Watercress grown and sold as part of the Alresford Watercress Festival in 2026

Alresford Watercress Festival

Nr Winchester, 17th May 2026

What's On in Hampshire

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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.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

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.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

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.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

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. 

Staying overnight?

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

Hampshire events near me

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. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 173

, currently showing 121 to 140.

  1. Ventnor Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival! 

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026
  2. The Big Christmas Present Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the Christmas school holidays, Saturday December 12 - Sunday 13 and Saturday December 19, 2026 – Sunday January 2, 2027

    10:00am – 4:30 pm

    Can you solve the mystery of Santa's missing present sack this Christmas? Bring the whole family…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to2 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 16:30
  3. Steamship Shieldhall Eastern Solent Cruise

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size,…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 11:00 - 18:00
  4. The New Forest and Hampshire County Show 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brockenhurst

    The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.

    Dates

    From:
    28 July 2026to30 July 2026
  5. The Custom And American Show

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of the Custom and American Show on Father's Day, Sunday 21 June 2026.

    With hundreds of cool American motors, colourful custom cars and bikes, live music and hip entertainment, this is a family show not to be…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. Our Folktastic Isle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Newport

    Discover the magic of carnival and the creativity behind New Carnival's annual Mardi Gras, a children and young people focused parade at the beginning of July in Ryde, with environmental responsibility prioritised. This exhibition offers a rare…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Feb 2026to6 Apr 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  7. Owl-O-Ween

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Thursday October 29 & Friday 30

    Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm

    Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. You can enjoy some ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 17:30 -
  8. Simply Aston Martin

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Aston Martin on Sunday 23 August 2026.

    All Aston Martin owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both Aston Martin owners and…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. Midsummer Music Cruise with The Dinner Set

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment, and seeing the departing cruise ships – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!

    Enjoy an evening in the company of The Dinner Set, two…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:30 - 21:30
  10. Easter at Beaulieu

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  11. Ventnor Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in with the carnival fun of Ventnor's Illuminated procession!

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026
  12. £10 Sunday Roasts

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Whiteley, Fareham


    £10 Sunday Roasts

    Available every Sunday from 4th January at The Parsons Collar Pub
    Celebrate Sunday with a tasty £10 treat!
    When they are gone they are gone!
    Book - lodge@solenthotel.co.uk

    Dates

    From:
    4 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  13. The Romsey Show

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Broadlands, Test Valley

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026
  14. Dürer to Goya: Old Master Prints at Winchester College

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Winchester

    This free exhibition in Winchester College's Treasury museum draws on the College’s collection of Old Master prints and has been curated by a group of pupils in their final year at Winchester. It includes prints of many different types, by artists…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Jan 2026to14 Apr 2026
  15. A Royal Hunt: History Re-Enactment Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  16. The Paint Club painting party at The Boathouse Cafe

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Swanwick Shore Road, Swanwick, Southampton

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Apr 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    13 May 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    10 June 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    8 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  17. Isle of Wight Walking Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Islandwide

    Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2026to17 May 2026
    From:
    3 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  18. Curious About Winchester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Close, Winchester

    Have fun (re-)discovering Winchester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this historic city. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  19. Golden Eagle Egg Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the Easter school holidays, March 28 – April 12

    10:00am-5:30pm

    This Easter, fly on over to the Hawk Conservancy Trust for an egg-citing new trail – free as part of your admission!
    A giant Golden Eagle has lost her precious eggs while…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  20. Sandown Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026