Celebrate the sunny season with a brilliant, action-packed community gathering as the highly anticipated Southampton College Summer Fair 2026 opens its doors! Taking place on Saturday 20 June 2026 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the vibrant Southampton College campus on St Mary Street, this free-to-attend community festival promises a lively, welcoming atmosphere for the whole family. Hosted by the South Hampshire College Group (SHCG), the fair seamlessly blends a classic, fun-filled summer gala with a relaxed, informal open house, giving locals a fantastic opportunity to enjoy great food, unique local shopping, and hands-on seasonal activities.
Event Schedule and Timings
The summer fair runs as a focused, high-energy three-hour midday festival. Arriving early ensures you catch all the scheduled department showcases and have plenty of time to explore the food lines:
- 11:00 AM: Fair Gates Officially Open — The outdoor street food stalls heat up, craft market tables open for trading, and the live student music performances kick off.
- 12:30 PM: Midday Interactive Workshops — Hands-on taster sessions and family games reach full swing across the main campus courtyard and technical workshops.
- 14:00 (2:00 PM): Event Concludes — The summer fair wraps up, bringing the afternoon’s community open-house activities to a close.
Ticket Options and Entry Fees
The Southampton College Summer Fair is completely FREE to attend! However, to help organizers manage on-site capacities safely, all visitors are required to claim a complimentary entry ticket online:
- General Admission (All Ages): £0.00 (Free of charge, but a digital reservation must be made via the official Eventbrite checkout page prior to arriving).
- Activity & Food Costs: While entry and department workshops are entirely free, individual purchases from the external street food trucks, ice cream vans, and independent craft traders are paid for separately.
Booking Status: Available! Free tickets are actively open for booking online. Because it is an all-inclusive family event, you can book multiple free tickets under a single family group name.
How to Get to Southampton College (St Mary Street)
The campus is located right in the heart of the city at Southampton College, St Mary Street, Southampton, SO14 1AR, making it exceptionally easy to reach:
- By Foot & Cycle: The campus is situated just a 10-minute walk from the main city center shopping districts (above Bar Street and the Marlands). Secure bike racks are available across the main central campus squares.
- By Bus: Dozens of regular city bus routes pass right by the edge of the campus along St Mary Street, Brintons Road, and nearby Evans Street, with frequent connections straight to the suburbs.
- By Train: Southampton Central Railway Station is roughly a flat 15-to-20-minute walk away, or you can catch a quick connecting bus directly from the station’s south forecourt.
Where to Park near the Campus
There is strictly no general public parking available inside the active college campus gates on the day of the fair. Drivers should plan to use nearby public facilities:
- Nearby Public Car Parks: Excellent pay-and-display council car parks are located within a 5-minute walk, including the multi-story facilities at Eastgate Street or the open-air parking bays along Trinity Road and Kingsland Market.
- Accessible Blue Badge Parking: A limited number of dedicated, accessible parking bays are reserved directly inside the main college reception entrance via St Mary Street. Blue Badge holders should present their valid badge to the gate stewards for access.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theater shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What date and time is the Southampton College Summer Fair 2026?
- The fair takes place on Saturday 20 June 2026, running from 11:00 AM sharp until 14:00 (2:00 PM).
- Is there an admission charge to enter the college fair?
- No, entry is completely free of charge! However, everyone requires a reserved ticket to enter, so you must book your complimentary general admission passes in advance through Eventbrite.
- Is this event suitable for prospective students interested in courses?
- Absolutely! While it features a fun, festive summer atmosphere with games and food, all major technical and academic departments will be open with staff on hand to showcase the campus facilities and answer course questions.
- Can I park my car on the college grounds?
- No general public parking is available on campus during the fair. Visitors should utilize the plentiful pay-and-display public car parks located just a short walk away, such as Eastgate Street or Trinity Road.
- Will the fair still go ahead if it rains?
- Yes! The campus layout features broad indoor multi-purpose halls, classrooms, and sheltered technical bays alongside the open-air courtyards, meaning the event will run comfortably rain or shine.