Eastleigh and Southampton residents, get ready for an exciting day of engines, entertainment, and family fun right in the heart of town! On Saturday 18 July 2026, the Eastleigh Town Centre Car Show returns for a fantastic, free-to-attend community day out. Taking place across Leigh Road and Wells Place (SO50 9FH) from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this lively event brings together car lovers, families, and shoppers for a day packed with incredible vehicles, live performances, and children’s activities.
Eastleigh Town Centre Car Show Schedule & Opening Times
The event takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026. Please note that all timings are subject to change on the day depending on the weather conditions and instructions from the event organisers:
- 10:00 AM: Show gates open and vehicle displays begin.
- 10:00 AM – 2:45 PM: Live music and free children’s entertainment.
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Market stalls and food vendors open.
- 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: The grand vehicle parade.
- 3:00 PM: Event closes.
What to Expect at Eastleigh Town Centre Car Show
The Eastleigh Town Centre Car Show brings a full day of automotive displays and family entertainment directly to the pedestrian shopping areas:
- Over 100 Motors on Display: Walk among a massive collection of vehicles spanning decades. You can view rare vintage classics, ultra-fast modern supercars, heavily modified track cars, and unique custom builds. This extensive display is organized in partnership with the popular Port Solent Car Meet.
- Live Music Stages: Tap your feet to live musical acts and local bands performing at acoustic spots set up across the town center throughout the day.
- Free Children’s Entertainment Area: A dedicated zone packed with fun things for younger visitors, featuring free creative face painting and a car-themed coloring competition with fun prizes.
- The Grand Vehicle Parade: Don’t leave early! The day ends with a spectacular moving parade where the show cars start their engines and drive through the town roads together in a final celebratory procession.
- Market Stalls & Food Vendors: Browse local pop-up retail stalls alongside a great choice of hot food trucks, sweet treat stands, and refreshing drinks options.
How to Get to Eastleigh Town Centre
The car show takes over Leigh Road and Wells Place, making it incredibly straightforward to reach using public transit or major roads:
- By Train: The show is a simple 2-minute flat walk from Eastleigh Railway Station. Walk out of the main station entrance, and you will immediately see the car displays beginning along the precinct.
- By Bus: The main Eastleigh Bus Station is located directly adjacent to the show area, with regular local services arriving from Southampton, Winchester, and Romsey all day.
- By Car: Drive into the town center via Junction 13 on the M3 or Junction 5 on the M27. Follow signs for Eastleigh Town Centre / Leigh Road to reach the central parking locations.
Where to Park Near the Car Show
Because Leigh Road and Wells Place are closed to normal traffic for the vehicle displays, visitors can use several excellent multi-storey and surface car parks located just seconds away:
- Swan Centre Car Parks (SO50 5SF): The most convenient option, offering a large multi-storey and a rooftop car park right next to Wells Place. It provides immediate access to the shopping center and the car show boundaries.
- Mitchell Road Multi-Storey (SO50 5RN): A spacious council-run facility located within a 4-minute walk of the main displays, offering dedicated electric vehicle charging bays and accessible parking options.
- Romsey Road & Blenheim Road Car Parks: Local pay-and-display short-stay surface car parks situated just behind the high street, ideal for quick visits to the event.
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 times are the Eastleigh Town Centre Car Show?
- The event takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026. The car show opens to the public at 10:00 AM and runs until 3:00 PM.
- Is there an entry fee to attend?
- No, admission to the Eastleigh Town Centre Car Show is entirely free for all visitors.
- When does the spectacular vehicle parade start?
- The grand vehicle parade takes place at the very end of the event, starting shortly before the show closes at 3:00 PM as the cars exit the town center together.
- Are the children’s activities and face painting free?
- Yes, all core children’s entertainment, including the face painting and the car coloring competition, are completely free to enjoy.
- Where exactly in Eastleigh is the car show located?
- The car displays and entertainment are set up along the main pedestrianized areas of Leigh Road and Wells Place right in the middle of Eastleigh Town Centre.