Whether you like to converge on one big stage or hop from one pop-up venue to another, Kent has an amazing range of music festivals lined up for 2026. With big-name acts in rock, pop, ska, soul, folk and beyond, you can enjoy a boutique boogie-fest by the sea or get gloriously lost in music at the park...
Slap on some sun cream, dig out the wellies (just in case!) and check out our updated line-up of the best festivals to grace Kent's stage this year.
Lovebox Festival at Dreamland, Margate
29th–30th May 2026
After a seven-year hiatus, Lovebox Festival makes a triumphant return — this time to the iconic Dreamland Margate. With headliners including Scissor Sisters, Rudimental, Friendly Fires and Soul II Soul, this two-day celebration promises a perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh energy right by the sea. Dreamland's vintage seaside setting makes it a truly unforgettable venue for what is set to be one of the summer's biggest events.
Nearest station: Margate
Rock the Mote - Mote Park, Maidstone
24th–26th July 2026
The UK's premier tribute festival returns to Maidstone's Mote Park, this time back to its summer home in July. Across three stages, you'll find the country's top tribute acts celebrating artists from both past and present - think stadium staging, spectacular sound and light production, and an incredible range of genres. There's also a beer, cider and ale village, street food, cocktail vendors and fairground rides. Weekend and day tickets available, plus camping.
Nearest station: Maidstone East / Maidstone West
Deal Music and Arts Festival - Deal
3rd - 12th July 2026
A unique celebration of music and the arts, the Deal Festival blends world-class classical and contemporary performances with theatre, opera, cinema and dance — all set in the beautiful historic surroundings of Deal and the Cinque Ports coast. It's an irresistible combination of summer, sea air and extraordinary music. Check the festival website for 2026 dates and programme details.
Nearest station: Deal
Tonbridge Music Weekend - Tonbridge Castle
3rd–5th July 2026
Tonbridge Castle comes alive with party vibes, disco beats and family fun for another music-filled weekend. The 2026 programme opens on Friday 3rd July with Greatest Hits of Motown, Saturday 4th July brings Country Superstars, and the weekend rounds off on Sunday 5th July with more crowd-pleasing entertainment for all ages. A short hop from the town centre, it's a fantastic way to enjoy the best of Kent in a stunning historic setting.
Nearest station: Tonbridge
Leeds Castle Concert
11th July 2026
The Leeds Castle Classical Concert promises to be a highlight this festival season. Enjoy world-class music, captivating performers and fireworks, all set against the stunning backdrop of Leeds Castle - bring a picnic, bring the family, bring a candelabra! Be sure to book up as these tickets sell out fast!
Nearest Station: Bearsted
Rochester Castle Live - Rochester Castle
3rd–5th July 2026
Immerse yourself in the stunning setting of Rochester Castle for a weekend of incredible open-air concerts. Rochester Castle Live returns for another year of world-class artists performing against the backdrop of one of Kent's most dramatic medieval landmarks. The 2026 lineup is set to deliver something for every member of the family across the three-day programme. Keep an eye on their website for the full act announcements.
Nearest station: Rochester
Maid of Stone Festival - Mote Park, Maidstone
17th–19th July 2026
A brand-new rock festival has landed in Maidstone! Maid of Stone brings three days of hard rock, classic rock, blues rock and metal to Mote Park across two stages, with no clashes so you never miss a band. With a friendly, family festival vibe and a capped capacity of 5,000, it's intimate enough to feel personal while delivering big names. The 2026 lineup already includes Saxon, Danko Jones, Uriah Heep, Cassidy Paris and Airbourne as headliners. Camping, glamping, motorhomes and caravans all welcome.
Nearest station: Maidstone East / Maidstone West
Blue Reef Festival - Loddington Farm, near Maidstone
24th–25th July 2026
Now in its sixth year, the surfer-inspired Blue Reef Festival returns to the scenic Loddington Farm in Linton for two days of eclectic live music. Across five stages you'll find everything from headline rock acts to acoustic sessions, plus creative workshops, family-friendly activities, DJs and some of Kent's finest street food. Previous years have welcomed the likes of Happy Mondays and Reef, and 2026 promises to be their best yet. Weekend camping is available on site.
Nearest station: Maidstone East, followed by taxi
Margate Soul Weekender - Margate Seafront
31st July – 2nd August 2026
Margate's signature soul festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, and it's going to be a very special one. The Margate Soul Weekender brings three days of soul, funk, R&B, reggae and jazz funk to the seafront, including the iconic Lido Sunset Stage and the brand-new Drill Shed Live Arena. The 2026 lineup includes Incognito, Brass Construction, Shaun Escoffery, The Real Thing, Carroll Thompson, Janet Kay, and Children of Zeus. More acts are still to be announced for this milestone celebration. Expect roller skating, a soul vinyl fair, cycle tours and much more besides the music.
Nearest station: Margate
Canterbury Live - St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury
8th–9th August 2026
Brand new for 2026, Canterbury Live brings a major festival experience to the heart of Kent's UNESCO World Heritage city. Set against the stunning backdrop of the St Lawrence Ground, home of Kent Cricket, this August weekender expects to attract over 40,000 music lovers across two days. Two-time BRIT Award winner Becky Hill headlines on Saturday 8th August, while ska legends Madness top the bill on Sunday 9th August. With world-class production, international street food and fully licensed bars, this promises to be a landmark addition to Kent's music calendar.
Nearest station: Canterbury East / Canterbury West
Broadstairs Folk Week - Broadstairs
7th–14th August 2026
Now in its 61st year, Broadstairs Folk Week is as beloved as ever, a true cornerstone of the Kentish summer. For just over one glorious week, the entire town transforms into a living folk festival, with over 400 events spread across 20+ venues, more than 160 of which are completely free. From headline concerts and ceilidhs to workshops, a Craft and Music Fair, and the ever-popular free pub gig programme, there really is something for everyone. Camping is available at the festival campsite, just a 15–20 minute walk from the town centre, with a regular minibus service running throughout the week.
Nearest station: Broadstairs
A New Day Festival - Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham
21st–23rd August 2026
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, A New Day Festival returns to the breathtaking setting of Mount Ephraim Gardens for three days of progressive rock, classic rock, blues and roots music. With two stages running consecutively so you never miss a band, the 2026 lineup includes Focus, Gong, Curved Air, Martin Barre (of Jethro Tull), Martin Turner (ex-Wishbone Ash), Lindisfarne, HENGE and many more. Award-winning ales, ciders, and a superb selection of food stalls complete the picture. Camping and glamping available on site.
Nearest station: Faversham
Margate Summer Series at Dreamland, Margate
Various dates throughout summer 2026
Dreamland's iconic outdoor stage continues to host an extraordinary run of summer concerts across multiple genres. The 2026 Margate Summer Series features an outstanding lineup including The Streets (performing A Grand Don't Come for Free in full), Paul Weller, Kesha, The Human League, Bananarama, Flaming Lips, Garbage & Skunk Anansie, Bowling for Soup + Frank Turner, Bastille, David Gray, Tom Grennan and many more. With Southeastern running trains for late-night shows, getting home is easy. Check the Dreamland website for the full schedule.
Nearest station: Margate
Getting to and from the festivals
Southeastern
Getting back home after a busy day or full weekend, the last thing you want to do is drive, so helpfully Southeastern have stations across Kent, including those noted below the festivals in this list! Plus, additional late trains for the likes of the Dreamland concerts mean you can get home easily and safely. Remember - be sure to plan your journey with their app for no additional fees and handy e-tickets.
