Westquay, 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 of 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 autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
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. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
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.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
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: 155
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Theatre
Eastleigh
Murder on the North Pole Express
A Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Saturday 5th December 2026
All aboard for a Christmas journey where the festive spirit is high, the characters are colourful… and someone may not make it to the final…
Christmas
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Milestones is being transformed into the spectacular world of A Christmas Carol. Encounter extraordinary characters and discover the people and remarkable events that changed Ebenezer Scrooge forever.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Winchester
Dig for fossils, wade into the wonders of The Chalk Stream and climb, crawl and explore Dormouse Den at Winchester Science Centre with their three outdoor exhibits exploring the local environment. From ancient seas and crystal-clear chalk streams to…
Fireworks
Southampton
Make it a night to remember at Utilita Bowl’s fireworks, which returns to the venue on Friday 6th November!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Brockenhurst
The Spooky Halloween River Tours put a spin on New Forest Activities regular canoeing tours, and you'll be paddling your crafts by moonlight! Plus, there will be spooky tales about the resident ghosts of the river to give you a jump in the night!
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.
Countryside
New Forest
Each autumn, the New Forest becomes home to an unusual sight as pigs are released to wander among the woodland and heathland during pannage season.
Heritage & History
Ryde
Discover a unique weekend of railway heritage, historic locomotives and seasonal ales at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Shunt Fest and Dark Ales Festival.
Childrens Events
Whitchurch
Head to Whitchurch Silk Mill for Halloween-themed trail and activities around the site and collect your Bag of Treats at the end.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the October half term, Saturday October 24 – Sunday November 1
10:00am-5:30pm
Over the October half term enjoy an autumnal day out in the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by the beauty of nature as the seasons change, and the Hawk…
Health & Wellbeing
Waterlooville
Join us round the fire in one of our historic buildings for an evening of yoga, relaxation, and personal growth in one of our monthly yoga classes.
Film
Winchester
Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience at Winchester Science Centre? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest Halloween blockbusters, Hocus Pocus (PG), plays out under the stars of the Planetarium.
Christmas
Romsey
Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas as the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Halloween
Havenstreet
Step into a world of witches, wizards and Halloween characters as the Isle of Wight Steam railway comes alive with themed displays, live performances and interactive activities. Explore the decorated station, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and…
Walking
The Close, Winchester
Have fun (re)discovering Winchester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Special Events
Basingstoke
Saturday 24th October 2026
We invite you to a murder mystery night of solving crimes and indulgent dining on Saturday 24th October at Oakley Hall Hotel in Basingstoke, Hampshire! join a cast of classic character for a Country House whodunit in…
Christmas
Winchester
This Christmas, enjoy a festive experience for the whole family. Share a magical moment with Santa and his elves in the historic setting of The Great Hall, home to the iconic Round Table.
Festival
Southsea
The annual Southsea Food Festival is back for 2025!
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2027 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Sporting Event
Cowes
Isle of Wight sailing race The annual Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, is a one-day yacht race around the Isle of Wight. The race regularly attracts over 1,000 boats and thousands of sailors, making it one of the largest…
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