Get out those glad rags hanging at the back of the wardrobe, apply the sunscreen and get ready for a summer of amazing festivals and events here in the New Forest. Whether you are looking for ideas for all the family, love anything foodie or just fancy a day out with a difference, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.
Let’s take a look at some of the top summer festivals and events you can head to this summer…
Dogstival - 1-2 June
Don’t miss out on this year’s Dogstival, returning to Burley once again! This special festival focuses on all things dog-related, expect dog agility courses, dog demonstrations galore, a K9 splash pool and canine MOT centre. For the humans among the group, there’ll be lots of live music, a vintage fun fair as well as food and drink stalls offering an array of tempting treats.
Image - Dogstival
Brockfest – 3 June
Brockenhurst College will be busy on Saturday 1 June with Brockfest. Featuring live music, fairground rides, food and drink and lots more, this event caters for all ages.
Lymington Seafood Festival – 12-14 July
If you love nothing better than the taste of freshly caught seafood then be sure to add the Lymington Seafood Festival to your calendar. Returning again to Bath Road Park, expect around 80 stands of seafood delights and tempting drinks to choose from.
Throughout the three-day festival expect lots of live music and street performances, including The Fleetwood Mac Experience. Tickets are on sale now.
Image - Lymington Sea Food Festival
New Forest Show – 30 July-1 August
The New Forest’s flagship event, the New Forest Show is back in 2024 in the Showground at Brockenhurst.
Come along to see agricultural shows, wander around the local produce market to buy some tasty New Forest goodies, check out the shopping area that features over 600 stalls and watch live demonstrations on beekeeping, forestry and much more. For little ones, the family fun area features regular children’s entertainment. Tickets are on sale now and are discounted when booked in advance.
Image - New Forest Show
Ellingham Show – 10 August
This annual show returns for 2024 with a livestock displays, horse, dog and donkey shows and lots more. Expect to see demonstrations of steam engines and vintage farm machinery, check out the fresh produce on display in the horticulture show, the classic cars and a whole lot more. The Ellingham Show takes place in Somerley Park. Dogs are also welcome.
Image - Ellingham Show
New Forest Food Festival – 17-18 August
We are excited that the first New Forest Food Festival will be held at Hinton Admiral Events Field this August! For just £8 per adult (when pre-booked, children under 16 are free) expect cookery demonstrations, a variety of pop-up food stands and an artisan market oozing in fresh, local goodies.
In addition to all this, you’ll also find a craft market, selling hand crafted gifts and homeware, live music and for children – expect activities including smoothie-mixing, welly wanging and den building!
Other summer events
With summer wildlife walks, guided cycling rides and a whole host of events aimed at children across the school summer holidays, there’s a lot of other events taking place across the summer here in the New Forest.
As every year, Beaulieu have a full schedule of events this summer! From the popular Supercar Weekend, to Simply Land Rover, Simply Audi and many more. As does the popular Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum!
Sandy Balls Holiday Village have a selection of fun-filled events taking place this summer for guests at the Holiday Village. From their Family Foam Parties across the summer, to their Custard Pie Fight on 25 August!
Explore our what’s on pages further to find out what’s taking place when you are planning to visit, do keep checking back as events are regularly added.
Image - Sandy Balls Holiday Village
Explore our what’s on pages further to find out what’s taking place when you are planning to visit, do keep checking back as events are regularly added.
Top tip!
If you are planning to visit for any of our big festival or events, we would recommend booking your accommodation early as it’s likely to fill up. Check out our accommodation listings for suggestions of where you can rest; from luxury hotels to cosy glamping units – we’ve plenty of choices to suit different tastes and budgets.