Food Markets & Events in Hampshire

If you love nothing better than tucking into local produce or tasty treats, then be sure to put the dates of these top Hampshire foodie events in your diary.

Whether seafood or Thai food are your favourite type of fare, plan your next Hampshire visit around these tempting food and drink events…

Food and drink events in Southampton

With a diverse population, it’s no surprise that there are some amazing festivals and events featuring food from around the world in Southampton. 

Look out for Caribbean specials at the Jerk Jam Festival, Thai treats at the annual Southampton Thai Festival and an array of Asian delights at the Southampton Mela Festival.

Sample some local fare at The Big Eat at Royal Victoria Country Park and look out for events such as beer tastings at Steam Town Brew Co, in Eastleigh. 

Often during the summer, there are pop-up events at Westquay Shopping Centre that feature food or drink and be sure to check out the Southampton Christmas Market in December for stalls selling German sausages and beer. 

Food and drink events in Portsmouth and Southsea

A popular month-long celebration in Portsmouth and Southsea’s calendar is the Southsea Food Festival. The festival takes place in June and July, featuring cookery demonstrations, markets, celebrity events and food tastings all over town.

Look out for other food and drink events, many of which take place on Southsea Common such as the Southsea Thai Festival. 

Food and drink events in Winchester

One of the biggest food events in Winchester’s calendar is the annual Foodies Festival, usually held in North Walls Recreation Ground for a few days in July, this festival brings cookery demonstrations from a star-studded line up. 

Other food events in Winchester include the Winchester Cheese and Chilli Festival, regular and one-off markets. 

Food and drink events in the New Forest 

Priding itself on its local fare, the New Forest is no stranger when it comes to food and drink events.

Lovers of seafood should definitely put the annual Lymington Seafood Festival into their diaries and the food tent at the New Forest & Hampshire County Show is always a big hit.

For 2024, the inaugural New Forest Food Festival will take place too. 

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets

You’ll find top quality produce in our farmers’ markets all year round, produced and reared in the county. Choose from national award-winning cheeses, fresh trout, tempting chocolate, fresh watercress, beers and wine, quality meat, chutney, jam and more. Regular Hampshire Farmers Markets take place in Winchester, Alton, Emsworth, Petersfield, Ringwood, Southsea and Romsey. The Winchester market features over 80 local producers and is the biggest in the country.

Other food and drink events in Hampshire

Don’t miss the Alresford Watercress Festival in May which pays tribute to the famous crop grown nearby. The one-day festival features not only watercress but other delicious local foods and is accompanied by cookery demonstrations, market stalls, street theatre, music and dance.
Other popular food events include the beer festivals in Alton and Basingstoke, the Trout ‘n’ About festival in Stockbridge, Fizz Fest (which celebrates Hampshire’s vineyards) and the annual Romsey Show. 

See below to search for food and drink events in Hampshire.