It’s that time of the year again… Get ready to see Kent bursting with colour! From vibrant coastal parades to city centre carnivals, Pride season is a time to raise awareness and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in style, so let’s embrace the love and cherish being exactly who you are.

Whether you’re coming together to celebrate love, friendship or simply to spread some joy, Kent’s 2026 Pride events promise something for everyone. From dancing under the stars to community-led parades, the county will come alive. Here, we kick off the celebration with a look at Kent’s biggest and best summer Pride events.

Ashford Pride | ©Andy Jones

Pride Canterbury

Saturday 6 June

Kicking off with the largest Pride event across the county, Canterbury’s cobbled streets become packed with a vibrant parade, community stalls and a wide range of food and drink vendors. This year the event will have a diverse artist lineup, with some of the UK’s favourite tribute acts, and don’t forget the Official After Party, rolling on till the early hours; you can dance the night away in style.

Pride Ashford

Saturday 20 & 27 June

For the third year running, Ashford will host a community Pride event, located at the bandstand; the day will be crammed full of upbeat music, fabulous drag acts and an array of local talent from across Kent. Don’t miss the brand-new event for 2026 – The Kent Pride Games, set to be held at Julie Rose Stadium – prepare to get competitive and celebrate Pride on the track!

Canterbury Pride

Folkestone Pride

Saturday 25 July 

Championing the diversity of Folkestone and Hythe’s queer community, Folkestone Pride is an empowering event and a big, very popular summer celebration, attracting thousands of visitors and locals to stand together in unity. The parade is a symbol of belonging, taking place alongside a colourful bandstand hosting live performances throughout the day with drag storytimes and workshops. The day finishes with a high-spirited afterparty to end the celebration with a bang.

Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Pride

8 & 16 August

Family-friendly and ready to spread the love, Tonbridge Pride is back for a fifth year, taking place in the medieval Tonbridge Castle. The event offers entertainment for the whole family, running through the day into the night and there’ll be a wide range of stalls and food vendors, too. 

Shortly after, the volunteer-led Tunbridge Wells Pride is held at The Forum, hosting a colourful parade, local stalls and a dedicated children’s event to keep the whole family happy. The evening follows with Pride Late, an 18+ afterparty with a selection of electrifying performances.

Pride Margate, Ramsgate & Broadstairs

8 August & 19 – 20 September

Taking over the Thanet coast this summer are three spectacular Pride events beginning with Margate. The coastal town will be a buzz of parades, rallies and workshops held at the Walpole Bay Lawns, before making its way to the Margate Pride party at iconic venue, Dreamland, with a mix of headline acts, DJs and drag royalty.

Continuing along the East Kent coastline, Ramsgate and Broadstairs are set to thrill with a weekend crammed full of entertainment and celebration. With a touch of seaside charm, the weekend boasts a family festival, workshops, community stages and a march through the coastal towns, soaking up the spirit of love, acceptance and, of course, pride.

Canterbury Pride

Medway Pride

Saturday 22 August

Bigger, better and even more glitter all apply to Medway Pride this year, where everyone is welcome to celebrate in the grounds of Rochester Castle Gardens. Kicking off the day with a vibrant parade through the cobblestoned streets that marches all the way to the castle where an epic festival will begin that’s packed with a lineup of unforgettable performances. The event continues well into the night, dancing under the stars with twinkling lights and vibrant music to keep the energy high.

Dover and Deal Pride

August 23 & 12 September

Dover is set to thrill with marches through the town centre on 23 August to bring the community together. You’ll find colour, music and a tonne of community spirit on display, with a hub of stalls, performances and food available to enjoy.

Only a stone’s throw away on 12 September will be Deal Pride, following suit with the iconic pride march, market stalls and an afterparty. Starting the day in Alfred Square and moving on to Walmer Green, set right next to the stunning shingle coastline of Walmer Beach, you can continue the celebration into the night.