Enjoy a visit to Marwell Zoo, a great day out for all the family

A Great Day Out for all the Family

Marwell Zoo, near Winchester

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 of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.

Hampshire Events

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. 

15 Day cruise and park package with Voco Winchester Hotel and Spa

What's on in Hampshire in September, October and November?

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.

Portsmouth Anniversary blog - why visit in 2026

Frequently Asked Questons About Events in Hampshire

What's on in Hampshire today or this weekend?

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. 

Planning to stay overnight after an event?

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.

Are there any family-friendly events in 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.

Is Hampshire easy to reach from London by train?

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.  

Hampshire Events Near Me

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. 

What's on in Hampshire

Number of results:

Number of results: 155

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Harvest and Heritage Festival at Whitchurch Silk Mill

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Whitchurch

    Celebrating Heritage Crafts, Creativity and the Colours of Autumn. Over three days, the historic Mill will be transformed with seasonal displays, harvest-inspired decorations and showcases of traditional craftsmanship.

    Venue

    Whitchurch Silk Mill, Basingstoke and Deane

    Dates

    From:
    23 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
    From:
    25 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  2. Christmas Market

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Thursday November 26 – Saturday 28 | Sunday November 29

    3:30pm-7:30pm | 11:00am-3:00pm

    Enjoy the run up to Christmas with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's delightful, festive shopping experience. Discover beautiful gifts for your loved ones while…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Nov 2026to28 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 19:30
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  3. Play Wild

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  4. Portsmouth Pride

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Portsmouth

    Portsmouth Pride returns to Southsea on 12 June 2027, with live entertainment, great music and a welcoming atmosphere on Castle Field.

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2027Open 12:00 - 22:00
  5. Jane Austen Afternoon Tea at Winchester Royal Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Winchester

    Join us at Winchester Royal Hotel for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food inspired by Jane Austen's time

    Dates

    From:
    7 Sept 2026to30 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 16:30
  6. Witches, Wands & Whistles @ Isle of Wight Steam Railway'

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026
  7. Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Test Valley

    Dates

    From:
    26 Nov 2026to1 Jan 2027Open 16:30 - 20:00
  8. Dark Ales and Shunt Fest @ Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Dark Ales and Shunt Fest @ Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026to8 Nov 2026Open 09:30 - 17:30
  9. Wildheart Wonderland @ Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

    Wildheart Wonderland @ Wildheart Animal Sanctuary

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Sandown

    Celebrate the festive season at Wildheart Wonderland, a magical Christmas experience at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight. On Friday 4 and Saturday 5 December 2026, the sanctuary will open after dark and transform into an…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026to5 Dec 2026Open 17:00 - 19:30
  10. Mayflower Park Southampton Fireworks

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Southampton

    Get ready, Southampton... the South Coast’s BIGGEST and most spectacular fireworks night is back for 2026 – and it's going to be an absolute blast! Mayflower Park Fireworks takes place on Saturday 7th November 2026 at Mayflower Park Southampton. 

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026
  11. Love Southsea Market

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Portsmouth

    Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to18 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    7 Nov 2026to8 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
  12. Afternoon Tea at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Whitchurch

    Enjoy an afternoon at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, with an upgrade to add a Bombay Sapphire gin cocktail.

    Venue

    Bombay Sapphire, Hampshire

    Dates

    From:
    8 Sept 2026to30 Nov 2026Various Opening Times
  13. Wreath Making Workshop @ Quarr Abbey

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Ryde

    Get into the Christmas spirit with a creative Christmas Wreath Decorating Workshop at Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  14. Portsmouth 100

    Type

    Type:

    Portsmouth 100

    Portsmouth

    In 2026, Portsmouth celebrates its 100th anniversary of becoming a city with a wide round program of events and activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy. Visit the city, join the events and discover more of Portsmouth's fascinating…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  15. Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Brighstone

    Experience one of the Isle of Wight's most enchanting festive traditions at the Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival. Taking place from 3-6 December 2026, this much-loved community event invites visitors to explore hundreds of creatively decorated…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
  16. Chilly Hilly 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Freshwater

    Chilly Hilly returns to the Isle of Wight on 13 December 2026, offering runners a challenging 10-mile cross-country route through the stunning landscapes of the West Wight. With spectacular views, demanding hills and a friendly community atmosphere,…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 12:00 -
  17. Major Transformation Set for Thorness Bay in 2027

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Cowes

    Thorness Bay Holiday Park on the Isle of Wight is set to undergo a significant multi-million-pound transformation, with owner Parkdean Resorts announcing a major programme of upgrades due to open in spring 2027.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Mar 2027to19 May 2027
  18. Houghton Lodge House Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Stockbridge

    Enjoy a guided house tour of one the finest and earliest surviving example of a Cottage Ornée – Houghton Lodge - a genre of ‘picturesque’ Gothic architecture that flourished for about 25 years from 1790.

    Venue

    Houghton Lodge Gardens, Test Valley

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  19. Artful Christmas Market at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Ampfield, Romsey

    Find the perfect handmade arts and crafts gifts this Christmas at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens festive market. Explore and purchase wonderful unique gifts directly from talented local makers.

    Venue

    Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Test Valley

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  20. Pannage Season in the New Forest

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Sept 2026to29 Nov 2026