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: 144
, currently showing 81 to 100.
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
New Forest
NEW for 2026, all owners of pre-2005 classic vehicles are invited to take part in Drive-It Day at Beaulieu on Sunday 26 April 2026.
National Drive-It Day was launched in 2005 by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs to celebrate motoring…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Ventura and Queen Mary 2 in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…
Exhibition
Winchester
This free exhibition in Winchester College's Treasury museum draws on the College’s collection of Old Master prints and has been curated by a group of pupils in their final year at Winchester. It includes prints of many different types, by artists…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Exhibitions
New Forest
Some of the world's most loved stars from the Disney and Pixar Cars franchise cruise into the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu from 25th October 2025 to 12th April 2026!
Some very special guests are making a pit stop at the National Motor Museum…
Festival
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of National Mini Day on Sunday 14 June 2026.
Join the Mini Cooper Register for National Mini Day, as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Mini calendar returns to Beaulieu.
National Mini Day…
Fireworks
Portsmouth
The Portsmouth Fireworks Display returns for 2026, with a spectacular event planned for Southsea Common.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Saturday 21 & 28 February and Saturday 7, 14 & 21 March
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
This spring, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls' graceful, silent…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Smart on Sunday 8 November 2026.
All Smart owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu to park up in the museum grounds, for a day out that owners and enthusiasts will enjoy. The event is set to…
Carnival
Newport
Newport Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the carnival fun with Newport's Illuminated procession!
Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.
Festival
Ryde
Steampunk Festival fun on the Isle of Wight Join us to find out what all the excitement is about for the biggest and best Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival 2026 in Ryde. There will be two full days of splendidness between the 18 and 20 September!…
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
Festival
Ventnor
Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment, and seeing the departing cruise ships – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!
Enjoy an evening in the company of The Dinner Set, two…
General event
Southampton
Join our team of volunteers as we commence our 2026 anniversary programme. We’ll have the flags out for the occasion! We will also be joined onboard by the Romsey Shanty Crew, a friendly, inclusive community singing group led by musician Nick Tann.…
Sporting Event
Cowes
Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Ford on Sunday 7 June 2026.
All Ford owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu to park up in the museum grounds, for a great day out for owners and enthusiasts. All ages and models of Ford are…
Festival
Lymington
This 10-12th July the Lymington Seafood Festival gets set to celebrate its 10th birthday. The event has grown into one of the south coasts leading food festivals with sell out crowds sampling delicious seafood, live music, the best local chefs…
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