The Three Musketeers at Fort Nelson, Portchester

4 September 2026
Royal Armouries is pleased to welcome Illyria to Fort Nelson for this very special outdoor performance of The Three Musketeers. Young D’Artagnan is determined to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King’s Guard. Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of scheming, romance and broad comedy - and the finest swashbuckling in the business.

Open-Air Theatre at The Hospital of St Cross, Winchester

18 July and 22 August 2026
The Hospital of St Cross is putting on a brilliant programme of outdoor theatre on their medieval site. And where better to be immersed in Shakespearean drama? On 18 July, Oddsocks Theatre returns with their new take on the famous star-crossed lovers, Romeo & Juliet. Cap off the summer with Gilbert & Sullivan's beloved operetta, HMS Pinafore, setting sail on 22 August.

Image: Illyria Theatre Company

Outdoor cinema near Winchester

Mamma Mia at voco Winchester Hotel & Spa

4 September 2026
Gather your friends, bring a blanket or pop-up chair, and settle in for a feel-good evening of music, laughter and unforgettable sing-along moments at voco Winchester Hotel & Spa's outdoor cinema screen. Set against the backdrop of a late summer evening, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and enjoy a unique outdoor experience.

Outdoor Cinema Nights at Lainston House, near Winchester

6 - 29 August 2026
Settle in for a sunset screening of your favourite family classics, romantic throwbacks and marvellous musicals at Lainston House's Outdoor Cinema Nights. Snuggle up with your blanket, a picnic or a delicious woodfired pizza from the Wellhouse, Lainston House's onsite woodfire kitchen. Make it a sleepover by booking a room or suite at Lainston House. As a cinema goer, you’ll get 10% off your stay! Get in touch with the hotel team to redeem the offer.

Image: Lainston House

Outdoor music and festivals near Winchester

Jazz Lates at Winchester Cathedral Café 

25 June, 16 July and 20 August 2026
Unwind at dusk and discover a hidden haven in the city centre with Winchester Cathedral's new series of open-air Jazz Lates. IN this family-friendly programme, you can enjoy live jazz music, freshly cooked pizza from the outdoor oven, Jude’s ice-cream, and Chalkdown sparkling wine. There’s no need to book; simply drop in and enjoy a laid-back evening perfect for an after-work drink or an evening with friends and family.

Wickham Festival, Near Fareham

30 July to 2 August 2026
Wickham Festival is a 4-day music and arts festival held on a country farm near the historic village of Wickham. With live music on four stages plus a host of other entertainment, Wickham is rated by many as one of the safest, most relaxed and family-friendly festivals in the UK. This year’s lineup is a vibrant mix of folk, rock, and world music, featuring legends like The Saw Doctors, The Proclaimers and Curtis Stigers.

Jazz & Fizz at Hambledon Wine Estate

1 August and 8 August 2026
For two consecutive weekends, come to the Vineyard for a relaxed afternoon filled with music, food, and fizz, with the sensational Amy Baker (1st August) and the dynamic Brass Breakout Jazz Orchestra (8th August). A selection of food stalls and local produce will be on hand to perfectly pair with your complimentary glass of Hambledon's Finest English Sparkling Wine.

Boomtown

12 August to 16 August 2026
Boomtown returns to Winchester this year for another spectacular year of music, theatre, and creativity. You can expect a lineup that dances across musical genres, including reggae, punk, electronic, folk, and more. Enjoy thousands of performers and over 500 musical acts including Scissor Sisters, Skrillex and Shaggy.

Image: Wickham Festival