What’s on in Portsmouth – adventures on the mainland

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Portsmouth. Touring season brings huge shows to the city’s theatres and venues, there are some big events in the city’s calendar making their return and a whole host of family-friendly activities will run over the October and Christmas school holidays.

As we look ahead toward Christmas, then panto takes centre stage – oh yes it does! There are plenty to choose from in Portsmouth; the Kings Theatre is putting on Aladdin (which sees the return of Shaun Williamson by huge popular demand), while the New Theatre Royal has Snow White and for Portsmouth Guildhall it’s the turn of Cinderella.

If festive shopping holds more appeal, then be sure to visit some of the city’s many artisan markets. Port Solent, Portsmouth Cathedral, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and the Hotwalls Studios will be among those welcoming some of the best makers the South has to offer, so you can give gifts that are truly unique.

Keep an eye on the Visit Portsmouth website for dates and details on all the city’s festive events, as well as everything else there is to see and do at the Great Waterfront City. There are festive film screenings, Christmas concerts and loads more besides – so make sure you don’t miss out on what’s going on!

2026 promises to be a huge year for Portsmouth, as the city celebrates its centenary with a year-round programme of events and installations.

A whole year of activities is being lined up to mark the 100th anniversary of Portsmouth being declared a city. As well as many of the city’s regular events having a centenary theme, there will be new additions to the calendar – including a lion sculpture trail coming later in the year.

2026 also brings with it a number of other big anniversaries – Portsmouth International Port turns 50, and it’ll be 18 years of the Love Southsea Markets. 

Portsmouth BookFest returns for a three-week citywide celebration of books, ideas and imagination. It again includes a children’s week, packed with activities for youngsters that takes place over the half-term holidays. Then, for grown-ups, there will be talks covering everything from punk music (exploring the genre’s rebellious energy on its 50th anniversary year) to Peter Sellers (looking at the iconic comic actor who was born in Portsmouth in 1925) and local history (offering engaging insights on Portsmouth and its surrounds).

Another literary great to have called Portsmouth home is Charles Dickens. His birthday, on 7 February, is marked with a small service, readings and free entry to the Charles Dickens’ Birthplace Museum on Old Commercial Road.

Elsewhere, some big hitters from the world of music and TV head to the city’s venues, among them Diversity, Sue Perkins, Suede and Giles Brandreth. 

All this means that 2026 really is the time to plan a day trip or even a longer stay in Portsmouth.