The iconic Southampton Boat Show 2026 returns to the city’s waterfront from Friday 18th September to Sunday 27th September 2026 for ten action-packed days celebrating boats, watersports, and maritime entertainment! Held at Mayflower Park, this premier UK marine festival showcases over 700 global marine brands and features more than 250 vessels in Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina. Visitors can take part in paddleboarding, kayaking, diving, and Try a Boat sessions, attend talks from record-breakers, and enjoy live music daily at The Shipyard with extended late-night entertainment on Fridays and Saturdays.
Southampton Boat Show 2026 Dates
The Southampton Boat Show 2026 takes place over ten consecutive days from Friday 18th September 2026 through to Sunday 27th September 2026.
Southampton Boat Show Opening Times
Daily opening hours and operating times across the 10-day event:
- General Show Hours (Daily): Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
- The Shipyard Late Nights (Fridays & Saturdays): Open until 9:00 PM on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th, Friday 25th, and Saturday 26th September for evening entertainment.
- Final Sunday (27th September): Open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Official Event Car Park Hours: Open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily (remains open until 9:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays; closes at 5:00 PM on Sunday 27th September).
Southampton Boat Show 2026 Tickets
Ticket types, pricing, and admission details for the 2026 show:
- Peak Adult Ticket (Fri/Sat – Wave 3): £33.00 (Valid for any single Friday or Saturday).
- Off-Peak Adult Ticket (Sun-Thurs – Wave 3): £29.00 (Valid for any single Sunday through Thursday).
- Any Two Days Adult Ticket (Wave 3): £41.00 (Admits one adult across any two show days).
- Peak Concession Ticket (Fri/Sat – Wave 3): £23.00 (For NHS, emergency services, over 60s, students, military, disabled visitors, and local SO14–SO19 residents).
- Off-Peak Concession Ticket (Sun-Thurs – Wave 3): £20.00 (Applicable to concession categories above).
- Local Senior Citizen Ticket (Aged 66+): FREE (Valid for SO14–SO19 residents only; proof of address required at entry).
- Child Ticket (Aged 15 and under): FREE (Must be accompanied by a paying adult).
- Essential Companion Ticket: FREE (For visitors requiring assistance; must be booked alongside a valid adult ticket with supporting documentation uploaded).
- Late Access Peak Ticket (Access from 4:00 PM Fri/Sat): £16.00 (Access to exhibits until 6:00 PM and Shipyard music entertainment until 9:00 PM).
- Group Admission (10+ visitors): Peak Group £29.70 | Off-Peak Group £26.10 (Save 10% on advance group bookings).
- Trade Ticket: £45.00 (Unlimited weekday access Mon–Thurs, early entry from 9:30 AM via Trade Gate, and British Marine Trade Lounge access).
Southampton Boat Show 2026 Attractions
Features, zones, and interactive experiences happening across Mayflower Park during the 2026 event:
- Purpose-Built Show Marina: Europe’s largest purpose-built marina, featuring over 250 exceptional crafts on the water for visitors to explore.
- Attraction Boats: A curated fleet of historic, unique, and showstopping vessels open for onboard tours and deck exploration.
- Powerhub (powered by powerboatandrib.com): The ultimate hub for powerboating enthusiasts, showcasing the latest motorboats, engines, marine tech, and expert advice.
- Try-a-Boat & The Lake: Complimentary on-water paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat trials hosted by Rockley Watersports—all included with your ticket.
- Andark Dive Tank: Scuba diving taster sessions guided by professional instructors with state-of-the-art gear and on-site changing rooms.
- Key Yachting J/70 Invitational Cup (Sat 26th Sept): High-stakes racing on the Solent as 12 top sailing teams fight through two heats and a final, supported by Royal Thames Yacht Club and British Marine.
- The Ghostship & Sailing Solice: Interactive zone hosting live podcasts, Q&A sessions, talks, and boat tours with Mothership Adrift, Ship Happens, Saving Blue Steel, Jazz Turner, and Sailing Project Parrot.
- Educational Stages: Expert maritime advice and talks on The Boating Stage, alongside classic craft displays on The Wooden Boat Stage and Wooden Boat Stage Afloat.
- Family & Youth Activities: Dedicated kids’ zones and interactive activities across the site. Children aged 15 and under enter free!
- RNLI Official Charity Partner: Meet the Royal National Lifeboat Institution crew and discover their lifesaving work at the 2026 show.
- Food, Drink & Premium Experience: Gourmet street food, pints at the iconic Guinness Bar, or access to the exclusive Waterside Lounge with lunch and private lounge amenities.
Southampton Boat Show 2026 Line-Up
Daily live music, comedy, and stage performances at The Shipyard Stage throughout the 10-day event:
Friday 18th September (Late Night – Open until 9:00 PM)
- 12:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:30 – 15:30 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 15:30 – 16:00 | Number 7 (Pop)
- 16:00 – 16:30 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 16:30 – 17:00 | Number 7 (Pop)
- 17:00 – 18:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 18:00 – 18:45 | Blue Water Giants (Classic Rock Supergroup)
- 18:45 – 19:45 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 19:45 – 20:30 | Blue Water Giants (Classic Rock Supergroup)
Saturday 19th September (Late Night – Open until 9:00 PM)
- 12:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:30 – 15:30 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 15:30 – 16:00 | The Mysteries (Eclectic Acoustic Soul)
- 16:00 – 16:30 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 16:30 – 17:00 | The Mysteries (Eclectic Acoustic Soul)
- 17:00 – 18:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 18:00 – 18:45 | The Gloria Estefan Experience (Latin Pop Tribute)
- 18:45 – 19:45 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 19:45 – 20:45 | Honky Tonk Highway (Country)
Sunday 20th September
- 12:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:00 – 14:30 | Nevaeh (Power Ballads)
- 14:30 – 15:15 | Luke & Elliot’s Fun Family Quiz (Comedy/Family)
- 15:15 – 16:00 | The Alliterates (90s & 00s Indie Rock)
- 16:00 – 17:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 17:00 – 18:00 | Emma Hardy Band (Pop/Light Rock)
Monday 21st September
- 12:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:00 – 14:30 | The Dinner Set (Pop Classics Duo)
- 14:30 – 15:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 15:00 – 15:30 | The Dinner Set (Pop Classics Duo)
- 15:30 – 16:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 16:00 – 17:00 | Bex & Cole (Pop Duo)
- 17:00 – 18:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
Tuesday 22nd September
- 12:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:00 – 14:30 | Two Ways Home (Folk/Country/Pop)
- 14:30 – 15:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 15:00 – 15:30 | Two Ways Home (Folk/Country/Pop)
- 15:30 – 16:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 16:00 – 17:00 | CADANCE – The Carrie and Dan Experience (Eclectic Rock/Pop Covers)
- 17:00 – 18:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
Wednesday 23rd September
- 12:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:00 – 14:30 | Simply Connie (Jazz/Soul/Motown)
- 14:30 – 15:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 15:00 – 15:30 | Simply Connie (Jazz/Soul/Motown)
- 15:30 – 16:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 16:00 – 17:00 | Chloe Foston Sings 70’s (70s Classics)
- 17:00 – 18:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
Thursday 24th September
- 12:00 – 13:00 | Maclean Brothers (Ocean Rowing Talk)
- 13:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:00 – 14:30 | Tennessee Twin (Country/Americana)
- 14:30 – 15:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 15:00 – 15:30 | Tennessee Twin (Country/Americana)
- 15:30 – 16:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 16:00 – 17:00 | Young Whitman (Country/Folk)
- 17:00 – 17:45 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
Friday 25th September (Late Night – Open until 9:00 PM)
- 12:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:30 – 15:30 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 15:30 – 16:00 | The Brass Holes Brass Band (Party Brass)
- 16:00 – 16:30 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 16:30 – 17:00 | The Brass Holes Brass Band (Party Brass)
- 17:00 – 18:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 18:00 – 18:45 | The Dinner Set (Pop Classics Duo)
- 18:45 – 19:45 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 19:45 – 20:45 | Blunter Brothers (Funk/Soul/Motown)
Saturday 26th September (Late Night – Open until 9:00 PM)
- 14:30 – 15:30 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 15:30 – 16:10 | Southampton Rock Choir (Rock/Pop & Gospel)
- 16:10 – 16:30 | DJ Kev Muldoon (Soul/Funk/Dance)
- 16:30 – 17:15 | Rehab (Ska/Blues/Soul/Latin)
- 17:15 – 18:00 | DJ Kev Muldoon (Soul/Funk/Dance)
- 18:00 – 18:45 | Blue Water Giants (Classic Rock Supergroup)
- 18:45 – 20:00 | DJ Kev Muldoon (Soul/Funk/Dance)
- 20:00 – 20:45 | Blue Water Giants (Classic Rock Supergroup)
Sunday 27th September
- 12:00 – 14:00 | DJ Steve Clarke (Multi-genre)
- 14:00 – 14:40 | Southampton Rock Choir (Rock/Pop & Gospel)
- 14:40 – 15:30 | Luke & Elliot’s Fun Family Quiz (Comedy/Family)
- 15:30 – 16:00 | Nevaeh (Power Ballads)
How to Get to Mayflower Park
Travel options to the show entrance located at Mayflower Roundabout, Herbert Walker Avenue (SO14 2AS):
- By Car: Follow yellow AA road signage along the M3, M27, and M271 into Southampton rather than sat nav. Main route leads via West Quay Road (A33) to Herbert Walker Avenue.
- By Train: Southampton Central Railway Station is a short 10-minute walk away (exit via Platform 4). Alternatively, catch the CityLink bus service to Westquay/Town Quay.
- By Bus: Southampton central bus station is a 5-minute walk from the gate. Local bus stops serve Bargate and Town Quay. The £1 CityLink shuttle links the train station to Town Quay every 15 minutes.
- By Ferry: Red Funnel’s Red Jet passenger terminal at Town Quay is located a 5-minute walk from the main show entrance.
- By Air: Southampton Airport (SOU) is a 20-minute drive or direct train journey via Southampton Airport Parkway.
- By Bike or eScooter: Dedicated city bike and Voi eScooter parking hubs are located surrounding Mayflower Park and Westquay.
Southampton Boat Show Parking
Official event parking and nearby city centre car parks:
- Official Event Car Park (Herbert Walker Avenue, Dock Gate 8): £30.00 pre-booked per day. Open 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (until 9:30 PM Fri/Sat; 5:00 PM final Sunday). Includes limited free accessible spaces on a first-come, first-served basis with badge.
- Westquay Multi-Storey & Podium Car Parks: Over 4,000 parking bays located within a 5-minute walk of the main show entrance. Offers disabled, family, and motorcycle parking.
- Harbour Parade Car Park: Open surface car park located nearby on Harbour Parade.
- IKEA Car Park: Multi-storey parking located on West Quay Road opposite the show site.
- West Quay Retail Park Car Park: Surface car park adjacent to the retail park area.
- Town Quay Car Park: Waterfront car park directly adjacent to the Red Jet ferry terminal and Mayflower Park.
- Gloucester Square Car Park: City council car park located near the Old Town / High Street area.
- The Quays Car Park: Surface parking adjacent to The Quays Swimming & Fitness Centre.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things happening across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover upcoming maritime festivals, live music, local markets, and weekend family events near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When are the Southampton Boat Show 2026 dates?
- The show runs for ten consecutive days from Friday 18th September through to Sunday 27th September 2026.
- What are the Southampton Boat Show opening times?
- The event opens daily at 10:00 AM. Exhibits close at 6:00 PM daily, with late-night music at The Shipyard staying open until 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. On the final Sunday (27th September), the show closes at 4:30 PM.
- Where is the Southampton Boat Show located?
- The event is held at Mayflower Park along Herbert Walker Avenue / Town Quay, Southampton (SO14 2AS).
- How much are Southampton Boat Show 2026 tickets?
- Adult Peak tickets (Friday/Saturday) are £33.00, Adult Off-Peak tickets (Sunday–Thursday) are £29.00, and Any Two Days passes are £41.00. Concession rates start at £20.00. Children aged 15 and under enter FREE when accompanied by an adult, and local senior citizens (aged 66+ living in SO14–SO19) can claim free entry.
- Is parking available near the showground?
- Yes, official pre-booked parking is available at Dock Gate 8 on Herbert Walker Avenue for £30.00 per day. Alternatively, visitors can park at Westquay (over 4,000 spaces), Harbour Parade, IKEA, Town Quay, or Gloucester Square car parks within a short walking distance.
- Are watersports and Try-a-Boat activities included with entry?
- Yes, access to Try-a-Boat sessions, paddleboarding, kayaking on The Lake, and the Andark Dive Tank are all included in the ticket price.