Guildhall Square -The Cultural Quarter
Southampton’s bustling Guildhall Square is well known as the Cultural Quarter of the city. Proud to be the hub of live music venues, museums, galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants, this part of Southampton has developed immensely over the years to become a vibrant and arts-enriched space.
The Cultural Quarter is home to the O2 Guildhall, The Stage Door, Southampton City Art Gallery, SeaCity Museum, John Hansard Gallery (Studio 144), City Eye and Mayflower Studios. Not only is there lots to do and see in the businesses surrounding Guildhall Square, but the space itself plays host to many events, installations and exhibitions such as Southampton's annual Chinese New Year celebrations, Southampton Pride and Oktoberfest.
Whether you're looking for something fun and educational to do with the kids, a great night out, some fantastic food or an entertaining show, there's something for every occasion in the Cultural Quarter.
To ensure the smooth running of events and minimise disruptions to residents and businesses in the area, important information and updates regarding upcoming activities in Guildhall Square will be posted here
Events in the Cultural Quarter
Hope Pearl Strickland: a river holds a perfect memory
- John Hansard Gallery
- Jul 7, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
This Summer, we are excited to present two films by Hope Pearl Strickland. Much like the ebb and…
SOS Presents: Oklahoma!
- Mayflower Studios
- Jul 8, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
Award-winning SOS Presents returns in July with a spellbinding Amateur production of Rodgers…
Batik for Beginners with Mary Eynon
Join textile artist and teacher Mary Eynon to try your hand at batik. Inspired by ocean forms and…
Mini Monets Art Club (Under 7s)
Join artist Debra Marsh to experiment with different art styles and materials in a fun and…
Toddler Time: Delightful Dinosaurs (under 4’s and friends)
Let’s get creative with prehistoric predators!! Join us to enjoy stories and make lovely art with…
Junior Art School: Comics and Cartoons (7-13 years)
Do you love Comics and Cartoons? Get creative with a day designing your very own characters and…
Saturday Life Drawing with Peter Camboropoulos
Work at your own pace with individual feedback and tuition on hand from Peter at these relaxed and…
Art for All: Brilliant Beach Bags (5yrs+)
Be the talk of the beach this summer, with your own ‘designer’ tote bag. Using masking tape to…
BBAM! Festival
Get ready for an unforgettable day of culture, community, business, health, art and music at the…
Art for All: Clay Capybaras (5yrs+)
What’s better than a capybara? A clay capybara that you made yourself! Join us here at the Gallery…
Les Misérables
- Mayflower Studios
- Aug 14, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026
This summer, more than 50 amazing young performers take to the stage at Mayflower Studios in Les…
Southampton Pride
- Aug 29, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
Pride marches are vital expressions of visibility and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community. They…
Thank you for the Music
Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank you for the Music! This international…
Larry Dean: Hellbent
- Mayflower Studios
- Sep 16, 2026 - Nov 3, 2026
Recently married, emotionally feral. The Gallus Glaswegian Goon returns with a riotous show…
Jeeves Takes Charge
- Mayflower Studios
- Sep 29, 2026 - Oct 3, 2026
First seen 45 years ago, the Olivier Award-winning and much-loved Jeeves Takes Charge returns to…
Stitches Comedy Club
- Mayflower Studios
- Oct 8, 2026 - Nov 5, 2026
Stitches Comedy Club will be back with another stellar line up in October! Opening the show is star…
Rhys James: Chop Logic
A fast, forensic show of big ideas and gag-dense overthinking from one of the nation’s sharpest…
Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean
Enthralling family fun, to divert and transport from the tribulations of daily life! Bill Bailey…
In the Air Tonight
Get ready for a Night to Remember as we bring the unforgettable sound of Phil Collins to life! This…
Fin Taylor: The Pre-emptive Comeback Special
Men want to be him, Women want their boyfriends to stop showing them his videos. The King of the…
Nick Cope's Family Show
Come and join Nick Cope for a brand new, delightful family concert, featuring all your favourite…
Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
As ever, Jools continues to dazzle, involve and impress audiences with his Rhythm & Blues…
Professor Alice Roberts
Join Professor Alice Roberts as she takes us on an investigative journey to establish who spread…
Waterloo - The Best of ABBA
The iconic lyrics composed by Benny and Bjorn are sung in wonderful, captivating harmony from the…
Yard Act
Yard Act formed in Leeds in September 2019 when Ryan Needham found himself temporarily living in…
Embrace
Embrace celebrate the 20th anniversary of their massive-selling, No.1 album, Out Of Nothing, playing…
Ash
Alt.rock with indie and punk vibes from the multi-million selling trio and Brit rock favourites. Ash…
Dawn's Christmas Drag Brunch
Get ready to jingle, mingle, and sleigh the season with Dawn the Drag Queen, Aura Jay, and Clare…
Paranormal Activity
- Jan 6, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027
The sell-out West End & international phenomenon – 2026 Olivier Award Nominee: Best…
Mean Girls
- Jan 11, 2027 - Jan 16, 2027
Get in loser, we’re going to Mayflower Theatre! Winner of Best New Musical (WhatsOnStage Awards) and…
Blood Brothers
- Jan 19, 2027 - Jan 23, 2027
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of…
Illuminate Drama Teacher CPD Day
Delivered in partnership with We Teach Drama. Illuminate Drama Teacher CPD Day is back for its fifth…
Massive Wagons + Terrorvision
Divergent Promotions are pleased to announce that Massive Wagons and Terrovision will be bringing…
Music Through the Decades
On sale dates General Public Tue 30 June at 10am Music Through the Decades is a variety show for all…
Cabaret Extreme
From the creative visionaries behind the world’s most iconic circuses comes Cabaret Extreme—a…
Ben Portsmouth: This is Elvis
Ben Portsmouth brings the ULTIMATE Elvis experience to the Millennium Forum! Ben is not just a…
The Anonymous Lover
Playful, witty and irresistibly charming, The Anonymous Lover is a sparkling romantic comedy about…
São Paulo Dance Company
- Mar 23, 2027 - Mar 24, 2027
The electrifying São Paulo Dance Company returns to the UK for its highly anticipated second…
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- May 11, 2027 - May 15, 2027
An incredible rollercoaster of a tale’ – The Guardian The century’s most popular murder mystery The…
Chris Hadfield
The Artemis missions have changed everything. For the first time in half a century, humans are…