Let it never be said that Kent doesn’t deliver the unexpected - and what better season than festival season to represent the county's passions, embracing your inner nerd and celebrating those quirky obsessions and curious hobbies that put a smile on your face. Whether you’re a dog devotee or want to discover a new passion, check out our round up of some of Kent’s niche festivals below.
Pride Canterbury
7th June
A celebration of LGBTQ+ identity in the county's city starts and ends at Westgate Towers and through Canterbury High Street. This year's celebrations will not take place in the usual Dane John Gardens due to the Levelling Up Fund works, but fear not, because there's still a full day of fun, entertainment, food & drink and more! If you've ever needed an excuse to feel good and celebrate diversity and equality - this is it!
Deal Music and Arts Festival
3rd - 13th July
There’s something irresistible about the combination of summer, the seaside and wonderful music in the air. The Deal Festival is a unique celebration of all three across no less than 10 days – great classical and contemporary music from some of the world’s finest music-makers, as well as theatre, opera, cinema and dance – in the beautiful and historic surroundings of Deal and Dover on England’s south coast.
Looking to make it a stay? Consider venturing to Elizabeth Cottage, a Keepers Cottage property, which is quickly becoming a local favourite for couples and small families. If you are looking for a little charming, cosy coastal cottage this one is for you!
Kent County Show
4th – 6th July
The Kent County Show is a staple of Kent (it's been running since 1923) and it's back once more this July for a weekend of farming, agriculture, and food production education in Kent. Run by the Kent County Agricultural Society, these three days are packed with animals, vintage vehicles, retail stands and plenty of Kentish food and drink. Bring the family along for the weekend and see how farming really works!
Godinton House Sculpture in the Gardens
12th July - 3rd August
Stunning gardens spread across 12 acres is what Godinton House near Ashford is known for. Among the Rose Garden, Walled Garden and Italian Garden (to name a few) across the two weeks 12th July to 3rd August, you will also be able to delve into their annual exhibition of extraordinary contemporary work by artists of the South East. This event promises to celebrate the best of modern sculpture so you will be able to truly whet your cultural appetite.
Dreamland's packed event schedule
Throughout the year
When opening up the Dreamland website and going to their What's Going On page, you'd be forgiven if you think that it's a festival lineup itself! Throughout this summer, the seaside staple has so many events happening from the likes of The Margate Reggae Festival, to bands and musicians such as Scooter, Tom Jones, Olly Murs and Scouting for Girls, so you can keep returning time and time again. Plus, with Southeastern running more trains from Margate on Friday and Saturday nights, getting home will be easier and safer.
Ramsgate Festival of Sound
12th - 14th September
A coastal music escape, the Ramsgate Festival of Sound brings together a host of internationally recognised artists and grassroots acts - plus they are all family friendly! Be sure to keep an eye on their website and social media for more information and the full lineup when it's confirmed.
Salute to the 40s
20th - 21st September
Head to the Dockyard's 1940s family vintage festival this September and be transported back in time for a weekend of vintage delights! Claimed as one of the UK's best vintage festivals, visitors can see vehicle parades, live music and entertainment, hundreds of re-enactment actors, live displays, air raid experiences to a range of open galleries and exhibitions, so there’s plenty to do for all the family. After all that exploring, you’re sure to be hungry and thirsty but fear not, there’s no rations at The Dockyard. Dig into some traditional Fish and Chips at The Mess Deck for dinner before testing your swing moves on the dance floor and dancing the evening away! Plus, it's the Dockyard's 40th Anniversary this year so what could be more fitting than to salute the 40s?
Paws in the Park
20th - 21st September
This next festival is sure to really get those tails wagging! That’s right, Britain’s favourite dog show returns to the Garden of England this September, bringing with it plenty of treats for you and your fur-riends. With plenty of games and activities to sniff out – from agility to water sports, you can even enter your pooch into competitions such as heelwork to music and agility - you and your four-legged pals will be simply spoilt for choice. What’s more, this festival brings superb shopping and even dog-friendly camping to The Kent Showground in Detling. The paw-fect day or weekend out indeed!
Canterbury Festival
TBC
Canterbury Festival is an extravaganza of the arts with an exciting array of performers, acts and activities – expect opera, folk, swing, classical, jazz, comedy, circus, theatre, science, cabaret, talks, family shows, visual arts and more. Taking place every autumn, this festival celebrates the joy of live performance, the heritage of our historic city and brings the people of Kent together. As an independent Charity the Festival works year-round to bring the very best in performance to the city - working with partners across Canterbury to present unique and inspiring experiences and develop emerging talent.
Looking to make it a stay? Consider venturing to the Sycamores, a Keepers Cottage property, which is perfect for families. There is a large garden which is ideal for a sunny day as is the kitchen for family cooking.
City Sound Project
24th - 25th May
Ready to party? City Sound Project knows just how with its bank holiday weekend music festival. Taking to various venues in Canterbury featuring a variety of genres and performances from local and international artists.
The Kent Garden Show
24th - 26th May
The Kent Garden Show returns this month, featuring around 300 exhibitors! Gather the family and enjoy a day of fun with a craft pavilion, food hall, brass band and children’s rides. The show’s highlights include the floral marquees with their stunning floral displays including medal winners from Chelsea.
The Festival Theatre
Throughout the year
The Festival Theatre has a host load of performances across three Kent venues throughout 2025. Starring Hever Castle, showcasing tribute shows, theatre performances, The History Festival and more! Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place also welcome the Festival Theatre for more extraordinary entertainment!
Glorious Garden Weekend at Penshurst Place and Gardens
7th & 8th June
Speaking of Penshurst Place, we’ve got more to tell you about! The annual Glorious Gardens Weekend will return this 7th & 8th June, hosting a variety of exhibitors and entertainers to celebrate its horticultural heritage and its local landscape. Round up for the family for this one because there’s plenty of activities for all to enjoy, including live music, weaving demonstrations, storytelling performances, exhibitors and you can even grab 50% off any plant at the Plant Centre!
Broadstairs Folk Week
8th - 15th August
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Broadstairs Folk Week is back for another year with over 400 events! From concerts and pub gigs to camping and craft fairs, Broadstairs Folk Week mustn’t go a miss.
Southeastern
With the abundance of quirky events happening all throughout the year, you may be stuck in a rut of how to get around the county and attend them all. No car? No problem. Southeastern railway, Kent's reliable train service, will take you to and from the festivals without trouble. There are a number of stations planted nearby most of the events, so you can travel around the county with ease.
Stagecoach
Get into the festival fever with Stagecoach bus service, providing reliable transport around West and East Kent. With a number of discounted tickets and offers available, you can wave goodbye to hefty taxi fares and wallet strain as travelling just got a whole lot cheaper! Plus, throughout the summer, travel on their number 69 open top bus which will take you around Thanet in true seaside style.
