Late lingering days of summer herald a super September filled with food festivals, music, art, and culture in the county. Here are our top picks of what’s happening in Hampshire this September.
Zero Waste Dinner at The Mutton
Thursday 5 September
In celebration of Zero Waste Week (2 – 6 September), The Mutton, a charming, family-run pub nestled in picturesque Hazeley Heath, is set to host a special Zero Waste Dinner on Thursday 5 September.
The specially curated five-course meal will champion sustainability, emphasising zero-waste principles, with a menu showcasing the finest local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques aimed at minimising food waste.
Heritage Open Days
Friday 6 September – Sunday 15 September
Every September Heritage Open Days enable a special chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences for free.
In Hampshire, participating places include: 878 AD in Winchester on 7 September, The Great Hall and Westgate Museum in Winchester on 7 September, Gilbert White’s House on 12 September, The Brickworks Museum on 11 and 12 September, Steamship Shieldhall on 14 September, and National Trust’s The Vyne on 14 September.
Borrowed Breath: Art exhibition at Winchester Cathedral
Friday 6 September – Tuesday 5 November
This Autumn, sixteen sculptures by Laurence Edwards from his leaf series will be on view at Winchester Cathedral.
The exhibition in the north transept presents a series of ethereal, cut-through, transmorphic figures by Laurence Edwards particularly inspired by the history of the Great West Window.
Mucky Weekender Music Festival
Thursday 5 September – Saturday 7 September
Top off the summer with the small but mighty Mucky Weekender, a boutique festival curated by Dub Pistols frontman Barry Ashworth, taking place at Vicarage Farm in Woodmancott near Winchester.
The festival will feature five music stages from Dub, Ska, Reggae, Jungle, to House, Disco, Funk, Breakbeat and everything in-between. There will also be a mass afternoon tea for the 5,000 festivalgoers with a Mad Hatters Tea Party theme.
Last Night of the Proms at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Saturday 7 September
A classic end to a British summer, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens will hold its Last Night of the Proms classical concert on Saturday 7 September.
Bring your picnic, champagne, blankets and chairs to enjoy classical renditions of Last Night of the Proms favourites, including Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.
Alton FlavourFest
Sunday 8 September
Alton FlavourFest returns to The Public Gardens on Sunday 8 September, a free festival bringing a culinary feast to the town with over 60 fabulous food and drink stalls, an amazing array of street food, mouth-watering cookery demonstrations, a fiesta of family activities, and a delicious menu of live music on the bandstand.
Light the South Art Trail, Southampton
Until Sunday 8 September
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.
Catch this family-friendly public art trail until Sunday 8 September – a colourful and fun way to explore the city with each lighthouse featuring a unique design by local artists and children.
i20 England v Australia at Utilita Bowl
Wednesday 11 September
England and Australia will meet under lights at the home of cricket in Hampshire in what promises to be an exciting cricket face-off at Utilita Bowl on Wednesday 11 September.
The Planetarium Experience at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Friday 13 September
Join Winchester Science Centre for an evening flying through the stars of the solar system in their breathtaking Planetarium. This presenter-led live show is sure to fascinate and educate about the secrets of the skies above us.
Later in the month, you can catch a special Led Zeppelin Planetarium Experience and a 50 year celebration of Pink Floyd’s iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon on 21 September.
Southampton International Boat Show
Friday 13 September – Sunday 22 September
Britain's largest marine festival, Southampton International Boat Show, returns to Southampton from Friday 13 September to Sunday 22 September.
Showcasing everything from stand-up paddleboards to superyachts, the show is a great day out for the whole family with attractions including Europe's largest, temporary, purpose-build show marina with more than 350 boats on display; the Watersports Zone where visitors can try a massive range of activities from kayaking to diving; and the Shipyard with headline music sets from Chris Moyles and Symphonic Ibiza.
The Romsey Show
Saturday 14 September
One of the largest one-day country shows in the South, The Romsey Show takes place every September at the Broadlands Estate in Romsey.
Attractions include the Grand Parade of livestock, popular Countryside Area, equine classes, live music, the Family Dog Show, art and horticulture all washed down with a fine selection of local food and drink.
Murder Mystery Fine Dining Train on the Watercress Line
Saturday 14 September
Step aboard The Watercress Line this September for dinner with a twist. Dress up in your finest 1950s attire for a vintage Agatha Christie-inspired live action whodunnit.
The Watercress Line’s special Murder Mystery evenings commence on the platform where the company 'The Perfect Murder' will set the scene for the evening before you board your First Class carriage on The Watercress Belle for dinner and a night of mystery and murder.
South Downs Food Festival
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September
Dame Prue Leith will open the South Downs Food Festival at Stansted Park on Saturday 14 September and commence a weekend celebration of food and drink of the South Downs and coast. Highlights include cookery demonstrations, tastings, talks, live music, markets, and an outstanding selection of artisan food from the coast and downs.
International Autojumble at Beaulieu
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September
Grab yourself a bargain at the iconic International Autojumble at Beaulieu, renowned as the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic with hundreds of stands in this huge weekend of buying and selling action.
Other Beaulieu events this September include Simply BMW on 22 September and classic car event Simply British at Beaulieu on 29 September.
Hampshire Countryside Day 2024
Sunday 15 September
Bereleigh Estate in East Meon will host the Hampshire Countryside Day on Sunday 15 September celebrating rural life with activities, competitions, demonstrations, and a wide range of shopping options.
Have a go at archery, race some ferrets, or try out the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance flight simulator for an immersive helicopter rescue experience.
Taste of Wickham Festival
Sunday 15 September
A free day of fun for everyone, the Taste of Wickham Festival returns this September, with great food producers, talks, demonstrations, all-ages entertainment and plenty more besides.
Learn from talented chefs and local artisans; try amazing food and drink; shop 'til you drop at over 80 artisan food, drink, gift and garden stalls; enjoy non-stop live performances across two stages; and let the little ones go wild in the new children's zone.
Winchester Comedy Festival: Autumn Gala 2024 at Theatre Royal Winchester
Friday 27 September
Have a laugh later this month with comedians Shazia Mirza, Sean McLoughlin, Andrew White and Tom Deacon at Winchester Comedy Festival’s Autumn Gala at the Theatre Royal Winchester.
Summer fun at Mottisfont National Trust
Until Sunday 29 September
Mottisfont's summer holiday exhibition and activity trail continue until Sunday 29 September, celebrating 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.
Search more events in Hampshire
Fancy a September getaway? Take a look at our huge range of accommodation. Hampshire has something for all budgets including hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering properties, and cosy traditional holiday cottages.
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