Kent’s Unmissable 2026 Festivals 

Festival season is well and truly back with a bang as Kent unveils one of its best and biggest celebratory calendars yet! Whatever summer calls for you; dancing the night away to chart-topping hits, endless foodie indulgence, revelling in musical mastery, embracing literary and artistic exploration, or vibrant family-friendly fun, Kent is certain to have more than one festival to add to your hitlist this sunny season. Diary at the ready? Here’s some of the highlights to have firmly on your radar…

Wine Garden of England

Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration, Westenhanger

6 June

Get ready to sip and savour the finest Garden of England wines at this delightful summer soirée. Back for its fifth year, this time in the exciting new venue of The Castle in Westenhanger, the Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration is preparing for another wonderful day of sampling award-winning wines from nine Kent producers including Chapel Down, Yotes Court, Biddenden Vineyard, Gusbourne and Domaine Evremond. Enjoy live music in the main marquee, buy wines all day from the bar, relax in the grounds and tuck into tasty bites from the many food traders. Be sure to catch the exclusive interviews and special tastings taking place throughout the day.​​​​ Tickets also include a tote bag of goodies, a Riedel tasting glass, Wine Garden of England handbook and tasting vouchers for the day’s festivities. 

Kent County Show, Detling

3 – 5 July

Raising a toast to a remarkable 95 years of celebrating agricultural excellence across the Garden of England this July, the Kent County Show is back for an unmissable anniversary festival. Across the action-packed three days, livestock, horses, vintage vehicles and retail stands will converge onto the beloved Detling showground for families to delight in all aspects of local rural life. Watch as hundreds of cows, sheep and goats compete to take home the prize for ‘Best in Show’, head to the Living Land Village to learn more about food, farming and the environment, and catch the wonderful displays of horses and riders at The Equine Village. Other show highlights include woodland crafts, excellent shopping from a wealth of local suppliers, live music and scrumptious feasts from artisan producers. 

Biddenden Tractorfest, Biddenden

15 – 16 August

2026 marks the 12th year for this joyous family-friendly extravaganza which takes over the fields of Holden Farm each August for a marvellous showcase of over 300 tractors, alongside stalls, vintage vehicles, demonstrations, children’s entertainment, animals and arena displays. Look forward to enthralling falconry, fun dog and sheep shows, as well as hands-on craft exhibits such as wood turning and chainsaw carving, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. 

Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival, Tunbridge Wells

Until 10 May

Lovingly curated for book lovers of all ages, join the exciting town-wide celebrations of the written and spoken word as Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival brings together over 30 world-class speakers to a host of local venues. Don’t miss bestselling poet Donna Ashworth and journalist and presenter Davina McCall MBE at the Assembly Hall Theatre as they prepare for an uplifting and deeply personal evening talk, award-winning novelist Monique Roffey as she hosts an insightful writing workshop at The Pump Room, and national treasure Gyles Brandreth as the festival celebrates 100 Years of Winnie The Pooh at the family festival in Calverley Grounds. 

St Edmund’s Festival

St Edmund’s Festival, Canterbury

24 – 30 June

Otherwise known as The Festival on the Hill, this splendid week-long celebration of music, art and theatrical performances has gained quite the reputation for its gathering of world-renowned artists and spectacular showcases from talented students. You won’t want to miss the festivities this year as The Horne Section Live! opens the festival with a high-energy blend of musical virtuosity and sharp comedy, The Art & Design Exhibition and presentation of the Canterbury Art Prize showcases incredible works from pupils across East Kent, and festival friend and renowned vocal coach Mark De-Lisser returns for a showstopping singing workshop.

Tonbridge Food Festival, Tonbridge

30 – 31 May

Calling all local foodies! Held on the Bailey Lawn of Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge Food Festival is set to delight the taste buds as over 70 stallholders pitch up for a two-day, free-to-enter extravaganza. Try, taste and buy from a host of stalls selling a delicious range of food and drink produced in Kent and beyond – from cheeses, breads, cakes and sweet treats, to locally roasted coffee and specialist teas. There’s also plenty of entertainment to look forward to including an exciting programme of cooking demonstrations from popular local chefs, food producers and local food writers, and enticing global tasting menus. 

CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival, Tenterden

5 – 6 June

One for the real ale aficionados, Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Tenterden Town Station will once again play host to this beloved ale and cider celebration. Sample a wide range of real ales, ciders and Perry at the station’s festival set up or enjoy as you travel through beautiful Wealden countryside onboard a heritage steam train. Tuck into plentiful festival eats and watch upon great live music, with confirmed acts so far including Bromley vs Pilcher, KB4 and Curb Pilots.

Sound Bites Festival

Sound Bites, Tunbridge Wells

12 – 14 June

Brand-new for 2026, Sound Bites is preparing to transform Tunbridge Wells’ Dunorlan Park into a fantastic long weekend packed with flavour, music and social dining. This thrilling new foodie spectacular promises endless food and drink experiences, alongside top live bands, DJs and emerging artists, and fabulous programme of chef-focused events. Look forward to BrewDog x Ginger Wings’ Big Wing Weekend, The Classics Feasts, where pop-up restaurants and top chefs, including Atul Kochhar, serve pub-style British favourites and classic Indian dishes, and The Firepit Stage & Feasts, where smoky flavours and BBQ twists are served straight from the flames. 

Stour Music Festival, Boughton Aluph

19 – 28 June

Tucked away amongst rolling countryside in the enchanting medieval church of All Saints’ Boughton Aluph, Stour Music Festival has been a firm local favourite since it was founded in 1962 by counter-tenor Alfred Deller. Taking place over two consecutive weekends, this well-established festival of early music boasts an exceptional display of musical artistry showcased by remarkable artists from across the globe. This year’s festival line-up is nothing short of triumphant, with highlights including Handel’s Music for Royal Occasions performed by The 24 (University of York), Lees Court Music and Manchester Baroque, and Master Byrd, a play looking back on William Byrd’s life – with live music from London’s The Renaissance Singers.

Wealden Literary Festival, Woodchurch

20 – 21 June

Launched in 2015, Wealden Literary Festival was born from a simple idea: to provide a space where people could slow down, come together and connect with nature. Set amongst over 100 acres of ancient woodland, the festival brings together readers, writers and wanderers of all ages to share their love of wild places and storytelling. Take part in talks with acclaimed authors, hands-on workshops and inspirational outdoor activities, and even camp in the designated Dark Sky Zone to enjoy evenings spent sharing stories under the stars.

Macknade Beer & BBQ Fest

Beer & BBQ Festival, Faversham

27 June

Back for its third year, renowned food hall Macknade’s flavour-packed Beer & BBQ Festival makes its return for another mouthwatering day filled with craft beer, barbecue, street food and live music for all ages. Hungry festival-goers will love watching skilled chefs and butchers in action as Smokey Rebel hosts a range of live cooking demonstrations, as well as sampling the brilliant tipple line-up of pale ales, stouts and ciders from local producers. Other festival highlights include high-energy performances from GrooveZoo, Heroes, The East Kent Rock Choir and Jam Sandwich, a bustling BBQ Marketplace offering opportunities to speak with experts and discover the latest outdoor cooking equipment, and free activities for the little ones.

Headcorn International Airshow, Headcorn

27 – 28 June

History is brought to life at this inaugural airshow set against the historic backdrop of classic World War II airfield, Headcorn Aerodrome. Promising an unforgettable weekend, get ready to be swept up in the story of what once was with a constantly evolving programme of flying displays and static exhibits that celebrates aviation in all its forms – from the earliest years of powered flight to classic warbirds, all the way up to the electronic aircraft of the future. The ground show is sure to be just as thrilling with futuristic and ancient static aircraft, an international food offering and brilliant traders.

Rochester Castle Live, Rochester

3 – 5 July

Rochester Castle Live showcases another incredible lineup of open-air concerts this July. With the historic grounds of Rochester providing an atmospheric backdrop for soaking up summer sounds, this dazzling concert series is known best for its line-up of world-class artists. This year is set to be one of its very best with Ministry of Sound Classical performing all the iconic 90s anthems, reimagined by an enchanting 31-piece orchestra, indie rock legends The Libertines taking to the stage with support acts Maximo Park, Kid Kapichi and Opus Kink, and the beloved McFly headlining fresh from sold out tours.

JAM on the Marsh

JAM on the Marsh, Romney Marsh

8 – 12 July

Set within an array of unexpected settings, medieval churches and community spaces, annual multi-arts festival JAM on the Marsh has long brought together many of the UK’s most celebrated performers, ensembles and creative voices for a festival like no other. With its chosen landscapes shaping every event, the atmosphere and the way artists and audiences connect, 2026’s anticipated outing will build on more than a decade of artistic ambition, beckoning even more new music, stellar artists, theatre, film and visual art to the many stages of beautiful Romney Marsh.

Deal Music & Arts Festival, Deal

3 – 12 July

This enthralling coastal festival has brought the very best in the arts to East Kent for over 40 years. Welcoming great musicians, talented actors and distinguished writers to the towns of Deal, Walmer, Sandwich and Dover to enrich, inspire and celebrate both established and up-and-coming creativity, get ready as Deal Music & Arts Festival once again takes over the coast for another 10 days packed with culture. Embark on a historic walking tour of Deal, join a creative writing workshop with poet, educator and mentor Jacob Sam-La Rose, and be sure to grab a coveted ticket for a spellbinding performance from renowned musicians Sheku and Isata Kanneh-Mason. 

Lovebox Presented By Dreamland, Margate

29 – 30 May

One of London’s most iconic music festivals, Lovebox, is being creatively reimagined and finding a new home at Margate’s beloved seaside destination, Dreamland this May! Bringing together the acts who shaped the story of Lovebox and plenty of new faces, this greatly anticipated party by the sea presents a stellar lineup. Get ready to dance the night away as the likes of Rudimental, Armand Van Helden and Scissor Sisters promise a celebration to remember.

Priory Live, Orpington

18 July

Fantastic one-day festival held in Orpington Priory Gardens founded from a pure love of original live music. Now a growing grassroots music festival that only showcases bands and artists that create and perform their own work, Priory Live supports some of the best indie music artists. This year, Professor Green, Republica, Heartless Crew and Maze are among its unique act line-up, with the restorative wellness gardens and dedicated kids zone also making their return, alongside an array of delicious global food and drink to keep everyone fuelled for dancing the night away!

Pride, Various Locations Across Kent

A vivid, uplifting celebration of love and self in all its forms, Pride will once again light up Kent’s towns with its vibrant LGBTQ+ community spectaculars. Championing diversity, equality and identity, Pride’s colourful parades, greatly anticipated music line-ups and inclusive entertainment is not to be missed. Tonbridge, Canterbury, Folkestone, Margate and Deal are among the many locations set to join the fun, each planning a host of positive events during the sunny season for all to enjoy. 

Sausage & Cider Festival, Birchington 

18 July

The UK’s only touring Sausage and Cider Festival, visiting over 30 different locations across the country, is heading back to Thanet’s Quex Park this summer for more sampling of some of the world’s finest sausage and ciders flavours. Joined by a silent disco, axe throwing, a festival market and drum and circus workshops, festival goers can test their skills in one of the eating competitions and sing their hearts out to top tribute acts. 

Maidstone River Festival, Maidstone

25 July

A long-loved family-friendly festival set on the historic River Medway running through the heart of Maidstone. Expect dressed up boats, raft races and plentiful fun and games for the whole family. Following the local’s favourite annual Raft Race where teams of daring rafters navigate the 650m stretch of river to the Archbishop’s Palace, the evening celebrations bring illuminated boats and paddle boarders, and the Firmin Family Fireworks Spectacular.

Screenshot

Canterbury Live, Canterbury

7 – 9 August

A thrilling new addition to Kent’s festival calendar, Canterbury Live will take over the St Lawrence Ground, home of Kent Cricket, to welcome thousands of music fans for back-to-back performances from some of the UK’s most exciting artists. On Friday, chart-topping boyband JLS will headline the opening night, joined by The Wanted 2.0 and Pixie Lott. The Saturday will then see dance music powerhouse Becky Hill take to the stage, supported by Ella Eyre and rising artist Mia Kirkland, and completing the summer celebration will be British ska-pop legends Madness, joined by Cast and The Beat ft. Ranking Jnr.

Broadstairs Folk Week, Broadstairs

7 – 14 August

Broadstairs Folk Week has gathered folk fans up and down the country to sing, dance and play beside the seaside in beautiful Broadstairs for over 60 years. Taking place in various venues across the town including Sarah Thorne Theatre, The Bandstand and Broadstairs Sailing Club, folk week boasts a wide array of top-class concerts, ceilidhs and diverse workshops to look forward to. In the striking clifftop location of Victoria Gardens, the Craft & Music Fair will also pitch up with Kent’s finest artisans during the celebrations and families can book a spot at the festival campsite to extend the fun. 

A New Day, Faversham

21 – 23 August

Created by like-minded, enthusiastic music lovers, A New Day is an eclectic Faversham festival taking place in the scenic setting of Mount Ephraim Gardens that features the best in Prog-rock, classic rock, blues and roots music. Kicking off with a pre-festival chill-out evening on Thursday for those looking to pitch up early and camp out amongst the action, this August’s festival schedule is as impressive as ever, with names such as Blue Stragglers, The Mentulls, Mike Sanchez and HENGE set to perform.

bOing! Festival, Canterbury

29 – 30 August

Inspiring endless creativity for children and adults alike, Kent’s international family arts festival, bOing! is sure to be a hit with the little ones with its brilliant range of performances and activities. With all performances having a relaxed approach to noise and movement in the space, and ample chill-out spaces and noise cancelling headphones available for all, the inclusive bOing! has something for the whole family, from baby sensory sessions to art workshops and theatre shows. 

Paws in the Park

Paws in the Park, Detling

19 – 20 September

Not forgetting festival fun for our four-legged friends, Paws in the Park’s biggest event of the year presents the ultimate day out for beloved pups and their owners. Watch expert trainers, working dog teams and exciting demonstrations in the main arenas, let your dog try something new with the have-a-go activities, or even enter your pooch into the popular novelty and companion dog classes. There will also be an incredible selection of dog products, treats, accessories, services and gifts to browse in the shopping village and plenty of space to relax. 

Broadstairs Food Festival, Broadstairs

2 – 4 October

This ultimate celebration of local flavours, passionate foodies, artisan producers and top Kentish chefs will round-off the festival season in style with its flavoursome autumn outing. Set against the backdrop of Broadstairs’ sweeping coastline, the bi-annual, free-to-enter Broadstairs Food Festival offers up the perfect opportunity to taste the very best culinary delights our county has to offer. Browse almost 100 stalls of lush produce, from cheeses, preserves and bakes, to condiments, ciders and wines, and be sure to catch the insightful chef demonstrations as familiar faces share their top foodie tricks.