School’s out for summer and a month packed full of events, trails, sport, festivals, and activities lies ahead this awesome August in Hampshire.
Here are our top picks of what’s happening in Hampshire this August.
Fiesta - mini outdoor children's festival at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Saturday 13 July – Monday 2 September 2024 (weekends and school holidays)
Get the summer started with a bang with Fiesta, an exciting mini children's festival of curiosity at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium.
Themed around the Olympics and Paralympics, there will be interactive activities, Music Makers Mini Opening Ceremony hands on fun, and a free live science show about the body and exercise.
Light the South Art Trail, Southampton
Saturday 13 July – Sunday 8 September 2024
80 arty lighthouses have been dotted around Southampton and Cowes this summer for the Light the South Art Trail to raise money for Southampton Hospitals Charity.
The family-friendly public art trail is a colourful and fun way to explore the city with each lighthouse featuring a unique design by local artists and children.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail at Marwell Zoo
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September 2024
Head to Marwell Zoo this summer in search of The Very Hungry Caterpillar from 24 July to 1 September for a fun and interactive trail inspired by Eric Carle's bestselling children's book.
Summer Fun at Fort Nelson
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September 2024
There are barrel-loads of children's activities at Fort Nelson this summer including an exciting assault course running every day and free 'Build the Fort' sessions every weekend of the school holidays with navvy challenges.
Hinton Ampner's Summer of Circus
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September 2024
Roll up as a circus-themed summer of play arrives at Hinton Ampner for the summer hols. Step up onto the performance area and put on a show for your audience, conduct an outdoor orchestra in the music zone, practice your circus skills on the lawn, and test your flexibility with circus yoga.
The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck outdoor theatre will also be at Hinton Ampner on 9 and 16 August.
Summer of Play at The Vyne
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September 2024
Children can burn off energy with outdoor games at The Vyne this summer including bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens.
There will also be Outdoor Cinema at The Vyne from 1 to 4 August.
Summer fun at Mottisfont National Trust
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 29 September 2024
Mottisfont's summer holiday exhibition and activity trail celebrates the world of John Burningham with over 60 original illustrations in a family-friendly, interactive exhibition and an energetic outdoor trail with games and activities to complete.
The Wind in the Willows Story Trail at Gilbert White's House and Gardens
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 1 September 2024
This summer, Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger from children's classic The Wind In the Willows will be hiding in the grounds of Gilbert White's House. Collect a map and journey stick then head to the Riverbank, Mole's Meadow, and Toad Hall to find the characters and follow the story completing the activities and marking your stick as you go.
Summer Fun at Hurst Castle
Saturday 20 July – Saturday 1 September
Visit Hurst Castle throughout the summer holidays and join in the family friendly activities including a 'We're going on a Royal Dog Hunt' trail, Tudor Tuesdays, Wildlife Wednesdays, and Fun Fridays.
Summer Holiday Fun at Beaulieu
Monday 22 July – Sunday 1 September 2024
Get ready for a summer filled with thrilling adventures at Beaulieu – the beloved motoring parades are back, Beaulieu’s Fairy and Dragon sculpture trail has been extended into the holidays, visitors can take a ride in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Mr. Toad's car, and the Beaulieu Monorail is celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
It’s also Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on 3 and 4 August.
Summer Sky Ranger Squad at Spinnaker Tower
Monday 22 July – Friday 30 August 2024
Earn your Sky Ranger badge at the Spinnaker Tower during six weeks of family fun adventures and fab activities including new Sky Ranger activities every badge and an exclusive Pop Badge for young visitors to collect. Pay once for your Sky Ranger family ticket and return as many times as you like over the summer holidays.
Character Weekends at Birdworld
Saturday 27 July – Monday 26 Aug 2024
Birdworld will be having some special guests this summer with weekend visits from beloved TV and film characters including Peter Rabbit, PAW Patrol, Bluey, Paddington, and Hey Duggee.
Fun-Filled Family Summer at The Watercress Line
Wednesday 31 July – Sunday 1 September 2024
The Watercress Line has different weekly themes lined up throughout the summer holidays including SteamPunk, Nature, and Fairies plus special events Bluey & Bingo Meet and Greet from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 August and Days Out With Thomas from Wednesday 21 to Sunday 25 August.
The Hundred at The Utilita Bowl
Thursday 1, Saturday 10, and Wednesday 14 August 2024
This August, The Hundred will return to the South Coast in 2024, delivering a month of world-class cricket and blockbuster entertainment for all the family.
The Southern Brave will be at home for three double-headers on Thursday 1 August, taking on Manchester Originals, before their final two matchdays on Saturday 10 August against Trent Rockets and Wednesday 14 August versus Welsh Fire.
Wickham Festival
Thursday 1 August – Sunday 4 August 2024
Multi-award-winning, and a firm family favourite, Wickham Festival is a four-day music and arts festival held every August in a beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham. With live music on four stages plus a host of other entertainment, Wickham Festival is rated by many as one of the safest, most relaxed, and family-friendly festivals in the UK.
Love Basingstoke presents Fri-YAY
Friday 2 August – Friday 30 August 2024
Love Basingstoke Presents is back this summer with free family Fri-YAY fun during the school holidays across the Top of the Town and War Memorial Park. From 11am to 3pm every Friday in August you'll find free activities designed for children aged three to 16 giving them the chance to have a go at a new sporting activity, take part in arts and crafts or try something totally different.
Trout 'n About
Sunday 4 August 2024
Named after the town’s flourishing fish, Trout ‘n About is a thriving local food festival that takes place in the market town of Stockbridge on the first Sunday of August every year. With over 100 stalls showcasing the very best of local food, produce, and crafts along the beautiful high street of Stockbridge and live music filling the air.
Boomtown
Wednesday 7 August – Sunday 11 August 2024
One of Hampshire’s biggest festivals, Boomtown is a top event on the national and international festival circuit. Bringing a world of escapism to the outskirts of Winchester every August, thousands congregate at Boomtown to embark on an imaginative journey through the evolutionary districts where every musical genre is celebrated from ska, folk, gypsy, reggae, world, punk, pirate, and disco to electro-swing, jazz, blue-grass, bass, jungle, and techno.
British Superbikes at Thruxton Race Circuit
Friday 9 August – Sunday 11 August 2024
The Bennetts British Superbike Championship returns to Thruxton Circuit for an unmissable three days of action-packed bike racing. The adrenaline-pumping two-wheeled heroes of the BSB will take centre stage for what will undoubtedly be a thrilling weekend.
The South Downs Show at Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Saturday 10 August – Sunday 11 August 2024
The bottom of Butser Hill at Queen Elizabeth Country Park will be filled with awesome arena acts, entertaining attractions, dog shows, animal petting zoo, children's rides and fun zone, country life stalls, beer tent and catering with live music and much more at The South Downs Show.
The New Forest Fairy Festival
Saturday 10 August – Sunday 11 August 2024
Fairy fans unite, the world-renowned Fairy Festival returns to Burley Hampshire celebrating 12 years of fairy fabulous fun this August with a weekend of magic and wonder in the beautiful New Forest National Park.
Exbury Festival of Music
Thursday 22 August – Saturday 24 August 2024
Pack a picnic and join Exbury Gardens for three evenings of upbeat music this August with the Exbury Festival of music featuring 21st Century ABBA on 22 August, Upbeat Beatles on 23 August, and Motown by Moonlight on 24 August.
Victorious Festival
Friday 23 August – Sunday 25 August 2024
With headliners Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro, and Jamie T already confirmed, Victorious Festival is set to be one of its best yet in 2024.
Situated on the stunning Southsea Seafront in the maritime city of Portsmouth, Victorious is a three-day festival over the August bank holiday weekend featuring some of the world’s biggest music artists as well as delicious food, comedy, real ale, and much more.
CarFest South
Friday 23 August – Sunday 25 August 2024
Olly Murs, Sam Ryder, Beverly Knight, and Scouting for Girls are amongst the top-billed line-up at Car Fest South 2024. The creation of DJ Chris Evans, CarFest is a unique mix of fast cars, live music, and tasty food taking place at the stunning Laverstoke Farm, home of the former Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter.
Search more events in Hampshire
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