Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.
2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do. The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.
Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.
From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Number of results: 173
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Music
Bembridge
The show encompasses everything from that period, from the clothes that were worn, to flashbacks from television history, including: TV programmes, adverts and even clips from the original bands.
The Counterfeit Sixties presents a showcase of the…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday September 11
4:30pm-7:30pm
Planning your unique wedding day? Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an enchanting evening to discover what your dream wedding day could look like at the Hawk Conservancy Trust!
Filled with wedding inspiration,…
Carnival
Sandown
Children's Carnival in Sandown on the Isle of Wight Enjoy a fun-filled family day with Sandown Children's Carnival!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Family entertainment There will be a…
Childrens Events
New Forest
Hop into spring this Easter at Beaulieu!
Visitors to Beaulieu this Easter will be one of the first to see the transformed entrance to the National Motor Museum, as well as brand-new gallery Driven: Britain's Motoring Story!
Plus you can explore…
Run / Rally
Portsmouth
The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2026.
Heritage & History
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of The History Re-enactment Weekend on Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July 2026.
Join us for an immersive family-friendly weekend where history comes alive with The Marquess of Winchester's Regiment. Step back in…
Concert
Newport
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore This incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time!
Expect an unforgettable night featuring:
26 piece…
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Christmas
Farnham
Join our interactive Santa Show, with a new theme each year, perfect for a magical Christmas treat for the whole family. Your ticket includes both the festive show and a present!
Childrens Events
Farnham
Hop to Birdworld this Easter for an egg-citing hunt! Explore the Park, discover hidden eggs, and collect letters at each stop to spell a secret word. Solve the puzzle and claim a delicious chocolate treat.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.
All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.
What to Expect:
- Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.
Carnival route …
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the May half term, Saturday May 23 – Monday June 1
10:00am-5:30pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust over May half term as they celebrate their Secretary Bird's eighth 'hatchday'!
The Trust are throwing Angola a week-long birthday party,…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Jaguar on Sunday 16 August 2026.
All Jaguar owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and parked up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for owners and enthusiasts.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…
Festivals
Sandown
A heady mix of country fair, pop festival and a vampire’s worst nightmare, this festival offers everything for the family!
Arts
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday December 3
Doors open at 6:30pm | Official opening at 7:00pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an evening of drinks and canapes to celebrate the anniversary of the Trust's partnership with official Artist in Residence, Alex McGarry!
The…
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Festival
Ventnor
Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
