THEATRE

“There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Oscar Wilde would surely approve of taking centre stage at Theatre Royal Winchester as The Importance of Being Oscar arrives for a limited UK theatre tour (23–24 June). Starring Alastair Whatley, the acclaimed one-man show charts Wilde’s extraordinary rise, scandal and legacy through his own words and those of writer Micheál Mac Liammóir, bringing wit and heartbreak in an intimate theatrical portrait of one of literature’s great icons.

Also on this June, Kiss of the Spider Woman (2-6 June) is a powerful new musical at Mayflower Studios Southampton, co-produced by Mayflower, Curve and Bristol Old Vic. Based on two prisoners form an unlikely bond while escaping into dazzling Hollywood fantasies.

The Handlebards open air theatre Hampshire

Outdoor theatre returns to the New Forest’s Furzey Gardens this summer, with picnics on the lawn, woodland performances and plenty of midsummer magic beneath the trees. Highlights include the brilliantly bonkers The HandleBards bringing their pedal-powered take on As You Like It to the gardens from 11–14 June. Think Shakespeare served with a generous helping of chaos, comedy and charm.

In Basingstoke, Outdoor Theatre at The Vyne (6 & 20 June) sees the National Trust’s stunning Tudor mansion transformed into a gorgeously atmospheric open-air stage. Catch a bold new production of Romeo & Juliet on 6 June, followed by the brilliantly bonkers The (Almost) Complete History of Britain by The Pantaloons on 20 June.

OUTDOORS

Isle of Wight Festival of Running June 2026 what's on guide

Now, there’s a view! Lace up for the Isle of Wight Festival of Running, under starters orders across West Wight from 31 May–7 June. Expect scenic coastal routes, plenty of leg burn and some of the Island’s best views as runners tackle events including the Needles Half Marathon, Tapnell 10k, Freshwater 5k and Junior Fun Run. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just in it for the sea air and post-run smugness, this is one of the prettiest running festivals around.

Love your outdoors? A blooming marvellous day out for garden lovers in the grounds of Romsey’s magnificent Broadlands Estate, The Garden Show at Broadlands (5-7 June) features specialist growers, garden goods, homewares and country foods as well as talks, demos, activities, expert advice and music and entertainment.

Mottisfont-roses-National-Trust-Images-Steve-Sayers — Image: Mottisfont Rose Garden. National Trust Images, *Steve Sayers*.

Rose season is in full bloom at Mottisfont with the National Trust favourite keeping its gardens open later for dreamy early-summer evenings among the roses until 13 June. Expect jazz trio sessions on Thursdays, peaceful twilight wanders on Fridays and family picnic evenings with traditional lawn games on Saturdays – all set against the glorious backdrop of the famous Rose Garden at its fragrant peak.

COMMUNITY

Celebrating its links with the great British monarch, Aldershot town centre is set for a magical makeover for Victoria Day on 6 June with this year’s folklore and fairy tales theme. Expect fire-breathing dragons, bubble wizards, circus skills, storytelling, live music, world street food and more than 60 stalls, plus a vibrant carnival parade led by Queen Victoria herself. Best of all? It’s completely free.

On the Isle of Wight, Shorwell Midsummer Fair (13 June) near Newport returns for its 64th year at the beautiful Wolverton Manor. One of the Island’s last traditional village fairs, expect a fun-filled afternoon of family entertainment with live music, dancing, arena displays, stalls, a tea tent and the ever-popular wheelbarrow race. Raising money for local charities and community groups, it’s a charming countryside day out for all ages.

DOGS

Brilliantly barking day out? The Bell Inn at Bramshaw have you covered this June. Joe and Louie’s Dog Show (6-7 June) brings two days of tail-wagging fun to the dog-friendly New Forest inn. Hosted by the pub’s furry ents team, Joe and Louie, expect free-to-enter competitions, agility fun runs, best tricks, cutest puppy, fancy dress, waggiest tail contests, stall holders, games, photo booths and more.

MUSIC

Summer evenings don’t get much more glamorous than The Grange Festival near Alresford (2 June–12 July) with a dazzling programme of opera, ballet and jazz in one seriously idyllic setting. Expect world-class performances of La Bohème, Eugene Onegin and Giulio Cesare, alongside Celebrating Sinatra, Ballet Black and The Soul of Opera – all staged in stunning surrounds.

Saddle up, country fans: Nashville is riding into Winchester this 7 June. Made in Tennessee: A Night of Country Music heads to Theatre Royal Winchester for a boot-stomping evening packed with the biggest country hits from legends including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks, alongside modern favourites from Carrie Underwood and Kacey Musgraves, performed by some of the UK’s top country musicians. Cowboy boots optional.

Also this month, Southampton Summer Sessions (21-27 June) has another stellar choice of acts including Paul Weller, Billy Ocean, Skunk Anansie & Garbage, The Beach Boys, Pete Tong, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Alex James’ Britpop Classical, Deacon Blue, and Amy Macdonald.

The Isle of Wight Festival June what's on Hampshire — Image: The Isle of Wight Festival.

And over the water, the Isle of Wight Festival returns to Seaclose Park (18–21 June) with a blockbuster headline line-up. Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure top the bill. (Hit Isle of Wight indie act Wet Leg will be rising from their chez longue to perform too).

FOOD & DRINK

Smoked and Uncut The PIG in the New Forest Hampshire June 2026 — Image: Smoked & Uncut at THE PIG

A gloriously relaxed, foodie fête with serious summer style, Smoked & Uncut returns to THE PIG-in the New Forest on 12-14 June for a weekend of relaxed, garden party indulgence. Espresso martinis at sunrise, smoky BBQ feasts, wood-fired pizzas and live bands rolling into DJ sets as the sun dips.

Staying with summer indulgence, Careys Manor in Brockenhurst is throwing a relaxed Summer Grill & Garden Party on 5 June, with BBQ feasting, live music and cocktails served across the hotel’s beautiful front lawn and Cedar Patio. Expect a laid-back festival feel with sizzling dishes fresh from the grill, live saxophone and summer sounds.

Foodies should make a beeline for Stansted Park on 6–7 June as the South Downs Food Festival returns for a delicious weekend celebrating the region’s finest produce. Browse artisan food and drink stalls, watch live cookery demonstrations – including 2026 Masterchef: The Professionals Finalist Luke Emmess, enjoy English sparkling wine on the terrace and tuck into everything from cheese and charcuterie to burgers and beer. There’s also live music, family-friendly entertainment and fundraising for Rowans Hospice.

Fizz lovers, this one’s for you. Rounding off English Wine Week, Fizz Fest returns on 28 June at Hambledon Wine Estate for a sparkling celebration of Hampshire’s world-class wine scene. Expect more than 20 still and sparkling wines from eight top vineyards, tasting sessions, vineyard tours, food stalls and masterclasses – all set against the gorgeous Hampshire countryside with live music from vocalist Cara Louise Warrick.

And following the sell-out success of its first ever English Wine Festival, The Mutton at Hazeley Heath is bringing it back for 2026 – this time across the whole weekend (13-14 June). Expect plenty of exceptional local wines, brilliant Hampshire suppliers, live music, good food and gorgeous countryside views.

EXHIBITIONS

© Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, The Boxer (c. 1925) Private Collection Scottish Colourists Exhibition The Arc Winchester Hampshire June 2026 — Image: © Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell, The Boxer (c. 1925) Private Collection

A major new show at The Gallery at The Arc in Winchester this summer, Scottish Colourists: Radical Perspectives (13 June-16 September) brings together the bold and brilliant work of Samuel John Peploe, John Duncan Fergusson, George Leslie Hunter and F.C.B. Cadell. Created in partnership with The Fleming Collection, the exhibition explores how these hugely influential early 20th-century artists helped shape modern British art. Expect colour, creativity and a fascinating fresh perspective on one of Britain’s most exciting artistic movements.

KIDS

Peppa Pig's Big Show Kings Theatre Portsmouth Hampshire things to do whats on — Image: *Mark Senior.*

Peppa Pig heads to The Kings Theatre Portsmouth with the Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show live adventure (3-4 June) – and there’s exciting news in the Pig household as baby Evie joins the family. Expect songs, giggles, puppetry and all the familiar family chaos little ones love, as Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig prepare for their newest arrival.

Calling all superheroes, sci-fi fans and budding cosplayers. In Portsmouth, Port Solent’s hugely popular free Comic Con returns on 6 June with a packed day of family-friendly fun, including a Transformers takeover, Jurassic Park zone, Ghostbusters’ Ecto-1, cosplay competition, character appearances, workshops and more than 25 stalls selling collectibles, toys, artwork and geeky goodies.

LEAF’s annual Open Farm Sunday tours (7 June) offer a fun way to discover life on Hampshire and Isle of Wight farms. Highlights this year include a behind-the-scenes tour of the Leckford Estate at Stockbridge (aka the Waitrose Farm), tractor rides and animal encounters at Matterley Estate near Winchester, plus visits to Home Farm in Beaulieu and IOW Rare Breeds CIC, where kids can meet everything from goats and donkeys to rabbits and guinea pigs.

Staying with farm animals there’s woolly chaos at Manor Farm at Bursledon as the Big Sheep Weekend 2026 (6-7 June) brings hands-on farm fun. Little ones can watch the sheep get their annual haircuts, try spinning fleece and climb aboard a tractor for a brilliantly baa-rmy countryside day out.

The Gruffalo theatre Hampshire Winchester June 2026 What's on — Image: *Mark Senior*

And oh help, oh no! The deep dark wood comes to Theatre Royal Winchester from 13–15 June as The Gruffalo takes to the stage in a magical musical adventure for little theatre-goers, with a relaxed performance and touch tour on the Sunday designed to make the show more accessible for children with additional needs.

What’s on in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight this June

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