Summer fun in Basingstoke and Deane: 2026 edition!

Get ready for a summer packed with excitement in Basingstoke and Deane. From outdoor adventures to captivating performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s your guide to a summer well spent - shaped around the kind of experience you’re in the mood for.

Festival fun

Join Silchester Farm's Summer Festival on Sunday 7 June, from midday until late and enjoy a relaxed day of outdoor food, drinks, and live music in the heart of the countryside.

Summer in Basingstoke isn’t complete without the much-loved Basingstoke Festival which is celebrating 15 years this year. Immerse yourself in the magic of live performances, discover new artists and celebrate the creative spirit of Basingstoke. Discover a fantastic programme of outdoor arts including circus, dance, music, storytelling and street theatre. This is the kind of festival where you can stumble across something unexpected whilst in town that keeps the kids (and adults) completely captivated.

Valhalla Viking Festival at Dummer Down Farm is a three-day Viking Festival at the end of July with a great Viking feast each night. Expect reenactment battles, live music, a living history village, traditional storytellers around fire pits in the evening and have a go at blacksmithing, horn carving, archery, leather working and other workshops for traditional crafts.

Basingstoke Pride will take on Saturday 22 August in the Festival Place amphitheatre. Expect a vibrant parade, live performances, delicious food and a range of activities that embrace our differences.

Sporty fun

Get ready for a high-energy day of extreme sports, live music, and family fun on Saturday 25 July as Limitless returns again this year. Expect a skate jam courtesy of The Stoke Park, pro-demos in the Love Basingstoke arena and some have-a-go activities like wall climbing and DJ workshops.

Art and Culture

Head to Whitchurch Silk Mill for a glorious afternoon of picnicking, beverages and a range of rare Regency crafts at their Regency picnic on Saturday 6 June. Those who would like to promenade in their Regency dress are welcome to. The Silk Mill will also host its first Flower Festival this year from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June.

Outdoor cinema, theatre and music

For something a little more atmospheric, head to The Vyne, where history meets open-air entertainment. There’s nothing quite like settling into a deck chair as the sun sets, a picnic at your feet, ready for an outdoor cinema screening or theatre performance under the stars. This year enjoy outdoor theatre performances of Romeo and Juliet, The (Almost) Complete History of Britain and As You Like It. If cinema is more your thing then check out Pride and Prejudice, Elvis Presley in Concert and more.

And not leaving the kids out, you can find outdoor theatre in Whitchurch with children’s shows including Books! and The Wizard and The Mechanic.

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and settle in for a delightful afternoon of free music as part of the summer bands programme. Enjoy live bands performing on select Sundays throughout July, August and September in Eastrop Park or The War Memorial Park.

For foodies, social butterflies and a touch of glamour

The Taste of Caribbean Food Festival is coming to Basingstoke. This family-friendly event is a foodie fiesta celebrating the vibrant flavours and traditions of the Caribbean islands. Taking place on Saturday 30 May, expect cookery demonstrations, live music, kids activities and lots of mouthwatering treats!

Experience the taste of Thailand with the Magic of Thailand Festival which returns to The War Memorial Park again this Saturday 6 June.

If your ideal summer evening involves dressing up and raising a glass, The Oakley Hall Summer Ball on Saturday 6 June is a must. Set within the elegant grounds of this beautiful country house hotel, it’s an evening of fine dining, dancing and celebration.

Summer fun for the kids

If you are wondering what there is to do for the kids this summer, the answer is... plenty. Here are just some of the many things you can enjoy.

Bees! Natures Hive of History continues at The Willis Museum until Sunday 28 June as does We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at The Vyne.

We’ll be back with free summer fun for the kids! This year find us with August Adventures in Basingstoke town centre, Brighton Hill, Russell Howard Park, Tadley and Penwood.

Pack up your swimming trunks, sun cream and a beach ball and follow Pip and her dad to the ‘great British countryside', for a hilarious, theatrical and interactive adventure-by-the-sea. The The much-loved Scratch Built x Proteus Summer Show returns for 2026 with Let’s Go to the Seaside. Find them at Proteus Creation Space with performances running from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 2 August.

And don't forget!

Basingstoke boasts a wealth of fantastic experiences and attractions for all ages. Experience the thrill of indoor skydiving at iFLY, explore the rich history and culture at The Vyne and Whitchurch Silk Mill, or simply soak up the sunshine in one of our beautiful parks like Eastrop Park and The War Memorial Park.

We can't wait to welcome you to Basingstoke for a summer to remember!

Please note the inclusion of any business within this listing should not be seen as an endorsement of their services. Whilst the information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.

May 2026