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
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Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Porsche on Sunday 31 May 2026.
All Porsche owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Held in association…
Festival
Winchester
It's going to be a wild weekend this September as Dub Pistols bring their diverse mix of iconic acts to the festival at Vicarage Farm in Winchester. The 2025 line-up features Groove Armada, Fabio & Grooverider, David Rodigan, Alison Limerick, Don…
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…
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.
Portsmouth 100
Portsmouth
A great fun way to explore Portsmouth is coming this summer, with the brand new Pride of Portsmouth Lions trail. Taking over the city in a spectacular celebration of creativity, community, and culture, this unforgettable public art trail will see 40…
Festivals
Basingstoke
The fantastically successful award-winning Basingstoke Festival returns this summer 2026. This event is a must for your calendar and is a fantastic opportunity for those living or visiting Hampshire over the summer.
Food
Southsea
Hampshire Farmers' Markets bring beautiful, fresh local produce to Portsmouth and Southsea every month.
Festival
Alresford, Winchester
A fantastic food festival in Alresford town celebrating our locally grown watercress, a great day out for the family.
Family
Fareham
Enjoy the Easter holidays at Fort Nelson, where there will be a free Spring trail and Easter Egg hunt.
Food
Netley Abbey
The Big Eat food festival will be returning to Netley in May 2026, after welcoming a whopping 40,000 people to last year’s event.
The Big Eat is returning to Royal Victoria Country Park for the fourth consecutive year after securing headline…
Tour
Southampton
Southampton’s heritage steamship SS Shieldhall have announced some exciting additional sailings for their 2026 programme
Show / Display
Farnborough
The Greatest Show On Wheels returns this August. The British Motor Show is a must-visit event for car enthusiasts and families alike.
Workshop
Whitchurch
Enjoy this interactive Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke located between Winchester and Basingstoke. Learn about the tricks of the trade so you can create your own cocktails easily at home.
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