Local Events within easy reach of Hawthorn Farm Cottages
Are you planning a trip in 2025, and hoping to catch one or two of the amazing events being organised in East Kent? We've put together a handy list of diverse and exciting goings on happening in our area that we think you'll enjoy!
From musical and theatrical productions, to food and culture festivals, art exhibitions and workshops, parades and commemorations to mark the great historical events that have taken place in our county...
We'll be adding more events when more dates are announced. If you know of any other upcoming events that should be on this page, please do let us know!
Marlowe Theatre
A year-round programme of theatre, dance, opera, music and comedy
Canterbury - CT1 2AS
The Marlowe Theatre in the heart of of historic Canterbury is one of the UK’s most successful large-scale regional theatres. You can book to see West End musicals, national companies, symphony orchestras and high-profile tours, in the impressive modern 1,200-seat main house.
A wide selection of accessible performances including audio description, BSL interpretation, captioned and relaxed performances. Lift access and accessible toilets on every floor.
Turner Contemporary
A year-round programme of events, exhibitions and workshops
Margate - CT9 1HG
The Turner Contemporary was built on the site of the boarding house where JMW Turner stayed during his visits to Margate. Opened in 2011, the gallery is inspired by the life and work of the celebrated artist, who found inspiration in the town's skies and light. It truly is a place of artistic exploration and discovery - and well worth a visit!
Dreamland
Ticketed indoor live music and events (winter months)
Margate - CT9 1XJ
Enjoy a jam-packed line up of live music and events in Dreamland's indoor venues during the winter months. A one stop shop of culture, food, festival fun and seasonal, vintage style amusement park rides. Dreamland is fast becoming the coolest music venue in the county, with an eclectic programme designed to get your toes tapping and your hands in the air, no matter your vibe, from bouncing DJ nights to outdoor festival style fun. Dreamland has four event areas: The Scenic Stage Arena, Hall by the Sea, The Ballroom and the Roller Room. All areas with the exception of the Scenic Stage Arena, are indoor venues.
Faversham Literary Festival
21 Feb-2 March 2025
Various Venues Throughout Faversham
A week-long programme that offers an exciting mix of well-known authors, leading thinkers, up-and-coming writers, and local talent, plus writing competitions for all ages, workshops, spoken word, slam poetry, children's and family events. The quality and scope of the programme is what makes it a festival that people want to come to!
Broadstairs Easter Food Festival
18-20 April 2025
Victoria Gardens - CT10 1QL
A Feast for the Senses: Immerse yourself in a foodie's paradise at this wonderful biannual food festival, set against the backdrop of the historic seaside town of Broadstairs. Sample the finest Kent has to offer, from artisanal spirits to delectable treats. With live cooking demos, tastings, and a lively atmosphere, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on this culinary adventure!
Registered guide, assistance and hearing dogs are welcome on the site.
85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo
22-26 May 2025
Ramsgate Royal Harbour - CT10 1QL
Don’t miss the arrival of more than 60 Dunkirk Little Ships and a further 60 supporter vessels to commemorate the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo, which helped evacuate more than 338,000 allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk back to Britain. The ships will arrive will likely be berthed in the inner marina with options to allow the public onto certain vessels to look around.
Other events and activities take place throughout Ramsgate and around the Harbour. These include a parade on Sunday 25th May with the Marching Band and Corp of Drums of the Royal Marines; the opportunity to board the Medway Queen, a paddle steamer and heroine of Dunkirk; discover evacuee stories and see model displays and period vehicles.
The Oval Bandstand
May to August 2025
Cliftonville - CT9 2HL
The Oval Bandstand is an outdoor events venue, set on the coastline at Walpole Bay in Cliftonville, and is one of Thanet’s most vibrant venues. The venue hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, with lots going on during the summer season.
Margate Summer Series
June to August 2025
Dreamland, Margate - CT9 1XJ
A massive run of shows throughout the summer, with the following gigs announced so far:
- Scooter: 13th June
- Supergrass: 20th June
- The Libertines: 5th July
- Margate Reggae Fest: 12th July
- Texas: 18th July
- Basement Jaxx: 26th July
- Madness: 2nd August
- Roger Daltrey: 8th August
- Olly Murs: 15th August
- Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter: 23rd August
- Maribou State: 24th August
Pride Canterbury
7 June 2025
Canterbury High Street
A spectacular celebration of LGBTQ+ identity for the whole family. Featuring a parade through Canterbury High Street, followed by a diverse artist line-up, entertainment, marketplace, food, drink + much more! Join tens of thousands in Canterbury for Kent’s biggest Pride event.
Broadstairs Dickens Festival
13-15 June 2025 (dates t.b.c)
Various locations throughout Broadstairs
In 1937, to commemorate the centenary of the author's first visit, Gladys Waterer, the then resident of Dickens House, conceived the idea of putting on a production of David Copperfield and of having people about the town in Victorian dress to publicise it. The 3 day festival is now held annually as a celebration of the life, times and novels of Charles Dickens.
Sandwich Folk & Ale Festival
4-6 July 2025
Throughout Sandwich - more details to follow
This family-friendly event is a celebration of folk music, craft and entertainment, plus fantastic local food and drink.
Canterbury's Medieval Pageant
5 July 2025
Across Canterbury - multiple venues
Experience a grand parade of knights, regal monarchs, and merry minstrels along Canterbury’s High Street. Embark on the Family Trail, brimming with interactive stops. Watch sword fighting, musical performances, and workshops city-wide, perfect for both adults and children! Kids can also collect 5 stamps across the city to collect a prize from the Cathedral.
Ramsgate Week
20-25 July 2025
Royal Temple Yacht Club - CT11 9HY
Widely renowned as the 'friendly regatta' and provides a viable alternative to Cowes! Competitive daily races for all classes to suit Cruiser, IRC and classic yachts, plus a full programme of live entertainment. All yachts return to the Royal Harbour after racing and are moored up together in a competitors area. The central meeting point is the balcony at the yacht club where the apres racing stories are then told in abundance!
Margate Soul Festival
1-3 August 2025
Margate Seafront and various venues
Experience soulful shores at Margate Soul Weekender: Non-stop music, seaside energy, and unforgettable party vibes!
GreyFest
2-3 August 2025
Mount Ephraim Gardens Cricket Pitch - ME13 9TX
Two days of dog shows with classes for greyhounds, lurchers, galgos and other hounds. With a fun dog show, live music, stalls and food.
Broadstairs Folk Week
8-15 August 2025
Throughout Broadstairs - more details to follow
Celebrating its 60th year, the legendary Folk Festival line-up will include Eddy Reader, Martin and Eliza Carthy, Peggy Seeger in conversation, Kathryn Robers & Sean Lakeman... and many more!
Manston International Airshow
16-17 August 2025
Manston Airport - CB12 5BL
A not-for-profit event, raising funds for charity. The most exciting air and land based show in the South East of England! Featuring a two-day programme of displays in the air and on the ground. Including The Bronco Demo Team OV-10B and many more... Ticketing information coming soon!
Faversham Hop Festival
30-31 August 2025
Preston Street, West Street, East Street, Faversham
Internationally renowned local beer and music festival celebrating hops & harvest, with live music, stalls, great food, real ale, traditional dance, parade, puppet show, magic, children's fun area with fairground.
OhSoRetroShow
28 September 2025
The Rec, Palm Bay Ave, Margate, CT9 3PP
Returning for its 12th year, there will be over 1,700 classic, vintage and retro cars and bikes; 50+ club stands; 20+ Show & Shine Awards; trade stands and Autojumble. Live music all day; special displays; children’s entertainment and lots, lots more! The show runs from 10am to 4pm.
Broadstairs Autumn Food Festival
3-5 October 2025
Victoria Gardens - CT10 1QL
A Feast for the Senses: Immerse yourself in a foodie's paradise at this wonderful biannual food festival, set against the backdrop of the historic seaside town of Broadstairs. Sample the finest Kent has to offer, from artisanal spirits to delectable treats. With live cooking demos, tastings, and a lively atmosphere, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on this culinary adventure!
Registered guide, assistance and hearing dogs are welcome on the site.
Margate Bookie Festival
4-12 October 2025
Various Margate venues, including Dreamland, Margate Library and Turner Contemporary
This year marks 10 years of the Bookie Festival, with a nine day celebration of books, reading and writing. The Big Weekend at Turner Contemporary (Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October) will feature star authors. The event also includes creative writing workshops, showcases local writers, a Poetry Slam, Children’s Festival, popup bookshops and more.