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
Melanie Manchot: In Darkness and Light
- John Hansard Gallery
- Mar 14, 2026 - May 9, 2026
John Hansard Gallery is proud to launch a major new solo exhibition of works by renowned artist and…
The Red Shoes
Buy a ticket for Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes or Cinderella and save 25% per ticket for The Car…
The Young Ones Art Club (7 – 13 years)
Join Southampton based artist Alex Sutherland to experiment with different art materials and ideas…
Elio Pace: The Billy Joel Songbook
The ultimate uptown experience returns! Hugely acclaimed singer- songwriter and pianist Elio Pace is…
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
- Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
UK tour of the stage adaptation of the 1994 movie by the same name. Starring Strictly Come Dancing…
Write a Note
- Mayflower Studios
- Mar 16, 2026 - May 11, 2026
Write a Note, in association with ArtfulScribe, is a monthly platform celebrating poetry, spoken…
Exhibition Tour with Dan Matthews: New Acquisitions
Join Dan Matthews for a tour of our New Acquisitions exhibition to find out more about the latest…
Artist Tour with Emma Richardson: Levitate Me: Desire, Ecstasy and The Sublime
A unique opportunity to explore the exhibition Levitate Me: Desire, Ecstasy and The Sublime with the…
Uncanny - Fear of the Dark
Danny Robins and his team of experts are back with a brand-new show, with thrillingly new and…
The Art Club for Adults with Sarah L Goy
- Southampton City Art Gallery
- Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
Take time out for yourself, switch off your phone and slow down at this creative group for…
Art School Plus: Mind-blowing Mixed Media inspired by artist Emma Richardson (11 – 16 years)
Come and explore our new Gallery space. Working at your own pace, with guidance on hand from our…
Singing for Wellbeing
Do you like the idea of singing your favourite songs and meeting a friendly group of people? Then…
Diana & Lionel - Endless Love The Show
Almost 40 years ago, Lionel Richie & Diana Ross released Endless Love. A song which Billboard…
Guided Tour: Civic Centre Clock Tower
Join a guide and ascend the Civic Centre’s iconic clock tower. Climb all 215 steps via a spiral…
Art for All: Clay Axolotls (5yrs+)
Forget the Easter Bunny! Have you heard of the Spring Axolotl?! Have fun, be creative and learn some…
Junior Art School: Paint, Paint, Paint inspired by artist Emma Richardson (7 – 13 years)
Join us to explore Emma Richardson’s exhibition, then get painty as we work with acrylics to create…
Drypoint Printmaking for Beginners: With Kate Watkins
Join artist Kate Watkins to explore drypoint printmaking. It’s a printing process that’s fun and…
The Young Ones Art Club (7 – 13 years)
Join Southampton based artist Alex Sutherland to experiment with different art materials and ideas…
James B Partridge: Primary School Bangers
Viral sensation and Britain's favourite teacher James B Partridge is bringing his hit live show…
ABP Southampton Marathon Festival
Join the Southampton's largest running festival. The ABP Southampton Marathon Festival - Get…
Illegal Eagles
The World’s Official No. 1 Eagles tribute returns for another outstanding show promising more of…
Sing The Musicals
- Mayflower Studios
- May 12, 2026 - May 13, 2026
Direct from London’s West End the first national tour of the greatest musicals of All time performed…
Shadowplay - The Definitive Joy Division Tribute
From ferocious Punk to poignantly epic soundscapes, the band faithfully simulate the live Joy…
Kiss of the Spider Woman
- Mayflower Studios
- Jun 2, 2026 - Jun 6, 2026
Obsession or salvation? One kiss from the Spider Woman can change everything. From the legendary…
The Beach Boys
As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the…
Toto The Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape
- Mayflower Studios
- Jul 23, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
A brand-new family musical for everyone aged 5+. Meet Toto. She might look like an ordinary cat, but…
The Night Sky Show
The Night Sky Show will take you on an epic journey from our celestial back yard and across the…
David Essex
Internationally renowned singer, composer and actor David Essex OBE has announced his first major…
Matthew Bourne's The Car Man
- Sep 16, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
The familiar 19th Century Spanish cigarette factory becomes a greasy 1950’s garage-diner in the…
Paul Merton & Suki Webster's Improv Show
“Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show” is a night of fast, and fabulously funny improvised…
Max Fulham: More Ham
Max Fulham is bringing his brand new show to Southampton, fresh from his second run at the Edinburgh…
Harry Enfield and No Chums
From the meteoric rise of Loadsamoney, a Thatcherite Visionary, to the fury of Kevin the Teenager…
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…
Operation Mincemeat
- Nov 17, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
Operation Mincemeat is the 2024 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical. It’s London’s biggest hit…
Embrace
Embrace celebrate the 20th anniversary of their massive-selling, No.1 album, Out Of Nothing, playing…
The Full Monty
- Mar 15, 2027 - Mar 20, 2027
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the iconic film, The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham and Buxton…
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…
Back to the Future The Musical
- Jun 8, 2027 - Jul 3, 2027
Great Scott, Southampton – the DeLorean is coming your way! Strap in for the smash hit Back to the…
Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown
After 50+ years in entertainment/comedy, Roy Chubby Brown is still going strong. Entertaining…