Festival season is here, and Kent's food and drink calendar for 2026 is bursting with flavour. Whether you're after the catch of the day at a breezy coastal gathering, a glass of award-winning Kentish fizz at a vineyard festival, or a smoky rack of ribs from a world-class grill master, the Garden of England delivers.
From Easter through to autumn, there's a foodie event around virtually every corner of the county. We've rounded up all the highlights - check back regularly as more dates are confirmed throughout the year.
Macknade Beer & BBQ Festival
Saturday 27th June 2026
Fire up your appetite at this family-friendly festival bringing the heat with mouth-watering BBQ, craft beer from local breweries, live music and chef demos and workshops. This isn't just any BBQ, it's a full festival of smoky, hoppy flavours.
Broadstairs Food Festival
Victoria Gardens, Broadstairs - Good Friday - Easter Monday
Back at Victoria Gardens for its beloved Easter edition - almost 100 local producers, chef demos, foodie workshops, and kids' Easter crafts, all with stunning sea views thrown in for free.
Canterbury Wine Festival
Westgate Hall, Canterbury - 15th - 16th May 2026
Sip, swirl and celebrate at Westgate Hall, a joyful two-day event showcasing over 50 fabulous wines from Kent's top vineyards including Balfour, Biddenden, Simpsons and more. Expert-led tastings make this a highlight for wine lovers.
Deal Food and Drink Festival
Marine Road, Deal - 27th – 31st August 2026
Five days of flavour along Deal's stunning seafront! Street food to have you coming back for seconds, quirky craft stalls, a beach bar, kids' activities, live music and stand-up comedy. With easy parking and great transport links, there's nothing stopping you.
The Kent Food Fest
Knockholt, Sevenoaks - 16th May 2026
Now in its 11th year and nominated "coolest UK festival" by Condé Nast, this sprawling event in 250 acres of countryside brings together gourmet street food, award-winning Kent craft beers and wines, top tribute acts, a funfair, water rides, and a wellness village. The perfect family day out with the bonus of a Kent Dog Fest the following day!
Chatham Maritime Food and Drink Festival
Find a spot by the water and watch the dragon boat racing while feasting on market stalls, food and drink vendors, dessert stands, cocktail bars and live entertainment at this waterfront bank holiday spectacular.
Tonbridge Food Festival
Tonbridge Castle - 24th - 26th May 2026
A staple of Tonbridge's summer calendar pulling in around 15,000 visitors. Expect food and drink from over 70 stallholders from across Kent, with food writers and chefs from the South East dropping in to share their expertise.
Taste of the Caribbean
Mote Park, Maidstone - 28th June 2026
A vibrant celebration of island flavours right in the heart of Kent. Enjoy traditional dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat and ackee and saltfish, live cooking demonstrations from Caribbean chefs, and Bob Marley and UB40 tribute bands to set the mood.
Ashford Food & Music Festival
Elwick Place, Ashford - 28th June 2026
A one-day festival of local food, live music and family entertainment at Ashford's modern cultural hub. Expect hot snacks, Kent wines, DJs, bands, face painting and children's crafts in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Spa Valley Railway Beer & Cider Festival
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells - 15th - 16th October 2026
Aiming to be the biggest Beer & Cider Festival in the South East, this family-friendly event features 230 real ales (including 40 Kent Green Hop varieties!), 14 keg beers and 80 ciders — all enjoyed aboard heritage steam trains with live music throughout.
Faversham Hop Festival
Faversham Town Centre - September 2026
A tribute to Faversham's rich brewing heritage and the end of the hop-picking season. The whole town transforms into a festival of local ales, craft beers, street food, live music, Morris dancing and a traditional hop-pickers' parade. One of Kent's most atmospheric events.
