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
Carlton Place Monthly Market, Carlton Place (FREE)
Held on the first Saturday of every month, browse a variety of outdoor market stalls in the city's newly pedestrianised area. Learn more here.
Weekly Southampton Street Market, January – October, Fridays and Saturdays 9am – 3pm - 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.
A Very Respectable Company: Jane Austen & her Southampton Circle Exhibition, now until 12 April 2026, SeaCity Museum
A never-before-seen exhibition of rare paintings and personal items from descendants and families linked to Jane Austen’s time in Southampton. Learn more here.
January & February 2026
Lunar New Year Celebrations, 15 February, Guildhall Square and Westquay (FREE)
Organised by the Chinese Association of Southampton, celebrate the year of the Horse with traditional lion and dragon dances, workshops, performances and more. Learn more here.
City Reflections, 18 - 21 February, Old Town (FREE)
For four magical nights, six of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings will come alive with large-scale light projections, each inspired by stories from Southampton’s world-class Art, Maritime and Archaeology Collections. You’ll uncover hidden histories, rarely seen treasures, and captivating visuals that connect the city’s rich past with its people today. Find out more here.
March & April 2026
Holi Hungama, 7 March, Guildhall Square (FREE)
Join the city’s most colourful cultural event of the year in Guildhall Square. The Festival of Colour (Holi) brings together local communities to enjoy food, music, dancing and of course, traditional colour throwing! Find out more here.
May & June 2026
ABP Southampton Marathon Festival, 3 May, City Centre
Join thousands of runners and spectators on Sunday 3 May for the newly renamed ABP Southampton Marathon Festival. Take on the 5K, 10K, half or full marathon and enjoy some spectacular sights of the city from St. Mary's Stadium to the Itchen Bridge and for the first time, a new start line from the iconic port at Dock Gate 8. Find out more here.
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.
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.
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 Pride, 29 - 30 August, Guildhall Square (FREE)
One of the biggest events in the Southampton calendar celebrate pride across two whole days! The full line-up is yet to be announced so make sure you keep an eye on their socials.
September & October 2026
British Science Festival, 16 - 20 September, city wide (locations TBC)
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.
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!
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 Christmas Market, November - January, 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.
