FESTIVAL: Wickham Festival, Wickham, 31 July – 3 August

The Wickham Festival is a super family affair, just outside of Fareham. With British folk-rock icon Richard Thompson, Leo Sayer and Fisherman’s Friends on the bill plus the usual mix of folk, ska, circus acts and more, the 2025 line-up is guaranteed to deliver a good weekend.

KIDS: Summer at Tapnell Farm Park, until 31 August, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight

Tapnell Farm Park Isle of Wight Trotter Training Kune Pig

On the Island? Tapnell Farm has loads of fun this August, from the Moo Mania kid’s rave (every Tues, 4-8pm) to the new Barn, Boots and Beats barn dance. Yee, haw! Then there’s the bouncy pillows, sledge slides, pedal go-karts, zip wires and giant indoor Tower Slide, newly installed this year. Not forgetting, of course, the gorgeous animals here including wallabies, meerkats, goats, donkeys, pigs and alpacas.

OUTDOOR MOVIES: Adventure Cinema at The Vyne, 31 July – 3 August, Basingstoke

Women under blankets Adventure Cinema open air outdoor movies Hampshire

Last call for screenings at this glorious National Trust big hitter! See ‘Baby’ getting twirled out of the corner in Dirty Dancing (Thurs 31 July, 7.30pm); Hampshire local Colin Firth in the classic Bridget Jones’ Diary (Friday 2 August, 7.30pm); a Queen Outdoor Cinema Spectacular party (Sat 2 August, 6.30pm) and those magical early days at Hogwarts in Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone (Sun 3 August, 6.30pm).

MUSIC: Film Music by John Williams – Live by Orchestra in Guildhall Square, 2 August, Portsmouth Guildhall

Film and music buff? You’ll love this. See Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra perform iconic tracks composed by John Williams for some of the greatest big screen classics like Star Wars, Jurassic Park, JFK, Jaws, Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List, ET, Raiders of the Lost Ark and more.

SAILING: Cowes Week, 2-8 August, Cowes

The Isle of Wight’s week-long regatta of sailing prowess in the Solent with celebrations on and off the water. Think parties, music and a spectacular fireworks display. Watch from your yacht, shoreline vantage point or book a spot on a spectator boat then head into the Cowes town for all the fun and games.

OUTDOOR THEATRE: The Rivals, 2-25 August, Furzey Gardens, Minstead, New Forest

New Forest Open Air Theatre play The Rivals, 2-25 August, Furzey Gardens, Minstead, New Forest what's on in Hampshire — Image: Facebook, New Forest Open Air Theatre

No, it’s not Jilly Cooper’s badly behaved Cotswolds set. But it’s sure to be entertaining, nonetheless. See Sheridan’s comedy of manners as the sun sets with live music and song, as performed by the West End company of New Forest Open Air Theatre (previously London Touring Players) in another great evening production at Furzey Gardens this summer. Love, hijinks and mistaken identity set in the Edwardian age with live jazz and swashbuckling soldiers.

MUSIC: Smoked & Uncut Unplugged at THE PIG, 3, 17 & 31 August, THE PIG in The New Forest, Brockenhurst

Smoked and Uncut Unplugged at THE PIG New Forest Brockenurst Hampshire whats on July 2025

A welcome encore to the much-loved summer festival, see out the weekend with a relaxed, Sunday evening of live acoustic music, smoky BBQ bites and chilled-out vibes at the OG PIG in the (New) Forest from 5-7pm. Tickets are free and events are every other Sunday until 14 September with performances from The Henrys on 3 August, Dan Tolman on 17 August and Gunn Blues on 31 August.

FOOD & DRINK: Trout ‘n About, 3 August, Stockbridge

Trout and About Stockbridge Hampshire August 2024

The free fun celebration of local produce, crafts and the famous Test Valley Trout is back, with fabulous old King Alfred buses back in service taking passengers to the High Street from the Car Park East. After shopping and tasting your way around 150+ local food, drink and arts traders, check out the live music, children’s entertainment, vintage tractors and tasty local tucker from the Muddy Award winning Grosvenor Hotel.

KIDS: Pizza Tuesdays at Season Cookery School, 5, 12, 19 & 26 August, Lainston House, Winchester

Pizza Tuesdays at Season Cookery School, 15, 12, 19 & 26 August, Lainston House, Winchester

One for the whole family, foodie kids (aged 7 up) and grown ups will love making pizza faves from scratch, getting creative with pizza toppings and crisping them up chef-style at this fun alfresco cooking session. Then the best bit: scoffing what you’ve created. Yum.

THEATRE: The Wind in the Willows, 6 August, Exbury Gardens, Exbury, New Forest

Mole yearns to explore the wide world. Badger enjoys peace and quiet. Rat likes just messing about in boats. Then Toad gets a Motor Car and ‘Toot Toot’ – no more peaceful life on the riverbank. See the award-winning Illyria company celebrates Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale at the beautiful Exbury Gardens.

OUTDOOR CINEMA: Movie Nights on the Lawn at Lainston House, 8-30 August, Winchester

Lainston House, WInchester Hampshire — Image: Exclusive Collection

How’s this for a slice of nice? Movie Nights on the Lawn are fresh in at the gorgeous Lainston House on the outskirts of Winchester. And for a little extra, you can tuck into gourmet pizza and ice cream while you watch. Open from 7pm with screenings starting at sunset, see Mamma Mia (Friday 8 Aug); Pride and Prejudice (Thurs 14 Aug); Grease (Sun 17 Aug); A Star is Born (Fri 22 Aug); Dirty Dancing (Sat 23 Aug); Moulin Rouge (Fri 29 Aug) and the hilarious Bridesmaids (Sat 30 August).

THEATRE: Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians, 9 August, Theatre Royal Winchester

Image: The Birmingham Stage Company presents Horrible Histories © *Jane Hobson.*

The horrible history of Britain – with the nasty bits left in! The Birmingham Stage Company’s Horrible Histories’ Gorgeous Georgians & Vile Victorians takes in two centuries of British history, featuring the Duke of Wellington, Dick Turpin, Florence Nightingale, Queen Victoria and more. The kids’ll love it.

OUTDOORS: The South Downs Show, 9-10 Aug, Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield

The South Downs Show Petersfield Hampshire August — Image: The South Downs Show

Right in the middle of the South Downs National Park, this fun family festival returns with lots to see and do. Watch jousting, falconary and a dog and sheep show in the arena, meet alpacas and other animals. Try your hand at circus skills, bushcraft and other family fun, bring the pooch and head for dedicated dog zone. And of course, tuck into festi-food and drink from local makers and sellers.

FESTIVAL: New Forest Fairy Festival, 9-10 August, Burley

New Forest Fairy Festival What's on Hampshire 2023 — Image: The New Forest Fairy Festival

The one weekend of the year when you’re absolutely guaranteed to spot fairies in the New Forest! Dress up and get stuck in with crafts, storytelling, theatre, music and parades. Kids and grownups with big imaginations will love it.

SHOPPING: August Live Music in the Furlong Co, Sat 9, Sun 17, Sat 23 August, The Furlong, Ringwood

Weekend shopping jaunt? Head for the New Forest’s The Furlong shopping centre in Ringwood this August for laid-back tunes, smooth sax and soulful guitar from local acts as you shop and brunch. (Bonus: two hours free parking).

MUSIC: Wight Proms, 12–17 August, Northwood Park, near Cowes

The Wight Proms Cowes — Image: Wight Proms

Time for another week of top summer entertainment on the Island. This year, the varied lineup includes comedy from Fascinating Aïda, country music fun with the UK’s best Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers tributes. The iconic Last Wight of the Proms finishes the event, starring Wynne Evans and G4’s Mike Christie along with the Wight Proms Concert Orchestra and of course, loads of collective flag-waving and Jerusalem.

ART: Hampshire Open Studios, 16–25 Aug, various locations, Hampshire

Ceramics, canvas, jewellery and loads more. Take a peek at works by the local artistic talent in your ‘hood in the Hampshire Open Studios annual art trail. Over 290 studios, galleries, artists and art groups will open their doors to exhibit original works.

FOOD & DRINK: The New Forest Food Festival, 16-25 Aug, Hinton Admiral Estate, New Forest

Try and buy lovely local produce from artisan foodies and makers, eat festi-food and watch demos from top local chefs including Alistair Craig, Executive Chef at The Montagu Arms Hotel and Gerard Molloy of Chewton Glen at this foodie celebration in the New Forest. Shop your way around 100+ traders, listen to live music and keep the nippers entertained with crafts, bubbles and live circus skills entertainment.

FOOD & DRINK: The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival, 16-17 August, Newchurch

Isle of Wight Garlic Festival August 2023 — Image: The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival

The Island’s biggest and brilliantly quirky summer show just outside of Newchurch, head for the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival for chef demos, local produce and festi-food, musicians, live music, a dog show and children’s activities, including littlies A-Listers, Bluey and Bingo! Plus (of course) lots of garlic and infused products from the Garlic Farm. Mints at the ready.

THEATRE: Romeo and Juliet and Pride and Prejudice, 20-21 August, Beaulieu, New Forest

Comedy, tragedy and a whole lot of romance over two open air theatre nights at Beaulieu this summer. See the Chapterhouse Theatre Company bring one of these iconic stories to life. Or immerse yourself in both, with a dual ticket option.

KIDS: The Brick People bring LEGO® bricks to the Museum, 20-21 August, The Brickworks Museum, Swanwick

Calling all LEGO® lovers! The Brick People return to the Brickworks with a mini-figure anagram trail around the museum, open build areas, master build displays, mosaic building using LEGO® dots, a speed build challenge and a LEGO® Duplo® area for the younger builders. Also here, kids can enjoy the The Brickworks Museum’s interactive displays, two play areas and a working vintage arcade.

FESTIVAL: CarFest, 22-24 Aug, Laverstoke Park Farm, near Basingstoke

CarFest South Hampshire Festival Chris Evans August 2023

Chris Evans’ bumper seven-festivals-in-one CarFest festival of family fun is back for the August Bank Holiday at Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire. A full-on seven-festivals-in-one family weekend extravaganza, find AdventureFest, FoodFest, KidsFest, RetroFest, StarFest and the wellness special SpaFest all alongside the original CarFest. Hosted by auto-nut Chris Evans, you can still ogle over fancy cars and even take a spin in some. Then, sing and dance your heart out with the likes of Olly Murs, UB40, Sam Ryder and Deacon Blue.

FESTIVAL: Victorious, 22-24 August, Southsea Common

Dance the August Bank Holiday away on Southsea seafront with great tunes and a beautiful view of the Solent. This year, headliners include Queens of the Stone Age, Madness, Vampire Weekend, Kings of Leon, Bloc Party and more.

THEATRE: Mary Poppins, 27 August – 20 September, Mayflower Southampton

Mary Poppins Mayflower Southampton August 2025 theatre whats on

Plenty of chances to see the big hitter Disney and Cameron Mackintosh production of Mary Poppins at Mayflower theatre on a near month-long run. And after a long summer holidays, a magical nanny that entertains the kids sounds more appealing than ever.

SHOW: Wolverton Manor Garden Fair, 30-31 August, 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 foodie fare, vintage amusements, magic shows, music, West Wight alpacas, kayaking around the moat and loads more. Brilliant.

Awesome August! What’s on in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

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