September in Kent is shaping up to be a month packed with live music, food festivals, cultural celebrations and vineyard experiences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for your next flavour adventure, a music lover ready to sing your heart out, or simply keen to soak up Kent’s history and heritage, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our pick of the best events happening across the county this September.
Macknade
When: Throughout September
Where: Macknade Fine Food Hall, Faversham
Faversham’s much-loved food hall and dining hub, Macknade, is going all out this September with a whole host of events to get on your calendar. Join their Birthday Party and raise a glass to another year of Kent’s favourite foodie destination, tuck into their epic Whisky Tasting evenings, or gather your friends for one of their legendary Chicken Feasting Nights. Feeling like a dance? Their Hoedown is set to be a highlight, complete with toe-tapping tunes and hearty fare, while their Italian Supper Club will transport you straight to Tuscany with beautiful seasonal dishes. Whatever you pick, Macknade’s events promise delicious food, plenty of fun and a warm community atmosphere.
Sugababes & Melanie C at Dreamland
When: Friday 12th September
Where: Dreamland, Margate
Pop icons the Sugababes are heading to Margate’s Dreamland this September, and it’s set to be one unforgettable night. With a setlist packed full of their greatest hits, you can expect crowd-pleasers, singalong favourites and all the nostalgia of the early 2000s. Pair the music with Dreamland’s retro rides, street food and seaside vibes, and you’ve got the ultimate late-summer evening out.
The Last Night of the Hever Proms
When: Saturday 13th September
Where: Hever Castle
There’s no better setting for a spot of classical magic than the romantic grounds of Hever Castle. The Last Night of the Hever Proms brings all the pomp and grandeur you’d expect, from soaring symphonies to rousing anthems, with a spectacular firework finale lighting up the night sky. Bring a picnic, settle in under the stars, and let the music sweep you away in one of Kent’s most atmospheric historic venues.
Salute to the '40s
When: 20th & 21st September
Where: The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Step back in time at The Historic Dockyard Chatham as they host their annual Salute to the ’40s weekend. Expect vintage vehicles, live music, military re-enactments, fashion parades and plenty of nostalgic fun for the whole family. It’s one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of the era, and there’s no better place to experience it than within the Dockyard’s unique heritage setting.
Sip & Sketch at Chapel Down
When: Thursday 25th September
Where: Chapel Down, Tenterden
Wine lovers and budding artists alike will adore Sip & Sketch at Chapel Down Vineyard. Hosted in the stunning surroundings of England’s leading winemaker, this creative afternoon blends art with indulgence. With expert guidance from award-winning artist Tom Middleton, you’ll get the chance to sketch while sipping on Chapel Down wines and nibbling on local cheeses. A relaxed, hands-on experience that makes for the perfect September treat.
Balfour Winery
When: Throughout September
Where: Balfour Winery, Staplehurst
If you’re looking for vineyard experiences with a twist, Balfour Winery in Staplehurst has you covered this September. Start your month with Yoga in the Vines (7th September) – a rejuvenating outdoor class followed by a guided tasting of Balfour’s wines. Mid-month, don’t miss their Late Summer Harvest Festival (13–14 September), complete with live music, DJs, delicious street food and tastings, all set against the backdrop of their beautiful estate. And rounding things off in style, Balfour has teamed up with Fenwick Tunbridge Wells for an exclusive Charlotte Tilbury Masterclass (23rd September). Beauty, bubbles and plenty of glamour – what more could you ask for?
Medieval Festival at Betteshanger Country Park
When: 6-7 September
Where: Betteshanger Country Park
Gather your knights and maidens – the Medieval Festival at Betteshanger Country Park is bringing history to life this September. Expect jousting displays, living history encampments, archery, storytelling and plenty of hands-on fun for little squires. With food, drink and entertainment for all ages, it’s a brilliant family day out that combines Kent’s natural landscapes with the drama and spectacle of the Middle Ages.
Turner Contemporary
When: Throughout September
Where: Turner Contemporary, Margate
Over in Margate, Turner Contemporary is serving up an inspiring programme of exhibitions and events throughout September. From thought-provoking contemporary installations to creative workshops and family-friendly activities, there’s always something new to discover at this world-class gallery by the sea. Combine your visit with a stroll along Margate’s sandy beach and some local seafood for a cultural day out with a coastal twist.
