Farnborough International 21 - 23 August 26
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 Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This summer, in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with a host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights 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 - on from the 13 July - 13 September (F). It's the final weekend of the Basingstoke Festival 4 - 5 July, with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class performances - free to visit (F), whilst in East Hampshire now is the perfect time to visit the beautiful Lavender Fields near Alton. In Winchester, the brand new outdoor Play Wild opens at Winchester Science Centre from the 18 July, inviting curiosity and discovery through science and nature-themed play.
Get your skates on down to Southampton's RollerLand at Westquay, for roller skating lessons, regular and late skate sessions this summer, 17 - 30 August, plus the chance to enjoy some retail therapy at more 70 stores, including John Lewis. The fantastic fast and furious British Motor Show returns to Farnborough from 21 - 23 August, with supercars, a test-driving zone, pit lane experience and festival fields. If you book before the 16 August you can save up to 20% on ticket prices.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 161
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Sunday March 22, May 17 and September 20
10:00am-5:30pm
The Hawk Conservancy Trust are excited to be collaborating with CW Events to bring their visitors an exciting Artisan Market experience on select Sundays throughout 2026!
See the Hawk…
General event
Southampton
One way trip to Southampton, departing Poole Quay, passengers make their own way back to Poole. (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks, Hengistbury…
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…
Walking
Town Quay, Southampton
Explore Southampton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route. Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
Childrens Events
Winchester
Get ready for a generational showdown at Winchester Science Centre!
Step into a high-energy family silent disco where the battle of the decades begins! Will you side with the iconic tunes of the 90s & 00s, or vibe along to the biggest hits from the…
Family
Southampton
Running for two decades, the Southampton Mela Festival now attracts around 30,000 thousand people per year from along the South coast to enjoy a fusion of music, dance and family activities, all of an international flavour from world-class artists.
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
Arts
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…
Music
Winchester
Sit back and relax to the nostalgic sights and sounds of the retro full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, Wish You Were Here at Winchester Science Centre.
Festival
Southsea
The 34th Portsmouth International Kite Festival will take place on 12th & 13th September at Southsea Common. Beautiful and awe-inspiring kites will be flying high, flown by some of the world’s most internationally renowned kite flyers from the UK…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre.
Family…
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.
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Festival
Fareham
Wickham Festival is a 4-day music & arts festival held every August in a stunningly beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham in Hampshire.
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
This summer experience the Vile Victorians like you've never seen them before in our Horrible Histories® trail, some very special guests have returned to Beaulieu, plus you can meet living history, enjoy magical extras, and magnificent motoring…
Summer
Whitchurch
This summer enjoy Friday nights with friends at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery near Whitchurch at the brand new Aperitivo evenings.
Inspired by the Italian aperitivo tradition, this early evening experience invites you to slow down, gather with…
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 …
Festival
Newport
The award winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts.
Childrens Events
Winchester
Join us for a high-energy Family Silent Disco at Winchester Science Centre where pop music takes centre stage. Between timeless sing-along classics to today's biggest chart hits, there's something to get everyone moving.
Summer
SANDOWN
The popular Sunrise Breakfasts are returning to Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight this summer. Doors open from 8.30am so you can have a delicious breakfast while enjoying a rare early morning encounter with our rescued animals.
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