Portsmouth 13th July - 13th September
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: 141
, currently showing 121 to 140.
Festivals
Newport
Sausage and Cider Festival at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight Sausage and Cider Festival returns to the Isle of Wight on Saturday 4 July 2026.
HEADLINER TO BE ANNOUNCED!
Huge line up Kasabian tribute. UB40 tribute. Foo Fighters…
Music
Bembridge
The show encompasses everything from that period, from the clothes that were worn, to flashbacks from television history, including: TV programmes, adverts and even clips from the original bands.
The Counterfeit Sixties presents a showcase of the…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Romsey
Experience the serenity of Forest Bathing.
This serene three-hour sensory journey is skilfully led by certified guide, Sonya Dibbin, and is rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku.
By awakening your senses, slowing down and connecting…
Special Events
Winchester
Winchester Science Centre hosts UK premiere of Van Gogh Alive.
One of the world's most celebrated immersive art experiences is coming to Hampshire. From 22 January to 22 March 2026, Van Gogh Alive will take over Winchester Science Centre, offering…
Festival
Cowes
Cowes Fringe is a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, and comedy that lights up the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight annually in May. The festival fills local venues with an electrifying mix of performances, showcasing both local and national…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.
All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Liberty of the Seas and Oceania Vista depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Walking
Town Quay, Southampton
Have fun (re-)discovering Southampton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a safe, fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating and…
Heritage & History
Portsmouth
Join us for Conservation in Action! Ever wondered how priceless objects survive centuries to be displayed in a museum? Conservation in Action invites visitors to see history being preserved live. In this interactive pop-up lab, families can watch…
Free Event
Newtown
Birdwatching at Newtown National Nature Reserve Join the National Trust and step into the calm beauty of Newtown with a guided walk through its saltmarshes, meadows, and winding creeks.
Discover birds on guided walk This peaceful corner of…
Special Events
New Forest
The Spring Autojumble is back on 16 – 17 May 2026. Perfect for hunting down that hard-to-find part, discovering unique vintage clothing and collectibles, or just enjoying a great motoring-inspired day out!
Join the automotive treasure hunt as the…
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.
Childrens Events
Romsey
Self-guided fun with all the family.
Spring is waking up the garden — and it's time to go exploring! Whether it's sunny, rainy, or somewhere in between, wrap up warm and head outside to see what you can find.
Children must be accompanied by an…
Festival
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Comic Con returns to the Guildhall for 2026.
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.
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…
Festival
Alresford, Winchester
A fantastic food festival in Alresford town celebrating our locally grown watercress, a great day out for the family.
Food
Southsea
Hampshire Farmers' Markets bring beautiful, fresh local produce to Portsmouth and Southsea every month.
Tour
Ryde
Discover more about the iconic hovercraft which takes passengers on their daily commute or for a day visit to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth. The behind the scenes tour is offers the chance to get up close and personal and learn more about our…
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…
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