Marwell Zoo, near Winchester
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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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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ampfield, Romsey
Join Sir Sludge on the Sir Harold Hillier spooktacular garden family trail and help restore order in the Land of Decay. Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and meet some delightfully dreadful characters along the way!
Christmas
Farnham
Join our interactive Santa Show, with a new theme each year, perfect for a magical Christmas treat for the whole family. Your ticket includes both the festive show and a present!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday October 29 & Friday 30
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. You can enjoy some ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as…
Festival
Havant
Join Leigh Park Fest 2027 for a free, family-friendly community festival at Park Parade, Leigh Park, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5AD, on Saturday 3 July 2027, 10am–5pm. Enjoy live music, family entertainment, food stalls and local traders. Entry is free;…
Festival
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Comic Con returns to the Guildhall for 2027 presenting the best in comic, film, TV and pop culture entertainment - a fantastic family-friendly day in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Sporting Events
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Want to discover the newest winter fashion trends and brands for the upcoming season? Join the Personal Stylists from John Lewis Southampton for an intimate look at the key trends and must-have essentials shaping this winter's wardrobe.
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.
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…
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.
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…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Brockenhurst
Treat (not trick) your little swashbucklers to some scarily good fun on the Beaulieu River this Halloween.
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.
Fireworks
YARMOUTH
Head to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, for the annual 5 November 2026 Firework Display!
Talks
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Calling all parents-to-be. Join the Nursery team and local experts at John Lewis Southampton to learn about this new stage of your life and our All Things Baby service, covering everything you need to know for the arrival of your child.
Christmas
Brockenhurst
Begin the countdown to Christmas with New Forest chocolatier Kerry Witt as you create your own handcrafted chocolate advent calendar at Careys Manor Hotel
Museums
Portsmouth
Celebrate the 214th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens at his first home, here in Portsmouth.
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…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Cowes Week 2027 brings world-class sailing back to the Isle of Wight, with around 5,000 competitors racing more than 600 boats across 35 classes on the Solent. One of the world's most famous sailing regattas, the event combines thrilling racing,…
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