Get ready for a summer packed with excitement in Basingstoke! From outdoor adventures to captivating performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Festival Fun

Basingstoke Festival kicked off on Friday 21 June, but don’t worry if you missed the first weekend, there are still two incredible weekends to enjoy on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June and Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July. This free, family-friendly event showcases outdoor arts in unexpected locations across Basingstoke and Deane – prepare to be amazed by street theatre, circus acts and dance. You will also find pop-up workshops in The Festival Hub including, live music and arts and crafts, located on the upper level of Festival Place. For the first time this year, Basingstoke Festival will have BSL interpretation on Saturday 29 June and Saturday 6 July.

The UK's largest family fundraising festival, CarFest will be back at Laverstoke Park Farm for an unforgettable weekend from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 August. You can expect performances from artists, bands and DJ’s, food demonstrations, the chance to have a go at new experiences along with sports and art for kids.

Step back in time and relive the magic at Old Skool Neverland, a festival celebrating the golden era of old-school garage and R&B. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Under fives go free. You can also book the shuttle bus from Basingstoke or Hook train stations.

Summer fun for all ages

Commemorate Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June at Milestones Museum. On 29 June, 48 military vehicles will assemble on the Milestones green as they prepare for the Military Convoy which departs at 10am. On the museum floor you can enjoy the music of Frankie Heartless, the Blue Stockings and Kate Aherne! Carrying on the vehicles theme, you can visit the Morris Minor Car Club event at Milestones on Sunday 7 July.

Head to Whitchurch Silk Mill on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July for Weftival, a celebration of all things weaving. Fun activities and fascinating demonstrations await!

Calling all football fans! The Rotary Club is hosting a Family Football Festival on Saturday 6 July – a perfect day out for everyone to enjoy a kick-about and some family fun.

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 various Sundays throughout July, August, and September in Eastrop Park.

Basingstoke Pride, a family-friendly and inclusive event celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals will take place on Saturday 17 August from 12noon to 4pm at Festival Place. Expect a parade, vibrant performances, diverse stalls, captivating music, and engaging arts and crafts. You will need a free ticket to enter the event, take a look at the Basingstoke Pride website for more information.

Outdoor cinema and theatre

Immerse yourself in the magic of This is My Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night's Dream performed at the grounds of St Nicholas’ Church. Pop Thursday 25 July in your diary and grab tickets here. It promises to be an enchanting evening.

Enjoy outdoor theatre and cinema at The Vyne during June, July and August. They will have The Importance of Being Earnest on stage and screenings of Pretty Woman, Top Gun or sing along versions of Grease and The Greatest Showman. Grab your pals and pack up a picnic to enjoy these!

Dorset based SISATA will transport you to Neverland like you have never seen it before in an outdoor performance of Peter Pan at Whitchurch Silk Mill on Saturday 3 August. Inspired by the Isle of Portland off the Jurassic Coast, meet the natives of Portland, pirates and smugglers and a prehistoric Jurassic monster intent on consuming the rest of Hook.

Foodie fun:

Sizzle into summer with a delicious BBQ feast at the Holiday Inn on Saturday 27 July. Perfect for a family gathering or a relaxing catch up with friends.

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 31 August expect cookery demonstrations, live music, kids activities and lots mouthwatering treats!

Unwinding for Grown-Ups

Escape the hustle and bustle with a sophisticated evening at a Bombay Sapphire cinema night. Enjoy a classic film in front of their big screen paired with a refreshing G&T – pure bliss! Enjoy Top Gun on Sunday 21 July or Ocean's Eleven on Sunday 18 August.

Get dressed up and dance the night away at the glamorous Summer Ball at Oakley Hall Hotel on Saturday 27 July. A sophisticated evening filled with captivating entertainment, exquisite cuisine and plenty of dancing!

Prepare to be shaken...not stirred, by a host of hilarious characters who will serve up comedy mayhem alongside a three-course meal with James Bond Live and Let Dine at The Holiday Inn. With four actors playing 13 characters, expect outrageous supervillains, death defying missions and plenty of puns! Saturday 17 August.

Summer holiday 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.

Fri-YAY is Back! Our popular Fri-YAY events return every Friday in August, bringing a blast of free summer fun to Basingstoke town centre. Have a go at climbing, parkour, scooter training along with crafts, mini golf and face painting. There really is something for everyone.

This summer, enjoy demonstrations, activities and interactive fun as you unearth life from Field to Fork at Milestones Museum. You’ll discover a bustling marketplace showcasing local goods and produce of historic Britain.  

Prepare for a magical adventure! The much-loved Scratch Built x Proteus Summer Show returns for 2024 with Knight Time, a magical medieval adventure where you will be whisked away to faraway lands full of enchantment, with stories of friendship and bravery. Find them at Proteus Creation Space with performances running from Saturday 3 to Sunday 11 August.

There’s 'Bloomin’ Barrels of Fun to be had at Festival Place. Enjoy Wildlife Wednesdays for free take-home eco craft workshops including floral headdresses, origami and plant pot decorating. Festival Place have also teamed up with The Beardy Gardener and Artwell to create beautiful display gardens which will be on display from Wednesday 24 July to Friday 30 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 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.

June 2024