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
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday December 4, Saturday 5, Friday 11, Saturday 12
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Kick off the festive season with a magical evening with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's owls! They'll be flying their awesome owls under moonlight…
Christmas
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Ready to wow your guests this year with the ultimate Christmas tree? Join the John Lewis Southampton Home Design Stylists at WestQuay for an exclusive Christmas tree masterclass.
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,…
Markets
Old Portsmouth
Set to be the Hotwalls' biggest and best yet Christmas Market yet, with 50+ traders, festive lights, wooden chalets, and mulled wine, it promises to be a festive treat!
Other
Winchester
Heading away on a cruise from Southampton? Start your holiday stress-free with the Cruise & Park Package at voco Winchester Hotel & Spa.
Food
Winchester
Join us at Winchester Royal Hotel for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food inspired by Jane Austen's time
Heritage & History
Waterloville
A contingent from the Butser IX Roman Legion will be in residence around the Roman Villa at Butser Ancient Farm with demonstrations, roman cooking, crafts, games and more.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Brockenhurst
The Spooky Halloween River Tours put a spin on New Forest Activities regular canoeing tours, and you'll be paddling your crafts by moonlight! Plus, there will be spooky tales about the resident ghosts of the river to give you a jump in the night!
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Southampton, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family? Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Southampton’s Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.
Carnival
Ventnor
Ventnor Lantern Parade and Carnival lights up the Isle of Wight with a magical procession of illuminated lanterns, decorated floats and costumed performers. This family-friendly community celebration transforms the streets of Ventnor into a…
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Get ready to explore Portsmouth like a real‑life detective! With two treasure‑hunt walks, you’ll spot clues, solve puzzles, and discover amazing things you’ve never noticed before. It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s perfect for curious kids (and…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Brockenhurst
Treat (not trick) your little swashbucklers to some scarily good fun on the Beaulieu River this Halloween.
Childrens Events
Farnham
Head to Birdworld in Surrey this October half term for a fun-filled Professor Peck's Theatre Show mixed with Ground Hornbills, Chilean Flamingo, Snowy Owls, a dinosaur trail, indoor play barn, outdoor treetop adventure park. A great family day out…
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…
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!
Fireworks
YARMOUTH
Head to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, for the annual 5 November 2026 Firework Display!
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