Southampton, Hampshire
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 121 to 140.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday May 2
7:00am-10:00am
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special morning to enjoy and discover the best of British nature.
They'll begin by taking you to Reg's Wildflower Meadow to hear the enchanting sounds of the morning chorus of…
Childrens Events
Winchester
Head to Marwell Zoo for a cracking Easter, with family fun across the zoo.
Enjoy traditional garden games, including egg rolling and sack races. Head to the Easter Craft Den to make a nature-themed Easter keepsake and then settle down for…
General event
Southampton
We will pass into Portsmouth Harbour, home to the Royal Navy – an exciting opportunity to view Britain’s naval vessels and the dramatic skyline of Portsmouth, including Southsea; Clarence Pier; Spice Island and the Spinnaker Tower, from the water.…
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.
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Arts
Islandwide
Open studios on the Isle of Wight Isle of Wight Open Studios continues to grow as a cornerstone of the Isle of Wight’s cultural calendar. From 15 - 25 May 2026, this vibrant 11 day celebration of art will once again open doors across the island,…
Run / Rally
New Forest
Simply Italian, sponsored by Hendy Fiat, will return on Sunday 27 September 2026.
All Italian car owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
General event
Southampton
Spend a leisurely day on the Solent, enjoying the spectacle of the Round the Island Yacht Race from the great viewing platform of the Shieldhall! The race regularly attracts over 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas. Mein Schiff II and Norwegian Star depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall…
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…
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,…
Special Events
Basingstole
We invite you to join us on Saturday 2nd May for Oakley Hall's first ever Bottomless Afternoon Tea experience! Whether you're celebrating a birthday, Hen Do, job promotion or just wanting to get together with your friends – what better way is there…
Show / Display
Romsey
The Romsey Show takes place in September at Broadlands in Romsey. The Show is one of the largest one-day country shows in the South and is run by a large team of dedicated volunteers. The show provides a fantastic day out with something for all the…
General event
Southampton
Join our volunteers as we explore the World Heritage Jurassic Coast coastline. Our route will see Shieldhall depart her Poole Quay berth, passing the exclusive Sandbanks area and crossing the chain ferry route close to the port entrance before…
Performing Arts
New Forest
This Is My Theatre presents Alice's Adventure in Wonderland on Wednesday 12 August 2026.
Step through the looking glass and into a world where nothing is quite as it seems… Perfect for dreamers of all ages, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland invites…
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…
Festival
HAVENSTREET
Head to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Autumn beer festival for a celebration of beer and steam.
Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth.
You’ll have the opportunity to try…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Explore the science of sound by investigating how different instruments create vibrations and how those vibrations travel through air, water and solid materials, just like they do at sea.
Families will experiment with a range of instruments to see,…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, Ventura in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…
Sporting Events
Freshwater
Explore our island through running Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location!
Full programme of running events The Isle of Wight…
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