Whether you're a game enthusiast, music lover, or are simply looking to catch a show, Southampton's Old Town has it all - there is plenty to experience both day and night! Dive into some of the hottest experiences to plan an unforgettable time in the city.
Get your game on on East Street where you can enjoy an hour of unlimited free-play games at Southampton’s High Score Arcade. From old school classics like PAC-man and space invaders to the latest racing games, compete with friends and family to see who can climb the leaderboards the fastest. High Score Arcade makes for the perfect place for a mid-week date night or birthday party. Find out more here.
Rain or shine, at 1st Base you can hit home runners all day long inside one of their state-of-the-art batting cages. You’ll be sure to feel like a true pro as they have the same technology used by professional MLB players. Whether you’re a baseball fanatic or just starting out, 1st Base makes baseball simple and easy to learn for everyone. They offer five different game modes and record over 20 different metrics so that you can practice and improve your swing. Find them on East Street or click here to learn more.
Record Fairs, Ukulele jams, variety shows, and the world’s best tribute acts - The 1865 has it all. This venue has quickly become a local hotspot for all things music with shows lined up practically every day of the week. There have even been a few national and international superstars to take to their stage including Craig David and Yungblud. Take a look at their events page here to see what’s on.
God’s House Tower is the perfect example of how modern-day blends with the past. The old medieval tower, once used as a lookout point in defence of sea attacks, is now a cultural hub for everything arts and heritage. The venue frequently hosts new art exhibitions, art talks, workshops, and even a film club which is run in partnership with Oxfam Music and Books Southampton. Plus, if you’re a fan of live music, you won’t want to miss their monthly GHT Lates as they bring you the best musicians from the South including some of the best street food and art to enjoy throughout the night. Take a look at what’s on here.
DJ evenings and Drag hosted bingo nights and quiz nights galore - no two days are the same at The London Hotel! They host Drag Artists from around the world to put on an evening you’re guaranteed to remember. So, grab your friends and head on down to Oxford Street for an unforgettable time. Take a look at their events schedule here.
There is always something going on at The Grand. Arguably one of the city’s most iconic venues, being once Southampton’s luxurious Imperial Hotel, The Grand brings to life some of the greatest themed parties to the city. They are not only an events venue, but a restaurant and bar too. They have been known to host soul and Mowtown nights, Abba singalongs, and even masquerade parties. If that didn’t take your fancy enough, they often host free jam sessions in their cocktail lounge below known as Ruby’s at the Grand. Visit their events page here.
Step into the magical fantastical world of witches and wizards at High Street’s Dark Arts Potion Bar. From potion making and puzzle boxes to relaxing free parlour games to magical themed cocktails, there is lots to enjoy in this immersive and unique themed venue. Walk-ins are welcome on a first come first served basis, but booking is preferred for larger groups.
Fabulous jam sessions and open mic nights await in Old Town. Below is a list of local spots known for hosting live music in their venues from DJs, singer songwriters, and popular bands: