Experience the magic of summer nights in Kent with captivating outdoor cinema and theatre. Imagine watching your favourite films or live performances against the backdrop of rolling countryside, historic castles, or serene seaside settings. Gather your loved ones, pack a picnic, and settle in under the stars for a truly unique cultural experience. Whether it’s a classic blockbuster or a stirring live production, Kent's outdoor venues promise an unforgettable evening. Don't miss the chance to create cherished memories this summer: explore Kent's best open-air cinema and theatre experiences today.
Hever Castle
Step back in time at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The Hever Festival Theatre returns this summer with an exciting line-up, including Anne Boleyn: The Musical, a new immersive production staged within the castle grounds from 2 to 30 August. With a transparent roof over the auditorium, you can enjoy performances rain or shine, with the castle as a stunning backdrop.
Curzon Open Air Cinema
Film fans can catch the latest hits, live sports, and classic films outdoors this summer at Canterbury’s Curzon Riverside. Sit back under the evening sky, grab your popcorn, and take advantage of unlimited evening bus travel with Stagecoach’s South East Group EveningRider ticket - just £10 for up to five people. Big screen magic, live match action, and community screenings without the parking panic!
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
This May half term, Riverhill’s Walled Garden transforms into the ultimate outdoor stage. On 24 May, the Handlebards bring Much Ado About Nothing to life with mischief, mistaken identities and a lot of laughter beneath the stars. Later in the summer, on 26 July, Changeling Theatre returns with Twelfth Night, a tale of shipwrecks, disguises and love triangles, perfect for a magical evening under the summer sky. Bring your blankets, bring your cheer!
Medieval Pageant and Family Trail
On Saturday 5 July, Canterbury’s streets fill with knights, pilgrims and merry medieval mischief. With colourful costumes, re-enactments and a free Family Trail weaving through the city’s ancient lanes, it's a celebration of the city’s proud history - and a perfect family day out.
Belmont House
Set against the lush backdrop of the Kentish countryside, Belmont House provides a stunning setting for open-air theatre. This July, join the Changeling Theatre Company as they present Twelfth Night in the beautiful gardens. Expect romance, mistaken identities, and a dash of Shakespearean mischief on 11 July. Pack a picnic, gather your friends, and prepare for an evening of unforgettable entertainment.
Canterbury Shakespeare Festival
Canterbury’s historic corners will echo with magic, mayhem and romance this summer as the city’s much-loved Shakespeare Festival returns. Opening with the windswept wonder of The Tempest (17-19 July), the season rolls into the complex morals and dark comedy of Measure for Measure (22-23 July, 29-30 July, 5-6 August).
The Younger Brother by Aphra Behn (24-26 July) brings witty Restoration scandal to the stage, while The Emperor of the Moon (31 July-2 August) offers a joyful, mischievous look at love and lunacy. The season closes with Shakespeare’s thunderous tragedy King Lear (7-9 August) - a mighty finale to a festival bursting with drama, dreams, and discovery. Tickets start from around £7 - don’t miss it!
Strode Park Theatre in the Park
Strode Park’s charming outdoor amphitheatre welcomes audiences all season with open arms. Tucked in beautiful gardens near Herne Bay, this inclusive space offers live performances in the open air - pack a picnic, book your tickets online, and enjoy theatre as it should be: fresh, fun and under the stars.
Leeds Castle
Immerse yourself in the magic of open-air cinema with a stunning castle backdrop. This summer, Leeds Castle’s Cedar Lawn will play host to a series of classic films, including The Greatest Showman, Grease, and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Gates open at 8:00 PM, giving you time to find the perfect spot, unpack your picnic, and soak in the sunset before the big screen lights up. Perfect for a memorable night out with friends or a special date under the stars.
Penshurst Place and Gardens
At Penshurst Place, the stage is set for moonlight mischief. On Friday 4 July, British Touring Shakespeare perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream as dusk falls across the historic South Lawn. Fairies, lovers, and mischief-makers await as you settle in with a picnic and a glass of wine. Doors open at 5.30pm; performance begins at 7.00pm. Tickets are £25pp and pre-booking is essential here.
Isle of Thanet
July – September
If you find yourself on the East Coast of Kent this summer (and even if you don’t, we highly recommend getting over there!), Thanet’s cinematic spectacle is one to look out for. Picture it now – warm evenings, your favourite snacks, family and friends, and some wonderful outdoors entertainment. Whether you go otherworldly with a screening of ET at the Oval Bandstand in Cliftonville or watch a theatrical retelling of Shakespeare at The Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs, make it a summer to remember!
Godinton House and Gardens
Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, Godinton House hosts enchanting outdoor theatre performances each summer. This year, don't miss the hilarious adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest by the critically acclaimed Pantaloons, taking place on 5 July. Enjoy a picnic on the sweeping lawns before the performance, and let the historic gardens provide the perfect backdrop for an evening of laughter and wit.
Getting around
Take the stress away from those days outdoors as you sit back with Southeastern, who’re ready and waiting with your journey planned for you. Using their app, you can get from spot to spot at the click of a button, saving you on the pennies and the time. So, where will your next day out take you?
