What’s On In Portsmouth – August 2025

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Sunshine, seafronts and summer festivals. August in Portsmouth is sizzling with things to see, taste and do. Whether you’re staying local or showing off the city to guests, there’s something for every age and interest this month. From food festivals and fireworks to pirate days, LEGO madness and live music, here’s your guide to What’s On in Portsmouth this August!

Featured Events

Street Food Festival

📍 Gunwharf Quays
🗓️ Fri 1st – Sun 3rd August | From midday
🎟️ FREE entry

Street food with serious flavour! Tuck into everything from loaded fries and bao buns to churros and cocktails – all with a marina view.

🍹Tip: Friday evening gets busy fast – ideal for an after-work treat.

Pirate Family Day

📍 Port Solent
🗓️ Sat 2nd August | 11am–4pm
🎟️ FREE
Ahoy there, mini buccaneers! Expect pirate shows, treasure hunts, face painting, and fancy dress galore.
⚓ A top day out for kids (and grown-ups who never really grew up).

Love Southsea Market

📍 Palmerston Road, Southsea
🗓️ Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd AND Sat 16th August | 9am–5pm
🎟️ FREE
Your favourite indie market returns with artisan gifts, street food, local makers and those unmistakable Southsea vibes.
🎨 Great for gifts, browsing, and a cheeky street snack.

Tudor Day

📍 Southsea Castle
🗓️ Sun 3rd August | 10am–4pm
🎟️ FREE
Travel back to the 1500s with costumed characters, Tudor music and traditional crafts. Perfect for families and history lovers.
🛡️ Henry VIII might even make an appearance…

Live at the Bandstand

📍 Castle Field
🗓️ Sun 3rd August | 1pm–4pm
🎟️ FREE

Live music from The Maddocks and Big Long Sunday, plus vintage cars, stalls, and seafront sunshine
🎶 Bring a picnic and soak up the vibes.

Beach Dubbin' VW Show

📍 Castle Field, Southsea
🗓️ Sun 3rd August | 10am–4pm
🎟️ £5 donation
An epic line-up of classic VW campers, Beetles, and surf vans. Plus traders, food, and beachside tunes.
🌊 It’s like a Californian road trip… in Portsmouth.

Creative Market

📍 The Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea
🗓️ Thurs 8th August | 6pm–9:30pm
🎟️ FREE entry
Evening shopping with indie flair – from prints and pottery to plants and pins. Bar open, tunes playing, vibes flowing.
🌙 A dreamy way to support local creatives.

Port Solent Waterside Market

📍 The Boardwalk, Port Solent
🗓️ Sun 10th August | 10am–4pm
🎟️ FREE
Crafts, foodie finds, and that gorgeous marina backdrop. Sunday strolls don’t get better than this.

Vintage Bus Tours

📍 Portsmouth City Museum
🗓️ Sun 10th August | 12pm–4pm
🎟️ FREE
Hop on a restored vintage bus for a nostalgic ride around the city. A must for transport fans, young and old.

Racing, Ships & Big Weekends

The Ocean Race Europe- Stopover

📍 Gunwharf Quays
🗓️ Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th August

• ETA arrivals: 14th–16th

• Fan Village & Activities: Sat 17th
  

  Get close to the action as elite sailing teams dock in Portsmouth. The Saturday fan day includes live music, kids’ activities, and waterside food & drink.
  🌍 Global racing meets local celebration!

Portsmouth Brick Festival

📍 Mountbatten Centre
🗓️ Sunday 17th August | 10am–4pm
🎟️ From £7.50

Calling all LEGO fans! See massive builds, meet master builders, and shop exclusive sets. A colourful, creative day for all ages.
👟 Wear comfy shoes, it’s bigger than you think!

Hampshire Famers' Market

📍 Palmerston Road
🗓️ Sunday 17th August | 10am–2pm
🎟️Free
Stock up on local meats, cheeses, bakes, and produce straight from the source.
🍅 Come hungry, leave with bags!

Vintage Bus Tours: D-Day Special

📍 D-Day Story, Southsea
🗓️ Sunday 17th August | 12pm–4pm
🎟️ FREE

A different vintage route for history buffs! Catch the heritage ride from the museum and explore wartime Portsmouth.

Victorious Festival

📍 Southsea Common
🗓️ Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th August
🎟️ From £65 per day

Portsmouth’s biggest music weekend is back – with headline acts, a packed comedy tent, kids’ arena, food villages and chilled-out Common vibes.
🎸 Don’t forget your suncream (or raincoat… it’s the UK after all).

End of Summer Highlights

Clipper Race Fleet Arrival

📍 Gunwharf Quays
🗓️ Thursday 28th August | Times TBC
🎟️ FREE

Wave in the brave crews of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race as they sail into Portsmouth after thousands of miles at sea.Real-life adventurers at your doorstep!

Gosport Sunset Festival

📍 Walpole Park
🗓️ Fri 29th – Sun 31st August | 10:30am–11pm
🎟️ From £10

A new addition just across the water! Expect DJs, food, family fun and epic sunsets over the Solent. Quick ferry ride over and you’re there!

Pontoon Open Days

📍 Boathouse 4, Historic Dockyard
🗓️ Sat 30th & Sun 31st August | 10am–4pm
🎟️ FREE

Discover the heart of Portsmouth’s maritime heritage with Pontoon Open Weekends at Boathouse 4 – a hidden gem tucked inside the Historic Dockyard. The Boathouse 4 pontoon is home to a remarkable fleet of operational historic boats, and now’s your chance to get up close, climb aboard, and set sail into the past!

What to Expect:

• Step aboard some of Britain’s treasured vessels and experience naval history first-hand.

• Join a guided tour led by passionate volunteers who’ll bring these boats to life with fascinating stories.

• Feeling adventurous? Book a harbour trip on F8 or speed across the Solent aboard HSL 102 – two of the most exciting rides afloat!

  Admission to Pontoon Open Weekends is completely free!
  Just ask for a Historic Quarter Pass at the Visitor Centre when you arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Boat trips are an additional cost and can be booked by emailing: boatbookings@portsmouthhq.org.

Southsea Fireworks Spectacular

📍 Southsea Common
🗓️ Sat 31st August | 8:30pm
🎟️ FREE
End summer with a bang (literally). This dazzling display is the city’s grand finale to a packed season of fun.
🧺 Top tip: Get down early with your blanket and snacks – it gets busy!