Alton, East 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 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: 123
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Childrens Events
Sandown
Watch the epic, Wildheart-themed drone show as part of the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary 50th anniversary celebrations this September
Heritage & History
Winchester
Enjoy free bus rides on our Special Heritage Open day inspired day - King Alfred Autumn Country Bus day: September 13 September 2026.
All buses leave from St Catherine's Park & Ride. Frequent shuttles to and from Winchester Broadway from 09.30…
Music
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday October 2
6:30pm
Musical talent meets delicious fine dining at this exciting event, where the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Head Chef will be serving up a delectable three-course meal accompanied by live music from Jake Ward! The Hampshire-based…
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…
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.
Water Based Activities
Beaulieu
Beaulieu River Tours with New Forest Activities are great for those looking for a good amount of time out on the water.
Paddle down the Beaulieu River in the stable 'Canadian style' canoes and explore the history, wildlife of this beautiful part of…
Workshop
Sandown
Step into the world of wildlife photography right here at the Sanctuary with our new Bear Photography Workshops — enjoy a half-day experience designed especially for beginners and keen amateurs.
Christmas
New Forest
Don't be late for a very important date! Alice's Christmas Wonderland is coming to Beaulieu in a brand new festive experience for 2026.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Winchester
Three new outdoor exhibits opening 18th July at Winchester Science Centre! Explore three brand-new outdoor exhibits inspired by the remarkable chalk landscape that shapes our local environment. From ancient seas and crystal-clear chalk streams to…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…
School Holidays
Farnham
Roll, chase and explore the new exciting ball runs that will be popping up across Birdworld in Surrey this summer.
Halloween
Beaulieu
The New Forest Activities favourite BattleZone just got a whole lot scarier! Paint the battlefield dead as your ghoulsome troops creep up on the enemy, using infra-red technology guns to spook your way to victory.
Halloween
Brockenhurst
Pay a visit to New Forest Activities in Hampshire this Halloween for a wonderfully spooky twist on an archery session. Using weapons of old; vampires, werewolves and zombies will be your new targets. Plus to add an extra challenge, you'll get to…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday September 5
10:00am-5:30pm
The first Saturday in September each year is International Vulture Awareness Day.
At the Hawk Conservancy Trust, they love vultures, so every day is vulture awareness day! If you would like to celebrate these…
Festival
Portsea
Coffee on the Coast is a one day specialty coffee festival in Portsmouth, bringing together roasters, industry experts, and coffee lovers.
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…
Festival
Southampton
Music in the City is Southampton’s premier music event celebrating and promoting the wonderful diversity of musical talent within Southampton City for the benefit of all residents and city visitors.
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 …
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Show / Display
Southampton
Back for its 57th edition, the internationally renowned Southampton Boat Show, Britain's largest marine festival, is returning to Mayflower Park, Southampton. The show will be open from Friday 18th to Sunday 27th September, and promises to have…
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