events (F) taking place throughout South East England. Search for what's on today or this weekend by selecting a date range, or choose the area you are visiting with the drop-down box and see what is happening right on your doorstep. It's definitely another Event-ful year across the South.

Bekonscot Model Village & Railway delights visitors of all ages and is perfect for family adventures with lots to keep your mini explorers entertained. Book online at least 48 hours in advance & enjoy 10% off the standard ticket price.

• 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 are heading to the South East for an event, don't forget to take a look at some of the great places to stay or things to do and make a long weekend of it!  With so much to see and do, choosing what to do first is often the hardest decision!

Christmas in South East England

Discover the magic of Christmas in South East England with our ultimate festive guide. Explore sparkling Christmas light displays, enchanting ice rinks, and bustling Christmas markets filled with gifts, crafts and seasonal treats. Join the celebrations at spectacular Christmas light switch-on events across the region, and make unforgettable memories when you meet Santa Claus in his festive grottos. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a winter weekend getaway, or simply looking for the best festive events near you, South East England is the perfect place to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

Most Popular Events for 2026

2026 will see a some of South East England's most popular events returning for another year. 

Start the year with the Light Up Ramsgate Trail in Thanet, Kent - bringing a magical mix of light, art and music across the town and harbour (F) (11th December 2025 - 25th January 2026), or Light Up Maidstone, a free event (F), welcoming the light during the darkest months with entertainment and a stunning lantern parade (6th February 2026). 

Staying in Hampshire? The Winchester Books Festival (17th - 19th April 2026) links perfectly to a stay in a city steeped in history and with strong literary connections, or for the more sporty then the ABP Southampton Marathon, half, 10K, 5K and fun run includes route taking you around parks, seas and the city (3rd May 2026).

For keen hikers, relaxed wanderers, and curious explorers alike, The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a friendly coming together in the great outdoors for all ages (9th - 17th May 2026), whilst in Brighton the colour createive Brighton Fringe - the largest open-access arts festival in England comes to the South Coast (1st - 31st May 2026). May also see's the world famous Royal Windsor Horse Show come to Berkshire, it is the only time of year the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public and sees a week of top-level international equestrian competition (14th - 17th May 2026).

During the summer a host of popular music festivals fill the air with different genres and musical vibes including the Henley Festival, bringing five days of music from to Southern Oxfordshire (9th - 13th July 2026), the Leeds Castle Concert, near Maidstone, Kent offers a mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary hits (11th July 2026), whilst the world famous Reading Festival sees over 90,000 people flocking to the Richfield Avenue site to experience this iconic event (27th - 30th August 2026). Portsmouth's popular Victorious Festival also returns in 2026 to Southsea seafront mixing the holiday vibe with a fantastic line up  (28th - 30th August 2026). 

Discover the South East's agricultural roots with a visit to the 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 2026), or look to the skies in August, when the fantastic free (F) Airbourne takes flight, with its sensational flying displays over Eastbourne seafront (13th - 16th August 2026).

Keep popping back, as its another event-ful year ahead in South East England!

Travelling by train?

Travel sustainably and experience comfort and ease while hopping on board a South Western Railway (SWR). Operating over 1,500 services each weekday across the network, SWR provides commuter inter-urban, regional and long distance services to passengers in South West London and southern counties of England and Island Line services on the Isle of Wight.