Kent, 3rd - 5th July (Free)
Discover what’s on this summer holiday in South East England, from family-friendly events and outdoor adventures to festivals, shows and interactive experiences across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight. Whether you’re planning days out with the kids, looking for what’s on this weekend or exploring something new throughout the school holidays, you’ll find plenty of events to keep everyone entertained. Browse highlights across the summer and start planning memorable family days out.
The South East has a packed calendar of summer events, from dramatic firework displays and spectacular airshows to colourful carnivals and classic car shows. Alongside these, you'll find a host of free activities taking place throughout the summer holidays in 2026. With schools out for the summer, new events are being added all the time - so keep checking back and make the most of the holidays with an eventful summer across South East England.
Scroll down to explore a selection of family-friendly events taking place across South East England, or use the search filters to find something near you. Our featured events list is full of value-added experiences, from live music at the bandstand and outdoor adventure trails to living history events bringing the past to life.
With events taking place right across the summer holidays, there’s always a new way to enjoy family days out in the South East. You can also explore events pages for each county across the region, or scroll to the bottom of the page for a full listing of events taking place across all nine counties this summer.
If you're planning a trip to South East England this summer holiday to enjoy some of the many events on offer, you'll find answers to some common questions below. You can also head over to the travel information page full of useful tips and information on different ways to visit.
There are events taking place every day during the summer holidays, including weekends. Use the search filters above to explore what’s on by date and location.
Head over to our free things to do page or enter 'Free' into the keyword search box above to find some of the free events available. You'll find free museums, airshows, art trails and music events which you can mix with other paid for events to make your budget go further this summer.
If you are travelling from outside the region, there are plenty of great value accommodation choices to suit your needs for a summer getaway. You can also search by destinations to link up with the local official tourism websites across the region.
Running from 22 July to 1 September 2026, the summer school holidays bring weeks of family-friendly events across South East England. Dates may vary slightly between counties, with Isle of Wight schools typically breaking up a few days later from 27 July. The summer holidays also include the August Bank Holiday on Monday 31 August 2026, which always sees a host of events, family activities and music festivals running across the destination. There is plenty to be excited about this summer, and with the weather forecast looking good too, plan your school summer holiday adventures right here.
Looking for events nearby? Use the map view and search filters to explore what’s on across each county, or discover events happening close to where you’re staying
Number of results: 375
, currently showing 141 to 160.
Music
Maidenhead
The UK's only J J Cale tribute act.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of rhythm and blues as we bring you a musical journey celebrating the legacy of J J Cale - featuring his classic songs After Midnight, Call Me the Breeze and many more..…
Music
Maidenhead
Much in demand as both leader and sideman, Mark works in a wide variety of musical settings including jazz, big band, classical, shows and recording sessions on clarinet and saxophone.
Mark is a member of the award-winning Back to Basie Orchestra…
Dance / Dancing
Maidenhead
Black Umfolosi performances are inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native southern Africa, with a beauty and enthusiasm that is unrivalled.
Their performances are energy driven and completely engaging, mixing a great gentleness of…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Haywards Heath
We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in Nature.
Over three months you'll learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are…
Free Event
Maidenhead
One of our most popular summer attractions is back! The Maidenhead beach at Norden Farm is back for another year
Free for children and families to play on in the daytime and for adults to relax on in the evening.
Community
Chichester
Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.
We will set up the studio tables with a selection…
Exhibitions
Chichester
This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…
Markets
Maidenhead
Visiting the market is the perfect way to spend your weekend.
Inspired by the summer night markets of southern France, we bring you a laid back evening of shopping and feasting to a backdrop of live music.
Take a seat at one of our tables to enjoy…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Rediscover Rochester with two lively treasure‑hunt walks packed with clues, surprises and “I’ve never noticed that!” moments.
Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
Arts
Uckfield
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Childrens Events
Whiteley, Fareham
Make your Sundays better with
KIDS EAT FREE at The Parsons Collar
With on paying adult
A great wat to finish of your busy week. On Sunday's eat FREE with a paying adult. Not to be used in conjunction wiht any other offer or discount.
To book…
Arts
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday August 22 – Sunday 23
10am-5:30pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a celebration of wildlife art! They'll be hosting artists exhibiting their work at the Hawk Conservancy Trust for this art-tastic weekend. Special guests include their…
Music
Broadstairs
For one glorious week in August, Broadstairs is filled with the sound of folk music. A huge event on the Isle's calendar, Broadstairs Folk Week welcomes hundreds of musicians playing in beer gardens, church halls or on stage. With over 400 events…
Music
Maidenhead
Gather round the piano, exquisitely played by Seann Wilkinson, for a night of show tunes this Summer at The Farm.
Get stuck in, sing along, or just sit back and enjoy a night of musical theatre song and plenty of laughter!
Cabaret tables and…
Music
Maidenhead
Featuring Lucy Randell.
The five-piece band, Jazz Dynamos take well known hit songs from the 70s and 80s, transforming them with a mix of jazz, bossa and samba.
Their unique set of exuberant, entertaining, and original contemporary jazz…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Winchester
Explore Marwell Zoo after hours in an intimate after-hours safari, limited to just 60 guests.
Hosted by members of the Marwell team, visitors will experience the atmosphere of the zoo after hours, with opportunities to meet keepers, hear personal…
Childrens Events
Aylesbury
A brand new bespoke Wild Wood Adventure Playground will open on 1 August 2026 at Waddesdon Manor in Aylesbury – creating a great new space for all the family to enjoy in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Designed for its woodland setting, offering a…
Countryside
Faversham
Come along to see Joe flying a variety of birds on the front lawn, you will be in for a real treat.
From seeing Hopper, their vulture, soar above the parkland, to delving into the depths of their intelligent Caracaras from the Falkland Islands, or…
Festival
Reading
One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.
Festivals
Sandown
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
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