What's On In Portsmouth - July 2025

From food festivals to fast boats, musicals to kites, July in Portsmouth is absolutely buzzing. Whether you’re entertaining the kids, hosting visitors, or just fancy a good day out yourself, here’s our pick of the best events happening in Portsmouth this month. Let’s dive into What’s on in Portsmouth in July!

🍴 Southsea Food Festival

📍 Palmerston Road, Southsea

🗓️ Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July | 10am–5pm

🎟️ FREE

Back for its 17th year, the Southsea Food Festival promises over 60 stalls from top local producers. Expect sizzling street food, tempting tasters, and plenty to wash it down with (craft beer, anyone?). There’s also live music and family entertainment to keep everyone happy.

Tip: Get there early for parking, Southsea fills up fast on food fest weekend! Bring cash as not all stalls take card.

👉 Read More Here!

🖼️ Art, Crafts & Makers Markets

🛍️ Summer Creative Market

📍 The Hotwalls Studios, Old Portsmouth

🗓️ Sat 5th & Sun 6th July | 10am – 4pm

Explore local artists, handcrafted treasures, and unique gifts in one of Portsmouth’s most picturesque settings. A lovely way to shop small and support independent makers.

🎨 Open Studios @ Art Space Portsmouth

📍 Southsea

🗓️ Sat 5th & Sun 6th July | 11am – 6pm

Meet local artists, explore their studios, and discover how the magic happens! A rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of Portsmouth’s vibrant art scene.

🛒 Southsea Castle Makers Market

📍 Southsea Castle

🗓️ Sun 13th July | 10am – 3:30pm

An artisan market in a castle? Yes please. Expect handmade jewellery, baked goods, and summer vibes by the sea.

🛍️ Port Solent Waterside Market

📍 The Boardwalk, Port Solent

🗓️ Sun 13th July | 10am – 4pm

Great food, crafty finds, and a lively marina backdrop, it’s a perfect way to round off your weekend.

🚛 Love Southsea Market

📍 Palmerston Road, Southsea

🗓️ Sat 19th July | 9am – 5pm

This well-loved monthly market brings together indie traders, delicious bites, and that unmistakable Southsea vibe.

🌾 Hampshire Farmers’ Market

📍 Palmerston Road

🗓️ Sun 20th July | 10am – 2pm

Pick up seasonal produce, baked treats, and more straight from the source.

🎶 Music, Dance & Culture

🎤 Live at the Bandstand – Castle Field

🗓️ Sat 5th & Sun 6th July | 1pm – 4pm

• Saturday: Acts from The Wedgewood Rooms

• Sunday: Ska, reggae, funk, soul & blues

💃 Live at the Bandstand – Salsa Special!

📍 Bandstand Field

🗓️ Sun 13th July | 1pm – 4pm

Enjoy a live Latin band, salsa DJ, and dancing on the grass! Don’t forget your dancing shoes.

🎸 Live at the Bandstand – King George V Playing Field

📍 Cosham

🗓️ Sun 20th July | 10am – 4pm

Line up includes Soot Sprite, Perkie, Jalou and Sadie Horler. A fresh vibe and family-friendly day out.

Read More Here

🎤 Sing The Musical – Kings Theatre

📍Albert Road

🗓️ Opening Day: Friday 4th July 19:30

Love a good show tune? This brand new musical is packed with your favourite numbers from Broadway and the West End. Think of a high energy, feel good evening the whole family can sing along to. Book Here!

🚗 Unique Local Experiences

🚙 Portsmouth & Southsea Car Boot Sale

📍 Southsea Common

🗓️ Sun 6th & Sun 20th July | 7am – 1pm

The early bird gets the vintage gem! A great mix of locals, treasure hunters, and Sunday moochers.

🚌 Vintage Bus Tours

🗓️ Sat 12th – City of Portsmouth Depot, Portchester | Sun 13th – D-Day Story

🕐 12pm – 4pm

Climb aboard restored buses and enjoy a scenic ride through local transport history. Great for kids and big kids alike!

⚓ Pontoon Open Day

📍 Boathouse 4, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

🗓️ Sat 26th July | 10am – 4:30pm

Get up close with historic boats, meet expert engineers, and explore behind the scenes at one of Portsmouth’s heritage highlights.

🏛️ Eastney Engine Houses Open Day

📍 Henderson Road, Eastney

🗓️ Sun 27th July | 10am – 3pm

A hidden gem of industrial history, this fascinating site is only open a few times a year.

🚤 RNLI Lifeboat Station Open Day

📍 Ferry Road, Southsea

🗓️ Sun 13th July | 11am – 4pm

Family fun with a lifesaving twist, see the lifeboats, meet the crew, and learn about their vital work.

🌶️ Southsea Thai Food and Craft Festival

📍 Southsea Common

🗓️ Sat 12th & Sun 13th July | 10am – 7pm

A vibrant celebration of Thai culture, cuisine, and creativity. Enjoy authentic food, traditional performances, and unique gifts.

🛥️ Solent 80 Powerboat Race

📍 Haslar Marina, Gosport

🗓️ Fri 11th & Sat 12th July | 12pm – 6pm

Ready for adrenaline on the water? These high speed boats will be tearing up the Solent in a thrilling display of power and precision.

🏰 Stansted Summer Festival

📍 Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle

🗓️ Sat 19th & Sun 20th July | 10am – 7pm

Country fair meets summer party. Expect live music, local food, workshops, and fun for the whole family. A gorgeous setting and easy trip from Portsmouth.

✨ Final Thoughts

July in Portsmouth is packed with experiences for all ages. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, history buff or simply want to enjoy the seaside vibes with your family, there’s something happening every single week.

📅 So clear your diary, grab your sunnies, and get exploring what’s on in Portsmouth this July!