Top Southampton events of 2025

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 Market Facebook UGC May 2024

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.

Vegan Market, 8th November, 10.30am - 4pm Guildhall Square (FREE) 

Bringing a huge variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, local artists and more to Guildhall Square. 

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.

March

A Very Respectable Company: Jane Austen & her Southampton Circle Exhibition, 29th March - 31st October, 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.

Jane Austen 250 LANDSCAPE High Res Assets

April

Southampton's Easter Trail Adventure, 4th - 21st April, Cultural Quarter

Follow our free trail map for a fun-filled family adventure around the city! The Easter Bunny is busy preparing their garden for spring, but—oh no!—some mischievous little chicks have run off with their supplies. Use the map to track down what’s missing, jot down your discoveries along the way, and return your completed map to the final location to claim a free prize.

ABP Marathon, 6th April, city centre

Celebrating its 10th year, join thousands of runners on the streets of Southampton. Choose to run either the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, or fun run.

Group of runners taking part in the Southampton ABP marathon

May

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, 9th – 11th May, Ocean Village (FREE)

Browse the latest innovative eco-friendly products and the best of global power and sail brands.

Southampton VE Day 80th Anniversary Street Party, 11th May, Carlton Place (FREE) 

Traditional family street party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe. Enjoy live entertainment, local traders and food and drink from surrounding businesses. Running from 12pm - 5pm in Carlton Place. 

      Southampton Fake Festival, 17th May, Mayflower Park

      Tribute-based music festival for all ages. See the best tribute bands including Ultimate Green Day The Fillers (The Killers) and Flash (Queen).

      Westquay Multi-Stories, 17th - 18th May, Westquay’s Multi-Storey Car Park (FREE)

      See Westquay’s multi-storey car park transform into a vibrant urban art gallery. This year's festival will link murals from previous years on Levels 1–3 and 7–9 and feature new additions on Levels 4–6. Across the two days, you can expect live painting by top street artists, interactive workshops, street performances, DJs, skateboarding, dance, and the return of the South Coast Makers Market.

      Playing the Field Festival, 24th - 25th May, Silverlake Stadium

      Two days packed with music and unique experiences for an unforgettable bank holiday weekend. Enjoy family festival vibes on the Saturday and dance in the field event for 18+ on Sunday.

      The Big Eat Festival, 24th - 26th May, Royal Victoria Country Park

      Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world with a line-up of some of the best street food in Hampshire. 

      Ariel shot of The Big Eat festival in Royal Victoria Country Park

      June

      Southampton Summer Sessions, 13th – 29th June, Guildhall Square

      A star-studded lineup of acts are set to play in Guildhall Square including McFly, The Human League, Train and The Stranglers. Head to our dedicated summer sessions page here.

      Bedford Place Summer Festival, 22nd June, Bedford Place and Carlton Place

      The Bedford Place Summer Festival is back for 2025! From 11am - 8pm visit Carlton Place and enjoy a wider variety of local traders, live entertainment, kids activities and more. 

      Southampton Summer Sessions

      July

      Southampton Thai Festival, 5th & 6th July, Hoglands Park

      A packed programme of live entertainment and performances throughout te weekend, local businesses and food and drink, celebrating Thai culture in Southampton. 

      Mela Festival, 12th & 13th July, Hoglands Park (FREE)

      A colourful celebration modern and traditional Asian culture through music, dance, and family-friendly activities, showcasing performances by renowned artists from around the globe. New for 2025, enjoy Mela festival over two days! 

      Tapestry Festival, 19th -20th July, Westquay Esplanade (FREE)

      New for 2025, Tapestry is a vibrant celebration of Southampton’s rich cultural landscape, showcasing world-class artists, rising stars, and exclusive collaborations — all highlighting the city’s unique connection to Jane Austen.

      People sat outside on grass enjoying live music at mela festival

      August

      Club Classics Orchestra (House & Garage Special), 1st August, Silverlake Stadium 

      The incredible Club Classics Orchestra will be arriving in Eastleigh for an open-air concert. Enjoy festival-style bars and a range of independently owned catering vendors on site including gourmet burgers and street food. 

      Country Road Southampton, 2nd August, Silverlake Stadium 

      The Ultimate Outdoor Country Music Festival is Back and Bigger Than Ever. Get ready to boot-scoot and boogie yourself into the heart and soul of country music, culture, and cuisine for a day you’ll never forget.

      Southampton Pride, 23rd – 24th 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.

      Performer signing and wearing rainbow coloured jumpsuit Southampton Pride

      September

      Southampton International Boat Show, 19th – 28th September, Mayflower Park

      At this 56th edition of this annual event, expect water sports, food and drink, live music and of course – boats!

      Music in the City, 13th - 14th September, city centre (FREE)

      A weekend music festival celebrating diverse talents across a variety of unique venues throughout the city.

      Person doing water sports at Southampton International Boat Show

      October

      Oktoberfest - Guildhall Square

      Grab your lederhosen and enjoy all things Bavarian with traditional foods, the world's best beers, and live entertainment.

      Four people standing and smiling with drinks at Oktoberfest

      November & December

      Southampton Christmas Market, November - January, city centre (FREE)

      An exciting mix of festive entertainment, rides, food, drink, and shopping for the whole family.

      Jane Austen's Birthday Ball, 13th December, Townhill Park House (FREE)

      Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday in true Regency style at the Jane Austen Birthday Ball! Enjoy an evening of elegant dancing, live performances, and period entertainment in a stunning historic venue.

      Ferris wheel lit up at night with christmas chalets and people

      *Please note event information is correct at time of publishing but may be subject to change. Always check with the event organiser before attending.

      Planning your visit

      Are you visiting the city for one of these events, or another? Head to the Your Visit page for travel information or why not check our Itineraries page for inspiration of what else you can do in the city whilst you’re here.

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