Events

Stuck for ideas on what to do in South East England? You'll find sporting events, food and drink festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, historical enactments, anniversaries and much more that we know you will love. Take a look at what's happening near you with our events calendar and find memory-making inspiration for all ages. 

Top Events Across South East England for 2026

2026 will see a some of South East England's most popular events returning for another year, from internationally renowned star-studded events that welcome thousands of visitors to family-friendly entertainment over the school holidays and weekends.

Events not to miss in April, May & June

Don't miss The Winchester Books Festival (17th - 19th April 2026) links perfectly to a stay in a city steeped in history and with strong literary connections, or for the more sporty people out there, the ABP Southampton Marathon (3rd May 2026), half, 5K, 10K and fun runs includes route taking you around parks, seas and the city. May starts a month long celebration of comedy and the creative arts in Brighton, with the Brighton Fringe (1st - 31st May 2026) the largest open-access arts festival in England comes to the South Coast along with the Brighton Festival (1st - 25th May 26). Whilst a little bit further along the coast, the Magnificent Motors event will be revving up for the May Bank Holiday with a new arena and new stage (2nd & 3rd May 2026) (F). For keen hikers, relaxed wanderers, and curious explorers alike, The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a friendly coming together in the great outdoors for all ages (9th - 17th May 2026),  whilst in Berkshire, the world famous Royal Windsor Horse Show returns - it is the only time of year the private grounds of Windsor Castle are open to the public and sees a week of top-level international equestrian competition (14th - 17th May 2026). At the end of May, don't miss the chance to see Operation Dynamo, the little ships return home in Ramsgate (22nd - 25th May 2026) four-days of parades, workshops and military displays. June sees Southampton's Guildhall Square come alive with this year's Summer Sessions (12th June - 27th June 2026) - with ten incredible artists from around the globe, along with 15th anniversary of the fantastic free Basingstoke Festival (Friday 19th June - 5th July 2026) (F) fill the streets of Basingstoke for three weekends with street preformers, street theatre, storytelling and dance. 

Events not to miss in July & August

During the summer a host of popular music festivals fill the air with different genres and musical vibes including the Henley Festival, bringing five days of music from to Southern Oxfordshire (9th - 13th July 2026), whilst in Kent Leeds Castle Concert, near Maidstone, offers a mix of classical masterpieces and contemporary hits (11th July 2026). The most exciting racing on water returns to UK shores in 2026 for the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, Portsmouth (25th - 26th July 2026), whilst visitors can discover the South East's agricultural roots with a visit to the popular New Forest and Hampshire County Show, an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst (28th - 30th July 2026).  Look to the skies in August, when the fantastic free Airbourne takes flight, with its sensational flying displays over Eastbourne seafront (13th - 16th August 2026) and the world famous Reading Festival sees over 90,000 people flocking to the Richfield Avenue site to experience this iconic event (27th - 30th August 2026).

Keep popping back, as its another event-ful year ahead in South East England!

Events near me

Whether you live nearby or are travelling to the South East for a day trip or longer holiday, find what's happening near you with our local events pages, showing you what's on in a specific county. You can either scroll through the search results, use our online calendar or the map view button to guide yourself through each county, or explore the top events for the county with our featured list, providing you with ideas and inspiration.  Keep an eye out for the many free events (F). Search for what's on today or this weekend by selecting a date range, or choose the area you are visiting with the drop-down box and see what is happening right on your doorstep. It's definitely another Event-ful year across the South.

Events across South East England

• Events in Kent
• Events in Hampshire
• Events in Sussex
• Events in Berkshire
• Events in Surrey
• Events in Oxfordshire
• Events in Buckinghamshire
• Events on the Isle of Wight

If you are heading to the South East for an event, don't forget to take a look at some of the great places to stay or things to do and make a long weekend of it!  With so much to see and do, choosing what to do first is often the hardest decision!

Travelling by train?

Travel sustainably and experience comfort and ease while hopping on board a South Western Railway (SWR). Operating over 1,500 services each weekday across the network, SWR provides commuter inter-urban, regional and long distance services to passengers in South West London and southern counties of England and Island Line services on the Isle of Wight.