Celebrate 100 years of Portsmouth with a year of 100 special events, local activities and unforgettable days out across the city. In 2026, Portsmouth marks its centenary as a city with a packed Portsmouth100 programme, including live music, fireworks, art trails, exhibitions and community celebrations. 

Whether you’re looking for shows in Portsmouth, free things to do, local festivals or a full day by the sea, you’ll find plenty happening throughout the year. Ready to explore what Portsmouth has planned? Here’s everything you need to know before you travel with SWR.
 

Where is Portsmouth? 

Portsmouth is located on the south coast of England in Hampshire. As the UK’s only island city, it has a unique coastal character with the harbour, seafront, historic attractions and shopping areas all within easy reach. 

How do I get to Portsmouth? 

Travelling by Train 

Portsmouth is easy to reach by train with South Western Railway services running to Portsmouth & Southsea station. Located close to the city centre, the station offers convenient access to Portsmouth’s waterfront, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and other popular attractions. Regular trains serve Portsmouth from key stations such as London Waterloo and Bournemouth, while nearby cities including Winchester and Southampton also offer direct SWR services to Portsmouth & Southsea. 

Explore SWR ticket types before you travel to find the best option for your journey. You may be able to save by booking early, travelling off-peak, using a Railcard or travelling as a group. Don’t forget to check SWR Rewards for offers on days out, food and drink before your trip. 

Things to Do in Portsmouth for Its 100th Anniversary Celebrations 

Alongside dedicated Portsmouth100 events, many of the city’s regular festivals, exhibitions and cultural highlights will also take on a centenary theme. This makes 2026 a special year to discover Portsmouth’s history, creativity and local community spirit. 

Activities in Portsmouth 

 
Explore the Pride of Portsmouth sculpture trail where artist designed lion sculptures are placed across the city, creating a fun and interactive way to discover different areas while enjoying free public art. Event runs from Monday 13th July to Sunday 13th September. 

Throughout the year, visitors can also take part in events like the Guildhall Squared Festival, which combines workshops, performances and talks in one space, or the Portsmouth Cultural Festival, where music, food and community activities come together to celebrate the city’s diversity. 

For something more active, events such as the Great South Run Weekend, which taking place on the 18th of October. 

Shows in Portsmouth 

 
If you’re looking for shows in Portsmouth, the centenary year introduces a packed programme of live entertainment from theatre productions to large scale music events.  

At venues like the New Theatre Royal and Kings Theatre you’ll find major productions including Disney’s Frozen the Musical from 19th to 27th September and We Will Rock You, running from 17th to 24th October and offering something for all ages.  

Music fans can enjoy everything from the Centenary Concert Series, featuring orchestral performances of iconic film soundtracks, to outdoor live music events like Live at the Bandstand and large festivals such as Victorious Festival on Southsea seafront. 

Unique Events for Portsmouth’s 100th Anniversary 

  
To mark its 100th anniversary, Portsmouth is also hosting a range of special moments that give the celebrations a more personal feel. From city wide highlights like the Southsea Food Festival on the 4th & 5th of July and the Emirates Great Britain SailGP on the 25th & 26th of July to community focused events such as Armed Forces Day taking place on Saturday 20 June, there’s a real mix of experiences to enjoy. 

What makes this year different is how it all comes together with events happening across the city. It’s all about soaking up the atmosphere throughout 2026 and seeing Portsmouth at its most lively and connected. 

Free Activities in Portsmouth 

There are plenty of free activities in Portsmouth to enjoy during the centenary year, making it easy to experience the celebrations without stretching your budget. Some of the free events in Portsmouth include:  

• 2126: What If?:  an exhibition looking ahead to Portsmouth’s next 100 years, running from 26th June to 6th September.  
• Hotwalls Studios Summer Creative Market: running on 27th and 28th June.  
• Heritage Open Days: taking place from 11th to 20th September.  

From local history and creative spaces to community open days, these free activities offer a great way to see more of the city during its anniversary year. 

Where to stay in Portsmouth? 

Portsmouth offers plenty of accommodation options, from boutique hotels in Southsea to city centre stays near Gunwharf Quays, the seafront and Portsmouth’s historic attractions. Popular options include Number Four Boutique Hotel, The Clarence Boutique Rooms and the Royal Maritime Hotel. If you’re travelling on a budget, Portsmouth also has a range of more affordable hotel options like Premier Inn Portsmouth.