Southampton is jam-packed with events throughout the year. From music festivals and races to shows and celebrating history moments, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the city. We’ve rounded up some of the top events throughout the year so you can get planning now.
Reoccurring events
Weekly Southampton Street Market, January – October, Fridays and Saturdays 9am – 5pm - Bargate
Weekly market in front surrounding the historic Bargate. Local traders selling fresh produce, jewellery, homeware as well as food and drink. Learn more here.
Carlton Place Market, May - September, Every third Sunday, 11am - 4pm - Carlton Place
A monthly market bringing together independent traders, local produce, makers, and good food right in the heart of Bedford Place.
May 2026
South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, 8 - 10 May, Ocean Village Marina (FREE)
Browse over 120 new power and sail boats from leading global brands, alongside marine gear and services. Ideal for serious buyers looking to explore and purchase a new vessel for the upcoming seasons.
Wanderlust Festival, 23 - 24 May, Heartbreakers, Joiners & The 1865
Southampton's multi-venue festival, Wanderlust is back for its third year with art rock quintet Squid as headliners. Learn more here.
Star Cars at Westquay, 23 - 30 May, Esplanade
Head to the Esplanade to get up close to some of the most iconic cars from entertainment including the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, Lightning McQueen, the 1989 Batmobile and many more.
Fake Festival, 23 May, Mayflower Park
A live tribute music event featuring six Fake Bands® celebrating the hits of Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Depeche Mode and Guns N' Roses. Learn more here.
The Big Eat Festival, 23 - 25 May, Royal Victoria Country Park (FREE)
Foodies won't want to miss this! Burgers, pasta, wraps, freshly roast coffee and so much more - when it comes to food, the Big Eat Festival packs a punch with a variety of cuisines and flavours to sink your teeth into. Entry is free. Learn more here.
Playing The Field, 23 - 24 May, Silverlake Stadium
Playing the Field delivers a full weekend of live music and festival atmosphere in Southampton. Saturday is made for all ages, combining fairground rides, circus acts and live bands, while Sunday goes adults-only with back-to-back sets, electronic sounds and late-night energy across two stages. Learn more here.
Urban Wild Week, 23 to 31 May, various locations (FREE)
Discover Southampton’s green spaces through a week of activities, events and workshops. From guided walks to family sessions, there is plenty to explore across the city. Learn more here.
Take That: The Circus Live Tour, 29 May, St Mary's Stadium
Take That return to St Mary's Stadium this May for The Circus Live Tour, joined by The Script and Belinda Carlisle, bringing one of the UK’s most iconic and record-breaking live shows to the South Coast. Learn more here.
June 2026
Let's Rock Festival, 6 June, St Mary's Stadium
After a two-year break, Let’s Rock Southampton returns in 2026 with an unmissable day of retro anthems, big-name acts and a buzzing, family-friendly atmosphere. Acts include Sister Sledge, Heaven 17, T-Pau and many more with more to be soon announced. Learn more here.
McFly, 7 June, St Mary's Stadium
This summer, McFly is headlining at St Mary's Stadium, joined by special guests Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Scouting for Girls. Learn more here.
Seawork, 9 - 11 June, Mayflower Park, FREE
The 27th edition of Europe’s largest annual commercial marine and workboat exhibition returns to Southampton for three days, bringing together industry professionals from across marine civils, renewables, vessel construction and more. Visitors can expect over 450 exhibitors, more than 70 vessels on display, alongside specialist conferences, live demonstrations and opportunities to explore the latest developments shaping the commercial marine sector. Learn more here.
Southampton Summer Sessions, 12 - 27 June, Guildhall Square
Summer Sessions returns to Guildhall Square with an eclectic line up of 10 concerts, including: Bowling for Soup, The Beach Boys, Deacon Blue, Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, Paul Weller, Billy Ocean and more. Get the full line up and book your tickets here.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 13, 16, 19 & 20 June, Utilita Bowl
Utilita Bowl will play host to six matches for the popular ICC Women's Cricket World Cup this year for an action packed summer of head-to-head matches. Will you 'Catch the spirit'? For a full list of Southampton fixtures and to book your tickets click here.
Turner Sims Summer Family Day, 14 June, Turner Sims (FREE*)
A day of music-filled activities and events at Turner Sims, with something to inspire visitors of all ages. Enjoy drop in craft workshops, face painting, music making and live performances. The event is free to enter, though some activities require a purchased ticket to take part.
Race For Life, 20 June, Southampton Common
Run for a great cause with Cancer Research UK, choosing from 3K, 5K or 10K routes, or take on the Pretty Muddy® obstacle course—packed with muddy fun for both children and adults.
Bedford Place Summer Festival, 28 June, Bedford Place (FREE)
Enjoy a free day out in Bedford Place with live music, performances and plenty to explore throughout the area from 11am - 8pm. Expect market stalls from local traders, street food, independent businesses opening their doors and entertainment running across the day, creating a lively atmosphere from late morning into the evening.
Organised by businesses based in Bedford Place, the event is a chance to discover what makes the area such a popular part of Southampton — whether that’s browsing independents, stopping for food and drinks, or spending time enjoying the entertainment and atmosphere with family and friends.
July & August 2026
Southampton Thai Festival, 4 - 5 July, Hoglands Park
Experience the beauty of Thai culture with traditional dance, food, crafts, and family fun. Learn more here.
Southampton Mela Festival, 18 - 19 July, Hoglands Park (FREE)
Join us for two incredible days of music, dance, food, and culture, celebrating the vibrant diversity of traditional and modern asian culture.
Southampton Play Day, 24 July, Hoglands Park (FREE)
A day of free play and activities for children and families in Hoglands Park. Expect games, crafts and interactive experiences throughout the day.
Hive Family Festival, 8 August, Fairthorne Manor
The whole family can enjoy a jam-packed day of live music, performing arts, and a range of activities for all ages.
Southampton Pride, 29 - 30 August, Guildhall Square (FREE)
One of the biggest events in the Southampton calendar celebrate pride across two whole days - and this year marks 10 years since it first started back in 2016. The full line-up is yet to be announced so make sure you keep an eye on their socials. Learn more here.
September & October 2026
Music In The City, 12 - 13 September, city wide (locations TBC) (FREE)
Southampton's largest multi-venue music venue returns this September to celebrate the talented local bands, singers and musicians across the region. Enjoy free live performances in some of the city's most beloved businesses and heritage sites including underground vaults, independent pubs and more. Learn more here.
British Science Festival, 16 - 20 September, city wide (locations TBC) (FREE)
The British Science Festival is Europe’s longest-standing science and celebrates the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science. The full programme is yet to be announced. Learn more here.
Southampton International Boat Show, 18 – 27 September, Mayflower Park
At this 57th edition of this annual event, expect water sports, food and drink, live music and of course – boats! Learn more here.
Shine Night Walk, 9 October, Guildhall Square
Take part in an evening walk through the city in support of Cancer Research UK. Join hundreds of participants for a memorable night. Find out more here.
Oktoberfest, 23 - 24 October, Guildhall Square
Grab your lederhosen and enjoy all things Bavarian with traditional foods, the world's best beers, and live entertainment.
November & December 2026
Southampton Fireworks display, 7 November, Mayflower Park
Enjoy a fireworks display over Southampton Water as part of the city’s Bonfire Night celebrations. Food, drink and entertainment available on site along with a range of funfair rides for all ages.
Southampton Christmas Market, 12 November - 27 December, city centre (FREE)
An exciting mix of festive entertainment, rides, food, drink, and shopping for the whole family. Learn more by visiting our Christmas page.
*Please note event information is correct at time of publishing but may be subject to change. Always check with the event organiser before attending. For more events happening in Southampton, visit our What's On page here.
Mo Run, 15 November, Southampton Common
Join this charity run supporting men’s health, with a range of distances to choose from. A friendly and relaxed event open to all. Find out more here.
