Events

Discover the best events across South East England, including Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight. From vibrant summer festivals and outdoor experiences to autumn celebrations and family-friendly days out, explore what’s on this weekend and throughout the seasons. Whether you’re planning a short break or looking for inspiration nearby, browse what’s on this week and beyond to start planning your next visit.

What's on in South East England: Events, Festivals & Days Out Across the Counties

In 2026, many of South East England's most popular events return, from internationally renowned, star-studded festivals attracting thousands of visitors to family-friendly entertainment during school holidays and weekends. From heritage festivals and food events to sporting spectacles, Christmas celebrations and family-friendly attractions, there is something taking place across South East England in every season.

What's On in South East England - September

Autumn doesn't mean the end of the events season. September sees one of the largest visual arts festivals open across the Lewes District, with over 170 venues involved. Artwave (5 - 20 September), also includes a travelling exhibition on the DFDS Ferries from Newhaven to Dieppe. The annual Heritage Open Days return (11 - 20 September) (F) across the region, with participating venues in destinations, including Deal, Dover and Sandwich, Reading and Maidstone to name just a few, and Roald Dahl Day (13 September) with events and activities in his home village Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. For food lovers, the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival (11 - 13 September) offers a three day event of tasty treats, delicious wine and music against the backdrop of Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet. Whilst Mayflower Park, Southampton opens the hatches for the internationally renowned Southampton Boat Show (18 - 27 September) offering visitors the chance to try a boat, try Paddleboarding and kayaking, enjoy an expanded live music programme, and explore some of the 250+ crafts on display. Listen Up returns to Basingstoke town centre (26 September) (F) offering a whole afternoon of free music for visitors and residents alike to enjoy. 

Autumn events in South East England - October 

In October, the multi-award winning Isle of Wight Walking Festival will return (3 - 11 October) with seasonal routes and free guided walks across the Island, whilst in East Sussex it will be 960 years since the Battle of Hastings took place, and visitors can see the thrilling re-enactment take place at Battle Abbey (10 - 11 October). The skies above Windsor will be filled with drones as Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell take flight for Neverland (3 October), whilst in Portsmouth and Southsea thousands of runners will pound the streets at this year's Great South Run (17- 18 October). Ahead of Halloween, visitors to Maidstone Museum in Kent, can join a team of seasoned ghost hunters after dark to see what they discover (23 October), whilst in Hampshire the three-day Harvest and Heritage Festival celebrates autumn and traditional craftsmanship within the area (23 - 25 October). The fantastic free Diwali Light Up event returns to Basingstoke (23 October) and Reading (24 October) with its 17-foot puppets, lanterns and light installations. 

Events Not to Miss in November

In Portsmouth the fantastic free fireworks display returns to Southsea Common (4 November), whilst near Canterbury in Kent the Five Nations British Rallycross Championship and Fireworks returns combining an action-packed weekend of motorsport and family entertainment (7 - 8  November). For fairground rides and fireworks the Abingdon Airfield bonfire night celebrations are a must with a smaller child-friendly display ahead of the main event (14 November).  Across all nine counties, November welcomes the start of the festive season with Christmas markets, town centre light switch-ons, ice skating and outdoor illumination light trails. Don't miss the chance to head to Blenheim Palace and explore the story of Cinderella (13 November - 3 January, 27), or visit the ever-popular Winchester Christmas market (20 November - 22 December) (F), giving visitors and residents the chance to pick up an array of Christmas presents whilst enjoying a fantastic festive day out. 

Events Near You

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 what's on across each county. You can either scroll through the search results, use the date search filters to discover what's on this weekend or Map View to guide yourself through each county. 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).

Events Across South East England's Counties

• 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're heading to the South East for an event, explore great places to stay or discover even more things to do across South East England. With so much to see and experience, planning your perfect trip starts here.

Plan Your Visit to South East England

Travelling by train to an event?

Travel sustainably and enjoy a comfortable journey with South Western Railway (SWR). Operating over 1,500 services each weekday, SWR connects South West London, the southern counties of England and the Isle of Wight, making it easy to reach events across the region.