SHOW: Wolverton Manor Garden Fair, Sat 31 Aug – Sun 1 Sept, Shorwell, Isle of Wight

Wolverton Manor Garden Fair Isle of Wight August September

So much more than plants and pots (though you’ll find plenty of them). The Island’s largest Garden Fair has live shows, Elizabethan dancing, re-enactments, children’s activities, magic shows, cooking shows, live music, furry and feathered VIPs from the Isle of Wight donkey sanctuary, West Wight alpacas and Haven Falconry and kayaking around the moat. Brilliant.

FOOD & DRINK: Romsey Food Fair, Sun 1 September, Romsey

One for the foodies! The pretty town of Romsey will be loaded up with tasty produce for this annual market with stalls along The Hundred and Latimer Street including artisan food stalls, street food, tastings, demos and brewers and distillers. If you’re coming from out of town, make the most of free Sunday parking in the local car parks. (And be sure to bring a bag or two).

LITERARY: Mary Robinson: Actress. Mistress. Writer. Radical, Mon 2 Sept – Mon 21 April 2025, Chawton House, Chawton

New at East Hampshire’s Chawton House, this brand-new exhibition is dedicated to the scandalous life and literary genius of Mary Robinson. A star of the London stage and notorious as a Royal mistress she pioneered celebrity status and lit up the fashion world before being shunned as a social outcast. Reclaimed as one of the most important and overlooked writers of the late 18th century, the curators will shine a light on her hard-won second career as one of the most influential writers of her day.

FOOD & DRINK: Zero Waste Dinner, Thurs 5 September, The Mutton at Hazeley Heath, Hook

The Mutton at Hazeley Heath Hook Hampshire Zero Waste supper September

Named Best Destination Pub in the 2024 Muddy Awards, The Mutton at Hazeley Heath is throwing a special dinner in honour of Zero Waste Week. Head Chef, Rob Boer will serve up a five-course meal featuring local ingredients, paired (if you choose to) with a flight of sustainable wines.

THEATRE: Disney’s Aladdin, Thurs 5 – Sun 29 September, The Mayflower, Southampton

Disneys Aladdin theatre production Mayflower Southampton September 2024

Don’t rub him up the wrong way or you won’t get your three wishes! A big West End production from the producers of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and and Frozen, this classic story of the street urchin, the princess and the magic lamp is based on Disney’s animated film, with big sets and lavish costumes.

FESTIVAL: Dub Pistols Mucky Weekender, Thurs 5 – Sun 8 September, Vicarage Farm, Hampshire

Dub Pistols Mucky Weekender, Fri 8 - Sat 9 September, Vicarage Farm, Hampshire

Not had your music festival fix yet this year? One for the grown-ups, this year’s Mucky Weekender Winchester farm event has a cool lineup featuring The Dualers and of course, hosts the Dub Pistols.

VISIT: Heritage Open Days, Fri 6 – Sun 17 September, various locations, Hampshire

Find loads of special events, free access and plenty of heritage fun this month in Hampshire. Browse the site for a full list of locations, from archive tours of Winchester College (above) to Tudor history at The Vyne, near Basingstoke, maritime history at Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest, Regency dancing at Winchester’s Great Hall, the MOD’s former 24-foot Wind Tunnel Building at Farnborough, Steamship Shieldhall in Southampton and a go at pulling the levers at Romsey Signal Box.

FOOD & DRINK: Great Wight Bite, Sat 7 – Sun 8 September, Cowes

Great Wight Bite food festival Isle of Wight September

Don’t be scared – the only Jaws at the Great Wight Bite will be human ones! Head to the beautiful Northwood House near Cowes for this Isle of Wight foodie festival extravaganza. Scoff your way around artisan and independent producers and taste top dishes from leading chefs and restaurants in the demo kitchen including pro tips from top Isle of Wight chefs, with live music to entertain and kid’s cooking classes in the Chefs Den.

COUNTRYSIDE: Alresford Agricultural Show, Sat 7 September, Tichborne Park, Alresford

Celebrating rural life and communities, this traditional countryside show will make a grand day out. See prize-winning animals and modern and vintage machinery, tuck into local food and drink, enter your dog in the dog show and make the most of free children’s entertainment.

KIDS: 999 Day, Sat 7 September, Port Solent, Portsmouth

Hampshire air ambulance — Pic: Kev, Pixabay

Nee naw, nee naw. What kid doesn’t like clambering aboard a fire engine? Well, here’s their chance. A special event at Portsmouth’s Port Solent marina and leisure venue, 999 Day visitors can explore police cars, fire engines and even an RNLI lifeboat. There’ll be loads of real-life heroes to meet too from Hampshire’s emergency services.

FOOD & DRINK: Silk Mill Food Festival, Sat 7 September, Whitchurch Silk Mill, Whitchurch

Fun foodie day out? The Mill and grounds on the banks of the pretty River Test are opening again for the annual Silk Mill Food Festival. Along with street food and drinks stalls there’ll be cookery demos, a live ukulele band and kid’s crafts.

CARS: Isle of Wight Classic Motor Show, Sat 7 – Sun 8 September, Ryde

Isle of Wight Classic Motor Show September things to do

A free-to-attend charity event, see cool classic vehicles from all over the UK and Europe including 1,000+ vintage, custom, retro and rare vehicles. Find them on the Quay, Newport on Saturday 7 September and the Esplanade & North Walk, Ryde on Sunday 8 September.

KIDS: Pop Up Unwrapped, Sat 7 Sept, The Cricket Field by Abbey Hall, Netley Abbey

A mini version of the Unwrapped Festival, a summer highlight from The Point Theatre Eastleigh and Berry Theatre Hedge End, this free family festival is sure to be a hit with the kids. Meet the Bin Rat and his puppet pals, watch awesome displays from Paris Bubbles and get inspired by The Science Dude.

ANIMALS: Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Autumn Fete, Sun 8 September, Wroxall

Hee aww! Come and say hi to the gorgeous animals at the popular Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary then wander the stalls and taste their own Hedgerow Gin. There’ll also be live music in the courtyard and horse and carriage rides.

WEDDINGS: Solent Hotel Wedding Open Day, Sun 8 Sept, Whiteley

Getting hitched? The Solent Hotel & Spa has its Wedding Open Event this September. Couples who register and go along can see the hotel decked out in wedding finery. You’ll also be gifted a luxe goody bag, afternoon tea for two and a chance to win an overnight stay for two with dinner.

MOTOR: Goodwood Revival, Sun 8 September, Goodwood Motor Circuit, near Petersfield & Chichester

The much-loved nostalgic celebration of motorsport and fashion’s hey-day, Goodwood Revival is filled with rare and priceless cars driven by champions past and present. And oh my goodness – the fashion! Get kitted out or beware the Fashion Police. Go quick if you fancy it – there’s just a few tickets left for Sunday.

ARTS & CRAFTS: High Summer Nature Journaling For Joy with Nicola Baldwin, Tues 10 September, Lower Norton Flower Farm

Posy of British flowers at Lower Norton Flower Farm Winchester

Immerse yourself in glorious High Summer flowers and creativity at Lower Norton Flower Farm, near Winchester. Gather your own posy of seasonal flowers in the field then learn simple journaling techniques for capturing the colourful floral joy in the workshop. (Cake included).

SHOPPING: Re:Dress pop-up, Tues 10 September, Stockbridge Town Hall, Stockbridge

Re:dress Winchester Hampshire preloved second hand clothes pop up stockbridge

Giving gorgeous preloved clothing a fresh lease of life for over a decade, Winchester’s sustainable fashion shop Re:dress is heading for Stockbridge. Stop by the Town Hall on Tues 10 September and snag a stylish new-to-you something.

COMEDY: Milton Jones, Thurs 12 September, The Anvil, Basingstoke

Milton Jones Ha! Milton tour Basingstoke Hampshire September

TV funnyman and Mock the Week star Milton Jones is on the road with a whole new show of daftness, packed full of his trademark absurdities. Go quick to get tickets – this Basingstoke show is sure to be a sell out.

SPACE: The Planetarium Experience, Fri 13 September, Winchester Science Centre, Winchester

To infinity and beyond! Or a pretty cool tour of our amazing solar system, anyway. Explore the stars and planets above us and discover more about them from an expert Planetarium pilot.

MOTOR: Wight Buggin, Fri 13 – Sun 15 September, Ryde, Isle of Wight

WIght Buggin Isle of WIght What's On September 2024

Hangout with the V-Dubbers over this family-friendly weekend. As well as the cool motors there’ll be live music, local stalls, an Island Ales bar and hot food from local vendors.

SAILING: Southampton International Boat Show, Fri 13 – Sun 22 September, Southampton

From the latest SUPs to superyachts and sailing boats, the epic Southampton International Boat Show has loads for yachties and families alike. Included in the ticket, make the most of try-a-boat sessions to get out on the water. There’s plenty of places to get food and drink, stunt demos from extreme sports pros and live music from the likes of Chris Moyles and Symphonic Ibiza. Fan of Below Deck? Visit on Fri 13 September to watch Captain Glenn on the Foredeck Stage.

KIDS: The Live & Wild Weekend, Sat 14 – Sun 15 September, Tapnell Farm Park, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

Get up close with snakes, geckos, hissing cockroaches and giant snails at this two-day all weather event, full of educational entertainment and hands-on experiences. Brave kids can also take part in a Get Me Outta Here challenge, along with the usual Farm Park fun and animal activities.

FOOD & DRINK: South Downs Food Festival, Sat 14 – Sun 15 September, Stansted Park, Rowland’s Castle

Stansted House South Downs Food Festival September 2024

A weekend celebration of British food culture and fine food and drink from around the South Downs in the grounds of the splendid Stansted House. Hear Dame Pru Leith talk about Elizabeth David’s influence on British food and take the special Elizabeth David tour of the fascinating house. There’ll also be live music, artisan food and producers, BBQ demos, crazy golf and apple pressing, with the ‘Stansted Arms’ pop-up pub to relax in afterwards.

KIDS: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Sat 14 – Sun 15 September, Theatre Royal Winchester

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Sat 14 – Sun 15 September, Theatre Royal Winchester Hampshire What's on things to do for kids

Eric Carle’s beloved story of a hungry caterpillar who gobbles up fruit, chocolate cake, ice cream, cheese, sausage and more comes to Winchester this month. (Sounds like an average evening in the Muddy Hampshire household). Littlies will love this critically acclaimed, friendly puppet production. It also features three more adaptations of Carle favourites including The Very Busy Spider, 10 Little Rubber Ducks and Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

COUNTRYSIDE: Farm Open Day, Sun 15 September, Hollycombe Home Farm, Liphook

A free open afternoon at this idyllic South Downs country farm. Take a walk around, join a tour, stock up on some produce and enjoy a drink amongst the beautiful surroundings. Kids will also get the chance to play games, sit in the tractor and meet some of the animals.

THEATRE: An Evening with Graham Norton, Thurs 19 Sept, The Kings Theatre, Portsmouth

The legendary TV talk show host and author takes to the stage to talk about his new book, Frankie at The Kings and there’s a copy included with every ticket. Graham will also share funny tales from his celeb sofa and answer audience questions.

FESTIVAL: Worthy Earth, Fri 20 – Sun 22 September, Dummer Down Farm, near Basingstoke

Final festival of the season? Grab a cider and party away at this small farm event. Brilliantly boutique, it’s got homegrown market garden food in the café, poetry, live folk music, DJ sets and fireside jams.

COUNTRYSIDE: The Breamore Country Fair, Sat 21 – Sun 22 September, Breamore House, near Fordingbridge

Set in the walled garden of an idyllic Elizabethan country house and estate, guests at this delightfully traditional Country Fair event can watch displays from heavy horses and gun dogs, listen to the brass band and try and buy locally-made food and drink. For kids, there’s an apple trail, face painting, the chance to meet the sweetest sheep and a lunchtime sports day.

MUSIC: YolanDa’s Band Jam, Sun 22 Sept, Theatre Royal Winchester

YolanDa Theatre Royal Winchester September what's on Hampshire

A special event as part of the Winchester Jazz Festival, take the whole family and make music with the CBeebies children’s TV show host and double MOBO award-winning musician, YolanDa Brown. An Evening with YolandDa later the same day will see her perform her signature blend of reggae, jazz and soul.

COMEDY: Winchester Comedy Festival, Thurs 26 – Sun 29 September, Theatre Royal Winchester and The Arc Winchester

Up for a laugh? Winchester Comedy Festival is back with some top TV talent. Catch hilarious shows from Henning Wehn, Clinton Baptiste and Harriet Kemsley. The Autumn Gala night features Shazia Mirza (above), Sean McLoughlin, Andrew White and Tom Deacon as MC.

ARTS & CULTURE: The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024, Fri 27 Sept – Wed 8 Jan 2025, The Gallery at ARC Winchester

Air Guitar Roo winner of the The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2023. New 2024 exhibition at The Gallery at ARC Winchester Hampshire Septembr — Pic: The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards / Jason Moore

From happy owls to capering bears, see the funniest pictures of wildlife near and far caught on camera. The entertaining exhibition in Winchester this September features the latest works from the annual photography competition which aims to promote sustainability through positive imagery.

COMEDY: Maisie Adams – Appraisal, Sat 28 Sept, New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth

Maisie Adams Comedian September New Theatre Royal Portsmouth

Five years into her job as a comedian, Maisie Adams is due an appraisal. See the TV star account for herself as her new tour comes to Portsmouth’s New Theatre Royal.

FOOD & DRINK: Apple Day at Houghton Lodge Gardens, Sun 29 Sept, Stockbridge

A celebration of apples at the tranquil Test Valley gardens. Horticulturist Chris Bird of Sparsholt College will share expertise on apple tree growing and identification. See and taste different varieties and join in an ancient wassail ceremony, toasting the trees in the orchard for a bountiful future harvest. The Red Stags Morris dancers will perform, with apple-themed folklore storytelling and a trail for kids.

Super September! What’s on around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

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