Art & Culture Festivals

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.

Estuary Festival, Gravesend

21st - 29th June

This summer, Gravesend becomes a hub of creativity for Estuary Festival 2025, with a vibrant programme of art and culture events that bring the town's riverfront to life. Head to the historic Town Pier for Pop Up on the Pier (21-22 June), where you'll find artist talks, immersive workshops, and live film screenings in a stunning riverside setting. Don't miss Routes to Protest: The River, Vessels and People of 1381, where sound art and storytelling explore the estuary's role in moments of rebellion and change.

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.