The FRESHEST Events To Attend In Southampton For Summer 2023
With the academic year coming to an end and summer just around the corner, the vibrant city of Southampton has a calendar packed full of exciting events for you to attend.
From cultural festivals to music concerts to food and drink fairs to the annual pride parade, this buzzing coastal city has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll be diving into all of the freshest events in Southampton that will make your summer 2023 truly remarkable.
1. Let’s Rock Southampton
Are you wanting to make the most of summer in this stunning seaside city? One music festival you should check out is Let’s Rock Southampton.
If you’re a fan of the 80s, Let’s Rock will be bringing you a retro blast from the past with the very best of the decade, with huge names like Soft Cell, Heaven 17, The Boomtown Rats, Kim Wilde, and more taking to the stage.
Not only will there be stellar artists performing, you can also expect a range of food and drink outlets, a funfair, and an array of entertainment.
So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to experience one of the freshest and most exciting events at Southampton Common!
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When: Saturday 8th July 2023
Where: Southampton Common
2. Unknown Mortal Orchestra
For the music enthusiasts out there, a gig you need to experience this summer is the Unknown Mortal Orchestra.
After the release of their new album, the three-piece psychedelic rock band from America and New Zealand are embarking on a North America and UK Tour, and will be heading to Southampton this August.
Taking place at the city’s largest independent grassroots music venue, The 1865, this is not a concert you’ll want to miss out on.
Tickets are still available so be sure to get planning with your besties and get yours before they all sell out!
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When: 29th August
Where: The 1865
3. Shy FX In The Garden
After a long academic year of studying and working hard, you deserve to immerse yourself in the buzzing events taking place in Southampton.
Did someone say a day rave in the sun? They sure did!
From 6pm until midnight at Sobar Garden, one the biggest pioneers of the Jungle and Drum & Bass scenes, Shy FX, will be performing alongside Stamina MC.
This exciting event on Saturday 17th June is absolutely not one to miss out on if you’re a music fan.
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When: 17th June
Where: Sobar Garden
4. Southampton Pride
This August, join the celebration of diversity and equality at Southampton Pride.
The colourful parade winds through the city streets to showcase the city’s inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Both the parade and the festival at Guildhall Square are free to attend with live music, dance performances, drag shows, and a wide range of food and drink stalls.
The headliners for this year’s exciting event include The Vivienne, Drag Syndrome and Liberty!
Why not get together to spread love, acceptance, and joy this summer?
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When: 26th August
Where: Guidhall Square
5. ABBA Bingo Wonderland
Calling all ABBA lovers! This Bingo Wonderland event is going to be mega, and is a great chance to make everlasting memories.
Taking place on the 1st of July at Buzz Bingo, there’s huge prizes to be won, mini-games, and non-stop ABBA hits – maybe the winner really does take it all?!
Don’t forget to dress up in your best flares and 70s attire with your fellow dancing queens!
Early bird tickets are currently available so grab yours now.
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When: 1st July
Where: Buzz Bingo, Southampton
6. Drum & Brunch
After a bottomless brunch to experience with your besties this summer? Southampton’s Drum & Bass Brunch is back this July.
If you love DnB, chicken, unlimited drinks and feel-good vibes, then this event is for you.
This summer highlight will be at the Engine Rooms from 1pm until 6pm on Saturday 8th of July, with bottomless punch and chicken for 60 minutes.
It definitely sounds like a dream, so make sure to secure your ticket for this exclusive party!
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When: 8th July
Where: Engine Rooms
7. Beat & Eats Southampton
Looking for Southampton events for September 2023? Attending Beats & Eats is the best way to end the summer!
Returning to Hoglands Park, Beats & Eats will play host to amazing bands, DJs, and artists, as well as street kitchens offering cuisine from around the world.
There will also be independent bars where you can treat yourself with the array of lager, craft beer, cider, spirits, and cocktails on offer.
Spanning across the 16th and 17th of September, if you haven’t got this unmissable event in your calendar yet, add it now!
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When: 16-17th September
Where: Hoglands Park
8. Southampton Mela Festival
Are you keen to get a taste of international culture whilst living in this South Coast city? The Southampton Mela Festival is a MUST!
Celebrating modern and traditional Asian culture, this event is a chance to experience world-class music, dance, art and music, as well as get involved with an array of popup activities and street theatre.
There’s also a whole host of delicious authentic food and drink to try at this annual celebration, and local traders offering arts and crafts.
A part of the city’s cultural calendar for over two decades, this fun-filled event should be at the top of your list for this summer!
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When: 15th July
Where: Hoglands Park
9. The Southampton Rum Festival 2023
Attention rum lovers… The Southampton Rum Festival is returning to The Hobbit Pub for another year!
On Saturday 29th July, you can make the most of live music in the terraced garden, a bar with more than 40 rums on offer, mouth-watering food served all day, as well as a fully themed venue.
If you love dressing to impress, pirate fancy dress is encouraged with prizes for the best dressed.
Tickets are just £12 so get yours now and make some great memories with your friends.
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When: 29th July
Where: The Hobbit Pub
10. Southampton Thai Festival
For all you avid travellers, you can feel like you’ve travelled abroad whilst staying right on the South Coast, thanks to the Southampton Thai Festival.
Showcasing the very best of Thai culture, this festival has something for everyone with authentic Thai food, dancing, martial arts, singing and more.
You can even learn how to whip up Thai cocktails, or just sit back, relax and soak up the sunshine with a drink in hand!
Go and experience the fascinating culture of Thailand this July, it’s going to be a blast!
Photo by: Southampton Thai Festival
When: 1st-2nd July
Where: Hoglands Park
Summer 2023 in Southampton promises an extraordinary lineup of events to suit everyone.
We hope our rundown of the freshest events you need to attend has given you some inspiration, have the best summer!
What Southampton events 2023 are you attending? We’d love to hear from you @_homesforstudents.
Festival season is almost here, get prepared by reading our guide on The 10 Best TikTok Festival Hacks For 2023.
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