02 Jun Enjoy family friendly events this year!
Enjoy family friendly events this year!
Check out our calendar of activities for 2026
Many of our events are free or low cost. If you’d like to find out more, head over to www.fareham.gov.uk/events.
If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, contact leisure@fareham.gov.uk.
Pop-up beach
FREE TO USE
The much-loved pop-up beach is back once again in Fareham Shopping Centre, free for families to use all year round!
Located inside the shopping centre, near B&M, the pop-up beach also has a ‘grassed’ area where children can play with a range of lawn games throughout the year, free of charge. In addition, parents and guardians can relax in the deckchairs while they keep an eye on the little ones. The pop-up beach will be here right the way up to October this year.
Look out for free Jiggy Wrigglers Sessions! They will be hosting free music, movement, and sensory development sessions for babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. These fun, interactive classes are perfect for little ones to explore rhythm, coordination, and creativity.
Join us on the following dates at the pop-up beach:
23 June
14 July
22 September
Session times:
12:15pm – 12:45pm
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Opening times of the sandpit are during Fareham Shopping Centre’s opening times: Monday-Saturday 9am-5:30pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.
Artisan and Farmers’ Markets
FREE ENTRY
Taking place in the pedestrianised area of West Street, Fareham, these markets are not to be missed for anyone looking for unique and special products. They aim to support and promote local businesses and artists, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents, services and products.
What makes these markets truly special is the focus on local brands, artists, crafters, small businesses and street food sellers. By supporting these small businesses, you’re not only getting unique and high-quality products, but you’re also contributing to the local community.
4 and 5 July (Fareham’s Big Weekend), 18 July, 15th August,
19 September, 17 October
999 Day
FREE EVENT
This is an free family favourite, with lots of local emergency service heroes and their vehicles on display. Come along and meet the Police, Fire Service, South Central Ambulance Service, RNLI, Hampshire Search and Rescue, Coastguard and many more.
20 June.
Board Game Lounge
FREE
We’re teaming up with the Fareham and Gosport Board Game Lounge to host a free monthly Board Game Lounge in Fareham Shopping Centre this summer from 7pm-10.30pm. Bring your own modern board games from quick, light fillers to long, thematic adventures.
Everyone over 16 years is welcome, where complete beginners or seasoned hobbyists. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
25 June
30 July
27 August
Fareham’s Big Weekend
FREE EVENT
Following its popularity and success last year, Fareham’s Big Weekend is back again for 2026!
From Fareham Shopping Centre to the waterfront, from Fareham Leisure Centre to Fareham Live, partner organisations and businesses across Fareham will be coming together to put on a huge variety of events and activities to showcase just how much the town has to offer from 10am-4pm each day.
4 and 5 July
Summer of Sport – Every Tuesday in August
FREE EVENT
This fun, free, family-friendly event will be taking place every Tuesday from 11am–1pm at the Bandstand on West Street. Celebrating the Commonwealth Games, there will be a new sports-themed activity each week. Designed for families of all ages, each session offers hands-on fun that encourages movement, teamwork, and plenty of smiles.
4 August – MPSK8 – Roller skating + Smoothie Bike
11 August – BTD Coaching – Dodgeball Activities
18 August – BTD Coaching – Dodgeball Activities + Smoothie Bike
25 August – A.C.T – Boxing Circuits
Tunes in the Garden
FREE EVENT
Tunes in the Garden brings a new musical experience to the charming Civic Gardens, the beautifully maintained green space tucked between Fareham Live and Fareham Library. Known for its vibrant summer bedding and colourful floral displays, the gardens provide the perfect backdrop for relaxed open-air performances.
Each week from 5-8pm, we will showcase a different musical genre – from mellow acoustic sets to lively ensembles.
6 August: Alice Mayhead and Nathan Cannon
13 August: HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band and Military Wives Choir
20 August: Debbie Corbett and Roy Coombes
27 August: Kieron Cox and Bodyrox
Play Day
Children 3-11 years: £3
Infant aged 2 years or under: FREE
Accompanying adults: FREE
This family favourite takes place at Holly Hill Woodland Park and offers a range of woodland themed activities for all the family. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day in the woods, with activities such as den building, woodland crafts and more!
These must be booked in advance, so head to www.fareham.gov.uk/playday to find out more.
12 August
11.00am until 3.30pm (timed entry slots)
Motors and Melodies
FREE EVENT
This free annual event features an array of classic cars for visitors to admire. Local groups that usually attend are South Hants Vehicle Preservation Society, Morris Minors Owners Club, Original Minis Group 59-00 and Solent Mini Club, plus many independent car owners. There will also be singing and dancing performances, activities for children, and a pop-up vintage artisan market.
12 September
Christmas lights switch-on
FREE EVENT
This is the most popular of the Councils annual events, with thousands attending each year. Fareham’s Christmas lights switch-on includes a Christmas market, free children’s activities, fun fair rides, food and drink, and street and stage performers.
The event is free but some activities have a small charge.
Keep an eye on the website for updates and a full timetable of activities.
21 November: 10am-7pm
Lights switched on at 5:30pm under the bandstand