Hampshire is set for another exciting year in 2025, with an array of large-scale events and festivals. Home to a host of food and music festivals, family fun events, and special anniversaries, you're sure to find plenty of exciting events to give you a reason to include Hampshire in your holiday plans. Look out for an array of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth whilst you discover the place she was born, lived and wrote six of her novels #JaneAusten250.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here are some of the most popular events happening across the county in 2025: Celebrating Jane at Winchester Cathedral (Now until 31st October), Alresford Watercress Festival (F) (18th May), Portsmouth Comic Con (3rd May - 4th May), The Big Eat Festival at Royal Victoria Country Park (F) Netley Abbey (24th - 26th May), Southampton Summer Sessions (13th - 29th June 25), Basingstoke Festival (F) (20th June - 6th July 2025), Winchester Hat Fair (F) (5th July), Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, Portsmouth (19th - 20th July 2025) all filling the Hampshire calendar to bursting. This July also see's the 70th birthday of the Steamship Shieldhall, Southampton, with a special sailings, now available to book.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below 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: 249
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Music
Portsmouth
The Bands of HM Royal Marines commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day in front of their home audience at the New Theatre Royal.
Show / Display
NORTHWOOD
The Royal Isle of Wight County Show – one of the Island’s flagship events – returns in 2025 on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July. Since 1833 it’s been an opportunity for the agricultural community to come together and showcase their talents,…
Summer
Newport
Riverfest is a fun-free event that takes place in May in the heart of the Isle of Wight in Newport. Centre around the Medina River and Newport Quay this event brings visitors and local residents together with a village fete feel and lots of…
Carnival
RYDE
Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre. Activities will include story time, junk modelling competition,…
Museums
Chawton
Jane Austen's House will host a series of mini festivals throughout 2025 to celebrate Jane Austen's special anniversary year.
This summer festival will be themed around Emma, Jane Austen's "perfect" summer novel, with a particular focus on…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Dont miss the chance to wave of the entries to this year Rolex Fastnet Race on Saturday 26 July 2025 from Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club, and this edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race is…
Tour
Ryde
For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight
Free Event
Lee-on-the-Solent
Summer in Lee returns for its 9th year to Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport this summer. The event will involve Smile Emporium, The Smile Stage, Summer Fun Fair and Summer Pirates all on the Lee-on-Solent promenade over 3 days with different genres of…
Special Events
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Historic Quarter marks 80 years since VE Day with a spectacular celebration from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 10 May.
Music
Southampton
Southampton’s bustling Guildhall Square is well known as the Cultural Quarter of the City.
Proud to be the hub of live music venues, museums, galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants, this part of Southampton has developed immensely over the years…
Festival
Fareham
Wickham Festival is a 4-day music & arts festival held every August in a stunningly beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham in Hampshire.
Carnival
SANDOWN
Annual summer celebration of Sandown Bay with FREE family entertainment from the stage, beach fun at the Beach Sports Arena and a street market lining Sandown Esplanade.
Saturday 9th August 2025
Sunday 10th August 2025
Keep an eye…
Festival
Winchester
The fantastic family-friendly festival of Street Performance and Outdoor Arts returns to the historic city of Winchester this July.
The Hat Fair 2025 will take place Saturday 5th July, it is the UK's longest-running festival of Outdoor Arts,…
Food
Southsea
Hampshire Farmers' Markets bring beautiful, fresh local produce to Portsmouth and Southsea every month.
Carnival
VENTNOR
Join in the carnival fun of Ventnor's Main Procession followed by a grand firework display!
Please see website for more details.
Food
HAVENSTREET
On Tuesday evenings in July and August for a relaxed evening that includes a proper Fish and Chip supper and a ride through the Island's countryside in the luxury of an Edwardian carriage pulled by an historic steam locomotive.
Enjoy an evening…
Pop Up Event
The Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival will return for its second year to the island between 28th June and 6th July 2025
Heritage & History
Lee-on-the-Solent
Coming to the seaside village of Lee on the Solent, Gosport, Hampshire in September 2025, for several days of Celebration and Entertainment to commemorate and remember the 80th Anniversary of VE & VJ Days.
See an amazing array of WWII / Post…
Tour
Southampton
The cruise will recognise the important 85th anniversary of Dunkirk and the role played by Southampton and Portsmouth in ‘Operation Dynamo’, and also the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day and the celebrations that took place in the two ports and…
Festival
HAVENSTREET
Head to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Autumn beer festival for a celebration of beer and steam.
Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth.
You’ll have the opportunity to try…