When is the Southampton F.C. playoff match taking place?

The decisive semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough is scheduled for Tuesday, 12 May 2026, with a late kick-off at St Mary’s Stadium.

Where are the Southampton Comic-Con and Brick Festival being held?

Both events are taking place at Places Leisure Eastleigh. The Comic-Con is on Saturday, 16 May, and the Brick Festival follows on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

Is this the last week to see Matilda the Musical in Southampton?

Yes, the award-winning production concludes its successful residency at Mayflower Theatre on Sunday, 17 May 2026.

Are the hobby festivals at Places Leisure Eastleigh family-friendly?

Absolutely. Both the Comic-Con and the Brick Festival are designed for all ages, featuring interactive displays, building zones, and meeting opportunities that are perfect for children and adults alike.

Updated: 11 May 2026

Events in Southampton This Week: 11 – 17 May 2026

Written by

Thie — Lead Researcher

Events in Southampton This Week from 11-17 May 2026

Southampton enters a week of high-stakes drama and exceptional cultural offerings, providing an electric atmosphere across the city for those seeking events in Southampton this week. Between 11 and 17 May 2026, the central focus for many will be the decisive football action at St Mary’s Stadium, but the entertainment programme extends far beyond the pitch. Visitors can enjoy a blend of award-winning musical theatre, legendary rock performances, and family-friendly adventures. It’s a significant period for the local arts and sports scenes, ensuring that the city remains a primary destination for entertainment on the South Coast.

Quick Answer: What are the events in Southampton this week?

The events in Southampton this week (11–17 May 2026) are headlined by the Saints vs Middlesbrough playoff semi-final second leg at St Mary’s, the final week of Matilda the Musical at Mayflower Theatre, and a highly anticipated concert by Jethro Tull at the O2 Guildhall.

Cinemas: Current screenings include Mortal Kombat II and The Sheep Detectives at Showcase Cinema de Lux and Harbour Lights
Theatre: Major productions feature Matilda the Musical at Mayflower Theatre and Zog at Mayflower Studios
Live Music: Notable acts performing this week include Jethro Tull, From The Jam, Toots and The Maytals, and Taj Farrant across the city venues

What’s on in Southampton This Week

The city of Southampton offers a dynamic schedule of entertainment and community gatherings between 11 and 17 May 2026, ranging from professional sporting events to vibrant hobbyist festivals.

Saints vs Middlesbrough (Playoff)

Southampton F.C. takes on Middlesbrough at St Mary’s Stadium for the decisive second leg of the playoff semi-final on Tuesday, 12 May 2026. Find all the match details here.

Local Tip: Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00, so it is advisable to use public transport as the city centre and stadium approach roads will be exceptionally busy from late afternoon.

Southampton Comic-Con 2026

The Southampton Comic-Con returns on Saturday, 16 May 2026, transforming Places Leisure Eastleigh into a paradise for fans of sci-fi, cosplay, and pop culture. See further information here.

Local Tip: Early Bird entry begins at 10:00, allowing you to browse the trader stalls and celebrity guest areas before the main crowds arrive at 11:00.

Southampton Brick Festival 2026

The Southampton Brick Festival returns to Places Leisure Eastleigh on Sunday, 17 May 2026, featuring massive LEGO displays and interactive building zones. Explore the full event guide here.

Local Tip: Make sure to visit the “Pick-and-Build” cups early in the day to secure the best selection of rare loose bricks and accessories.

Street Market in Southampton

The weekly market returns to the Bargate and Above Bar Precinct on Friday and Saturday, offering a selection of fresh local produce and artisan gifts. Access the complete schedule here.

Local Tip: Saturday mornings are the best time to visit if you are looking for the widest choice of locally grown vegetables and handmade bakery items.

Now Showing in Southampton Cinemas this Week

A diverse selection of blockbusters and independent features are screening across the city’s top cinema venues. Find the latest showtimes here.

Showcase Cinema de Lux:
- Mortal Kombat II
- Michael
- The Sheep Detectives
- Project Hail Mary
- Hokum
- Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour 3D
- Rose of Nevada
- Iron Maiden
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
- The Magic Faraway Tree
Harbour Lights:
- The Devil Wears Prada 2
- Rose of Nevada
- The Sheep Detectives
- Orphan
- NT Live: All My Sons

Local Tip: Showcase Cinema de Lux offers luxury recliner seating as standard, making it a great choice for longer features like the National Theatre broadcasts.

Live Music in Southampton this Week

The city’s music venues are hosting a wide range of talent this week, with performances spanning legendary reggae, progressive rock, and contemporary indie.

O2 Guildhall: Jethro Tull – The Curiosity Tour (15 May)
The 1865: Toots and The Maytals (11 May), Taj Farrant (14 May), EXTC (15 May), The Style Councillors (16 May), and Tom White performs Lewis Capaldi (17 May)
The Joiners: LEAP (12 May), Cyris + The Common + Halt (15 May) and Thistle (16 May)
Heartbreakers: Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets (12 May), The Ocelots (13 May), Heave Blood & Die (14 May), Reflections (15 May), and Beefheart & McQuinn (16 May)
Papillon: Wolfsbane (15 May) and Billy Lockett (16 May)
The Brook: Sambroso Allstars perform The Buena Vista (15 May)
Suburbia: Bad Bunny Party (15 May) and Poland Party (16 May)

Local Tip: Most grassroots venues like The Joiners and Heartbreakers offer limited tickets on the door, but it’s highly recommended to book in advance for weekend shows to avoid disappointment.

Theatre Shows in Southampton This Week

Southampton’s theatre district remains a hive of activity with major musicals and sing-along tours. Read the full theatre listings here

Mayflower Theatre: Matilda the Musical (11–17 May)
Mayflower Studios: Write A Note (11 May), Sing the Musicals (12–13 May) and Zog (14–17 May)

Local Tip: “Sing the Musicals” at Mayflower Studios is an interactive experience, so do not be afraid to join in with the live band and giant lyrics screen.

Final Thoughts on Events in Southampton This Week

The upcoming days represent one of the most action-packed periods for the city in recent memory. Between the intense atmosphere of a promotion playoff at St Mary’s and the creative energy of the hobbyist festivals in Eastleigh, there is a palpable sense of excitement throughout the community. It’s the perfect week to immerse yourself in the local culture, whether that involves cheering on the Saints, meeting fellow fans at Comic-Con, or catching a final performance of a world-class musical. Southampton truly offers a premier destination for entertainment this week, providing memorable experiences for residents and visitors of all ages.

Plan Your Visit Today

Do not miss out on the latest updates and exciting happenings in the city. Check out more guides on our what’s on in Southampton page.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Southampton F.C. playoff match taking place?: The decisive semi-final second leg against Middlesbrough is scheduled for Tuesday, 12 May 2026, with a late kick-off at St Mary’s Stadium.
Where are the Southampton Comic-Con and Brick Festival being held?: Both events are taking place at Places Leisure Eastleigh. The Comic-Con is on Saturday, 16 May, and the Brick Festival follows on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
Is this the last week to see Matilda the Musical in Southampton?: Yes, the award-winning production concludes its successful residency at Mayflower Theatre on Sunday, 17 May 2026.
Are the hobby festivals at Places Leisure Eastleigh family-friendly?: Absolutely. Both the Comic-Con and the Brick Festival are designed for all ages, featuring interactive displays, building zones, and meeting opportunities that are perfect for children and adults alike.