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.
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Christmas
Romsey
Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas as the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Run / Rally
Portsmouth
The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2027.
Christmas
Brockenhurst
With festive dining inspired by the New Forest, experience dishes created using locally sourced ingredients and executed with a striking twist makes Careys Manor's flagship restaurant, Cambium, the place to meet and celebrate this Christmas.
Christmas
Ryde
Get into the Christmas spirit with a creative Christmas Wreath Decorating Workshop at Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight.
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.
Christmas
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Make Christmas extra special with a magical visit to Father Christmas at Milestones. Step into his beautifully decorated grotto, meet his elf and enjoy a special festive experience that the whole family will remember.
Arts
Romsey
The Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) Wessex proudly presents Winter Jewels 2026, an inspiring exhibition of handcrafted jewellery by leading studio makers from across Hampshire, Dorset, and Wiltshire.
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!
School Holidays
Sandown
Save money this October half term at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight with a online 'Buy one child ticket, Get one free offer'
Show / Display
Brockenhurst
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.
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…
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.
Fireworks
Newport
The 2026 Fireworks display will take place at Robin Hill Adventure Park on 7 November. Watch the sky come alive with a dazzling fireworks display for all ages to enjoy.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 December
Food available from 4:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special evening to get you in the Christmas spirit! Sing along with Christmas carols, both…
Halloween
Brockenhurst
We've put a spooky twist on our archery sessions for October, with ghosts, ghouls, zombies and werewolves acting as your new targets. Then it's onto the pumpkin shooting round where your little monsters will get to decorate their pumpkins before…
Festival
Basingstoke
Experience the sights, sounds, and energy of Diwali as the Light It Up Parade returns to Basingstoke town centre this October. Organised by Kala the Arts, the celebration showcases cultural diversity through music, performance, food, and community…
Show / Display
Portsmouth
We Shine is back for 2026 - transforming the city into a dazzling gallery of illuminated art.
Festival
Southsea
The annual Southsea Food Festival is back for 2025!
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…
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