28 unmissable events this year as Portsmouth celebrates its 100th birthday of being a city

Portsmouth100 was officially launched on January 1 at a special free community event featuring a host of voices and iconic images from across the city - as well as music and a short free fireworks display. The lighthouse at Southsea Castle is also lit up for the first time since 2017.

A huge number of events have already been lined up for 2026, with the showpiece being the Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail Hunt which will see creatively coloured lions placed around the city to form a free art trail from July 13 to September 13.

Here are just some of the many events taking place to put into your diary! More information about Portsmouth100 and future events are also available on the Portsmouth100 website.

April

• MDSFindIt100 - April 3 to 5: Artist My Dog Sighs is bringing the joy of discovering hidden art back to our streets with a citywide treasure hunt like no other. Around 8,000 pieces of art - worth a combined £100,000 - will be hidden across the city over three exciting days. From unique prints and mini art works to original paintings, each find will be a little piece of creativity just waiting to be discovered and yours to keep, completely free! More details at mydogsighs.co.uk
• Hotwalls Studios Creative Markets - April 11 & 12: The markets see a host of local designer makers showcase their works from outdoor stalls, whilst the resident artists throw open their studio doors to welcome in visitors, talk about their process and show off their items. Markets often feature live music, food and demonstrations, plus there's a chance to get a bite to eat or quality coffee from the onsite eatery – The Canteen. More details at hotwallsstudios.co.uk/event-tile
• Pompey dedicated matchday - April 18: The fixture, Portsmouth vs Leicester City in the EFL Championship, will bring supporters together for an occasion that showcases what makes the local community unique. The matchday experience will include themed activity across the stadium, tailored content on big screens and digital platforms, and opportunities for fans to engage with local organisations that play an important role in Portsmouth’s identity. More details at www.portsmouthfc.co.uk

May

• Portsmouth Comic Con - May 2 and 3: Portsmouth Comic Con is making a welcome return to the Guildhall on May 2 and 3. Filled with costumes, experiences, merchandise and a whole heap of fun it is one not to be missed! Meet the creators behind your favourite comics, delve into the works behind films, and explore some of the biggest franchises around through an exciting range of panels, displays, workshops and exhibitions. Join the colourful cosplay parades, and enjoy a host of interactive fun. More details at portsmouthcomiccon.com
• Guildhall Squared Festival in Guildhall Square - May 5-10: Guildhall Squared will celebrate connections across ages, cultures and communities. And where possible activities will be free for audiences to enjoy. Just as a square requires four corners, so “Guildhall Squared” will draw from the four corners of our great city! More details at www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/event/guildhall-squared/271853101
• Portsmouth Sing 100 Festival - May 8-10: Organised by Portsmouth City Council, the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Cathedral - and presented by many groups associated with the city - this three-day festival celebrates classical and light music as part of the Portsmouth100 commemorative year. This great city is home to a huge array of professional and amateur groups, involving children as young as six through to adults of all ages. Experience this showcase of all that’s on offer – and maybe think about joining one of the groups! Many of the events will be free. More details at www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/event/portsmouth-sing-100-festival/275286101
• Pretty Muddy and Race For Life - May 9-10: A weekend of fun and fundraising will take place on May 9 and 10 to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. The 'Pretty Muddy' 5k event will take place on the Saturday leaving from Southsea Common featuring a number of fun obstacles for participants to navigate. The standard running event takes place the following day. For more details or to enter visit raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org
• Live at the Bandstand! Starts May 23-24: Portsmouth City Council have announced that Live at the Bandstand will be returning to the city in May. Watch out for the full line up.
• Love South Parade Pier 26 - May 23 - 25: The Love South Parade Pier event returns for 2026, with a host of all-ages entertainment inside The Gaiety bar. A host of performers are being lined up, and this will be the second year of supporting Helping Hands, a local charity that feeds and helps the homeless and vulnerable in Portsmouth. More details at book.events/pierday/2026-05-23/45907

June

• Portsmouth Pride - June 6: Portsmouth Pride returns to Southsea Common on, with a bumper celebration planned as part of the Portsmouth100 events. And as always the events on the common will be free. Some incredible acts are set to perform, the event will kick off with the fantastic parade along the sea front, and there will also be performances on the community stage as well as stalls and food and drink available. ukpride.portsmouthpride.org.uk
• Port Open Day - June 13: Portsmouth International Port marks its 50th year - at the same time as the Portsmouth100 celebrations - with a special open day. It will throw open its doors so residents and visitors can see behind the scenes and find more out about all the activities that go on there. In addition to promoting the port, the open day involves partner organisations showcasing their activities, which includes harbour tours, onboard vessel visits and an equipment showcase. More details at portsmouth-port.co.uk/news/celebrations-for-the-ports-50th-anniversary
• Armed Forces Day - June 20: Portsmouth's Armed Forces Day returns with free displays and events on Southsea Common, as well as stalls from veterans, charities and military organisations. More details at www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/event/armed-forces-day/200536101
• The Barn Studio Theatre Open Weekend - June 27 & 28: The multi-award winning Portsmouth Players, the city's oldest theatre company, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. As part of its celebrations it is opening the doors of its The Barn studio for an open day. ​It stages high-quality productions at some of Portsmouth’s most iconic venues, including the Kings Theatre, Theatre Royal and our its own studio theatre at The Barn, Milton Park. There will be workshops, displays, music and much more. More details at portsmouthplayers.co.uk

July

• Southsea Food Festival - July 4 and 5: Branching out from the Palmerston Road area, food lovers can browse, sample, and buy a wide range of foods - including churros, takoyaki, ice cream, BBQ, local condiments, tea, wines, beers, and Portsmouth's award-winning 5-year aged rum. This free event also boasts an acoustic stage featuring local musical talent, family entertainments, plus a Kitchen Stage where local chefs and restaurateurs will showcase their specialities, it promises to be a fantastic foodie day out. More details at rediscoverportsmouth.co.uk/type/southsea-food-festival
• Portsmouth100 Music Service - July 9: To celebrate the city's centenary, schools across the area are invited to join the Portsmouth Music Hub for an exciting celebration of creativity and community. The showcase, taking place at Portsmouth Guildhall, will feature songs inspired by the city's rich heritage, and bring together voices and stories in a vibrant celebration to mark the 100th anniversary. More details at www.portsmouthmusichub.org/portsmouth-100
• The Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail - July 13 to September 13: A wonderful 'Pride of Portsmouth Lion Trail' will come alive over eight roaring weeks with a pride of lion sculptures, each uniquely designed by talented artists and inspired by the spirit of our vibrant city. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, young or young at heart, this trail promises discovery, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun. The trail, developed in association with Wild in Art, will include an app to download and ‘unlock’ each lion to find more information and rewards. More details at prideofportsmouth.co.uk
• Prom in the Park - July 15: Join Portsmouth Music Service and local schools for a magical day of music and celebration at Victoria Park from 11am to 2pm. Plus, there’ll be interactive doodle workshops with Seekers Create and vocal workshops where everyone can get involved and sing together. More details at www.portsmouthmusichub.org/portsmouth-100
• Centenary Concert Series - July 10 - 18: On Friday 17 July, two giants of film music will come head-to-head in a ‘The Best of Williams & Zimmer’ symphonic spectacular concert of award-winning soundtracks from some of the most iconic films of all time! John Williams’ music from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, ET, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter and more will be pitched against Hans Zimmer’s tracks from Gladiator, The Da Vinci Code, Interstellar, Last Samurai and Batman Begins. Then on Saturday 18 July, the party returns with Smash Hits: The 80s – featuring the biggest tracks of the decade by Madonna, Toto, Ultravox, Elton John, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, A-Ha, George Michael and many more performed by the full orchestra, it is time to dig out the neon and get ready to hit the dance floor. More details at www.portsmouthguildhall.org.uk/whats-on
• Family Festival - July 25: Home-Start Portsmouth hosts a free family festival at Victoria Park, with local charities, organisations and groups showcasing their support and activities for families, parents/carers, and children in the city from 10am to 4pm. Each stall will provide an activity, there will be entertainment from community groups, and specialised areas for children. All activities are free or extremely low cost, with money raised going directly to supporting the charities in attendance. More details at hsportsmouth.org.uk
• Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix - July 19 & 20: SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth. Witness the thrill of what has been dubbed 'the most exciting racing on water', with spectacular viewing from the elevated Race Stadium. Meanwhile a huge on-water presence is expected on The Solent as the UK’s passionate sailing fandom pack out the event. Sail GP Portsmouth is Race 8 in a calendar of 14, with other global locations including Auckland, Dubai, New York, Sydney and Rio de Janeiro. More details at sailgp.com/races/2026/great-britain-sail-grand-prix-portsmouth/overview
• Clipper Race Grand Finale - July 25 & 26: Soak up the atmosphere and share the exhilarating adventure of ocean racing as the Clipper Round the World Race returns to Portsmouth for its grand finale. The world's greatest ocean adventure returns to Gunwharf Quays at the culmination of an eleven month, 47,000-mile yacht race around the world. Greet the fleet, meet the Race Crew, join the celebration with live entertainment into the evening, and enjoy great international food and drinks fit for heroes. Witness history as the Clipper Race fleet parades across the Solent to the finish line off Southsea Castle. More details at www.clipperroundtheworld.com/port/portsmouth-gunwharf-quays-grand-finale/2025-26

August

• Beach Dubbin' - August 2: Beach Dubbin' - the ultimate VW show by the sea - returns to Southsea Common showcasing some of the best VW vehicles around with exhibitors showcasing an amazing variety of Volkswagens, vintage, and classic vehicles, and everything in between. The free event features show and shine competition, entertainment, a family area, local traders and caterers. More details at www.beachdubbin.co.uk
• Victorious Festival - August 28 - 30: Victorious Festival returns for the August bank holiday weekend in 2026, bringing with it more huge names from the world of music, comedy and entertainment. Your 2026 headliners are Richard Ashcroft (Friday), The Black Keys (Saturday) and Kasabian (Sunday). The afternoon special guest slots are, respectively, Rudimental, Dizzee Rascal and Sigrid. More details at www.victoriousfestival.co.uk

September

• Heritage Open Days 2026 - September 11 - 20: There will be a whole host of events and activities organised to celebrate the occasion and shine a spotlight on our culture, heritage and people. Heritage Open Days will be no exception, as museums, galleries and institutions throw open their doors for free access to items and areas not usually on public display. More details at www.heritageopendays.org.uk
• Portsmouth International Kite Festival - September 12 and 13: The free event returns with the skies above Southsea Common bursting into life and colour, featuring beautiful and awe-inspiring kites, flown by some of the world’s most internationally renowned flyers. The festival has amazing demonstrations showcasing the art of kite flying and making, which will see UK and European champions flying multi-line kites to music - performing tricks and ballet routines. There will also be a host of activities available, including craft stalls and local amusements, whilst dedicated kite traders will be on hand with a wide range of equipment to browse and buy. More details at: www.portsmouthkitefestival.org.uk

October

• Great South Run Weekend - October 17 & 18: The Great South Run makes a return in 2026 - and with the sea defence works in front of Southsea Common due to be long finished by then it means a return to its usual route. Saturday will see a 5K event, children's races - and a mascot race as well. The man ten-mile run takes place on the Sunday. More details at www.greatrun.org/events/great-south-run

November

• Portsmouth fireworks display - November 3: The skies above Southsea Common will explode into colour with a huge free fireworks display, with entertainment before hand for the whole family. The site opens at 4pm, with stalls and entertainment for the whole family. Then, the big event itself is scheduled to take place from 7pm. (weather permitting). More details at www.visitportsmouth.co.uk/event/fireworks-display/227164101

December

• Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon - December 20: Get ready for the Portsmouth Marathon events on the south coast! Run the full, half, or 12km along the stunning seafront routes – there will be a festive atmosphere, great support, and unforgettable coastal views. More details at fitprorob.enthuse.com/ps/event/PortsmouthMarathonEvents2026