Summer is heating up around the city, and we don't just mean the weather. From alfresco dining on Oxford street to outdoor festivals, there is plenty to see and do around the city. For the best experiences, events, and great summer eats, we're here to help you plan your summer here in Southampton.

Summer events

The exterior of the O2 guildhall Southampton illuminated in rainbow colours for Pride

August

Person doing water sports at Southampton International Boat Show

September

More events in the city

Summer shows

Get ready for an electrifying summer of live performances and theatre shows around the city because this line up of dazzling productions and live music acts will leave you cheering for an encore! Below are is just a taste of what's on. Be sure to visit each venue's what's on page for further shows and live performances.

Don't forget to check out PapillonWhiskey Blue, Heartbreakers, The Joiners, The Brook, The LoftEngine RoomsO2 Guildhall Southampton and The Stage Door for more shows and live performances throughout the summer. Learn more about Southampton's music scene here.

Dine the al fresco way!

Tap Tandoor 71 1

Don on your suncream. It's time to eat and drink the alfresco way! Southampton has over 200 restaurants, pubs & bars with outdoor seating. The Social, La RegataOasis BarFranco Manca, and O'Neill's are just some of our suggestions. We also have a few cheeky rooftop bars at the likes of Revolutions, Giddy Bridge, HarBar on 6th and Funky Flamingo to get you a few inches closer to those rays. Head over to our alfresco dining page for a list of local spots with outdoor seating here.

Save with the SO card

SO Card promotional image

When heading out, don't forget the SO card! Get discounts across experiences and food and drink when you show your SO card at participating businesses. Offers include 40% off food and drink at Revolutions15% off à la carte food bill at Thaikhun, 10% off menu at Roosters Piri Piri, and 10% off food and drink at room2.

Simply pick one up at the information desk at the Marlands Shopping Centre or download a digital version here.

More savings to discover

Take a stroll through the parks

Watts Park entrance from Cenotaph

Southampton has several award-winning greenspaces to choose from to get out and enjoy the warm weather. In fact, Southampton has five central parks, each with their own unique themes and features such as the Queen's Peace Fountain and wisteria pergola in East Park or colourful flowerbeds and The Cenotaph in Watts Park. Central parks also include Hoglands Park, Houndwell Park, and Palmerston Park. For more information about city park, click here.

Why not treat the family to an impromptu picnic in the park? If you do not feel like a packed lunch, why not stop by one of the many local restaurants offering takeaways such as Kwackers, Muse Coffee Co or German Doner Kebab? Or head to Marks & Spencer'sPoundland, or ASDA to stock up on snacks.

Keeping hydrated

Two women toasting their cocktail drinks outside on terrace of Oxford Street bar

If you are looking to catch up with some friends over a couple of drinks, head over to the city centre for a delightful array of cafes, pubs and restaurants to quench your thirst. Wander down to Old Town, where you'll find trendy bars such Mailroom and Rita's Cocktail Bar, and cozy pubs like Duke of Wellington and The Grapes with their warm and inviting atmospheres. Indulge in a chilled craft beer at the quirky microbreweries such as Dancing Man Brewery, London Road Brewhouse, and BrewDog, or savour a signature cocktail at One-0-Four, Ava's Cocktail Bar, or at Deluxe One Oxford.

Don't forget to stay hydrated as you explore! The Refill app offers a great map that shows you which local venues offer free water bottle refills.

A little retail therapy

Exterior of Westquay shopping centre

If you are visiting Southampton or need to do your holiday shop, the city has all your favourite brands at Westquay Shopping Centre, Marlands Shopping Centre, West Quay Retail Park and along the high street. Plus you'll find a number of independent retailers in East Street, High Street and Bedford Place. See our shopping page here. 

More inspiration

Planning for your summer cruise

Heading on a cruise this Southampton? Head over to our cruise page for information on cruise terminals, getting to Southampton, and locations offering a left luggage service around the city.

Work on a cruise ship? Then you'll want to head over to our cruise crew page for exclusive discounts, shops to get your gifts, and locations offering free WIFI to catch up with family and friends.

Selection of images promoting Southampton in the summer

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