Festive Cinema Nights - December
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.
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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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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'
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…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
No kids. No distractions. Just you, your friends, and the treetops after dark at Go Ape Southampton
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.
Conferences
Whiteley
To celebrate the opening of the Hambledon, the newest conference suite at The Solent Hotel and Spa, we're offering our local partners a choice of complimentary add-ons with every qualifying booking of a residential meeting.
Festival
Southampton
Get ready for Oktoberfest - a weekend of Bavarian fun in the heart of Southampton. Head to Southampton's Guildhall Square this October for a night of laughter, merriment, and the true spirit of Bavaria. Prost!
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…
Childrens Events
Portsmouth
Fort Nelson will be transformed into a hub of spooky adventure, with a new 'Creepy Codebreaker' museum trail and a host of free daily activities for children and families from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.
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,…
Christmas
Brockenhurst
There's something wonderfully nostalgic about the simple act of creating at Christmas time. Join our Christmas Wreath Making Workshop at Careys Manor Hotel and embrace the spirit of the festive season.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Looking for a great way to get outdoors during the school holidays, with plenty of climbing, balancing and zip-lining to keep the whole family entertained. Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Moors Valley’s…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2027 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Christmas
Southampton
The 2026 Southampton Christmas Market will this year take place from 12th November 2026 until 27th December 2026.
Step into Christmas at Southampton Christmas Market's festive wonderland. Soak up the atmosphere as you browse an array of traditional…
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,…
Theatre
Eastleigh
Murder on the North Pole Express
A Christmas Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Saturday 5th December 2026
All aboard for a Christmas journey where the festive spirit is high, the characters are colourful… and someone may not make it to the final…
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…
Christmas
Ryde
Get into the Christmas spirit with a creative Christmas Wreath Decorating Workshop at Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight.
Fireworks
Southampton
Make it a night to remember at Utilita Bowl’s fireworks, which returns to the venue on Friday 6th November!
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