33 Things to Do in Kent in July 2026 (Music Festivals, Vineyard Tours & Handmade Markets)

By the time July rolls around, summer is in full swing and Kent truly embraces the outdoor festival lifestyle. The school holidays kick off toward the end of the month, meaning the county fills with lots of agricultural shows, open-air coastal concerts and fantastic food celebrations.

The days are long, the evenings are warm and it’s the perfect time to experience the very best of what Kent has to offer.

Is July a good month to visit Kent?

July is spectacular if you want to experience the county at its most lively. Average temperatures hover around a very comfortable 21°C to 22°C, which makes it a brilliant beach weather for places like Broadstairs, Margate or Folkestone.

The countryside looks stunning right now, with golden wheat fields ready for harvest and orchards heavy with fruit. It’s peak lavender season too, so if you want to capture those beautiful purple fields, places like Castle Farm in Shoreham are completely breathtaking during the first half of the month.

Because it’s the main summer season, the coast can get very busy on sunny weekends, so planning a mid-week trip or heading to the quieter countryside estates is a great way to escape the big crowds.

Special Days in July 2026:

22nd July (Wednesday): Most Kent schools break up for the summer holidays.

1. The 95th Kent County Show

This is the absolute crown jewel of the Kentish summer calendar, and it is a large celebration of farming, food and countryside life. Spreading across the massive Detling Showground, it expects around 100,000 people over three days.

You’ll find over 400 trade stands, spectacular showjumping finals, a grand parade of livestock, and a massive food hall packed with regional producers. I love watching the heavy working horses and browsing the vintage vehicle displays, but since it’s a very large event area, my tip is to wear comfortable shoes!

Location: Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF
Opening Times: 3–5 July 2026, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Tickets: Advance online discounts available; under 5s go free

2. Spirit of Tenterden Festival

Tucked away on the lovely recreation ground of one of our prettiest high-street towns, this independent community festival is entering its sixth year. It is a brilliant, non-profit event that brings together fantastic live music, amazing local street food, and a massive showcase of artisan makers and creative stalls.

They even run a dedicated dog show and arena displays on the weekend. It has an incredibly welcoming feel, and sitting on the grass with a local craft ale while the live bands play is a lovely way to spend a July afternoon.

Location: Tenterden Recreation Ground, Tenterden, TN30 6RA
Opening Times: 3–5 July 2026, Friday 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday times vary
Tickets: Completely free entry (which is brilliant for a festival of this scale!)

3. David Gray & The Divine Comedy Live at Dreamland

Summer concerts by the sea just hit differently, and watching the legendary David Gray perform his Past & Present Tour open-air on the Scenic Stage is going to be magnificent.

Having the brilliant team of The Divine Comedy as special guests makes this arguably one of the most sophisticated music tickets of the month. The reality is that singing along to classic tunes with the ocean breeze and the silhouette of vintage rollercoasters in the background at the Margate Dreamland creates a pretty unforgettable summer evening.

Location: Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XG
Opening Times: Friday 10 July 2026, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Tickets: General Admission tickets available online; booking early is highly recommended

4. Sausage & Cider Festival at Quex Park

If you love a crisp drink on a warm afternoon and a proper laugh, this huge touring festival making its stop in Birchington is a brilliant choice. They pull out all the stops with over 30 different craft ciders, more than 20 varieties of artisan sausages, and a massive festival market.

Entertainment-wise, they have a brilliant lineup of the UK’s best tribute acts (including ABBA and The Killers), a silent disco and even a live “Barrioke” tour set. There are plenty of other permanent attractions in the park, including the Powell Cotton Museum in Quex Park, craft village or garden centre.

Location: Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea, CT7 0HR
Opening Times: Saturday 18 July 2026, all day
Tickets: Available via the festival website; different package tiers apply

5. Betteshanger Rocks Music Festival

You can find this festival near the coast between Deal and Sandwich. This fantastic family-friendly festival returns for three days of open-air music in the park. It’s a wonderful, relaxed alternative to the massive corporate festivals, focusing on great local food traders, licensed bars and performances running right into the starry summer evenings.

They even offer a limited number of weekend camping pitches for tents and campervans, making it a lovely option if you want to turn a concert into a proper little countryside holiday.

At the same time you can explore the Kent’s mining history by visiting the Mining Museum on site or walking the Miner’s Trail path, which takes you through the mining villages nearby.

Location: Betteshanger Park, near Deal, CT14 0BF
Opening Times: 17–19 July 2026, Friday 6:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday 1:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Tickets: Both single-day and full weekend passes available online; Under 6s go free

6. Blue Reef Festival

Held at a brilliant, working family farm in Linton, this independent music and lifestyle festival is a proper hidden gem for anyone looking for full-on summer vibes in Mid-Kent. Spread across five distinct stages, it features an eclectic mix of legendary names, rising acoustic talent, creative craft workshops, and top-notch regional street food.

It’s small enough to feel intimate and incredibly friendly, making it a fantastic weekend choice if you want to support local music in the heart of the countryside.

Location: Loddington Farm, Linton, near Maidstone, ME17 4AG
Opening Times: 24–25 July 2026, arena gates open at 2:00 pm on Friday
Tickets: Weekend Adult Arena Entry from £120; child discounts and parking passes available

7. Summer in Nashville at Quex Park

For anyone who loves a bit of country music, line dancing, and authentic American BBQ, this event brings a slice of Tennessee straight to the Kent coast. They are setting up two large stages featuring tributes to country legends alongside undiscovered acts traveling direct from the USA.

They are even giving away 500 free cowboy hats at the gate, and they’ll have a mechanical rodeo bull and axe throwing to keep the energy levels high all day.

Location: Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea, CT7 0HR
Opening Times: Sunday 19 July 2026, daytime event
Tickets: Booking well in advance via the venue website is highly recommended

8. The Leeds Castle Concert

If you want to experience the absolute pinnacle of open-air musical spectacles in Kent, this is the hottest ticket of the entire summer season. Hosted in the breathtaking grounds of Maidstone’s most famous fortress, this iconic open-air concert draws thousands of people who set up elaborate picnics on the lawns.

You get a world-class performance blending classical masterpieces with contemporary hits, but the real showstoppers are the traditional Spitfire flyover and the massive, synchronized fireworks finale over the lake. It is a spectacular Kentish tradition that completely sums up the best of July.

Location: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, ME17 1PL
Opening Times: Saturday 11 July 2026, afternoon through to evening
Tickets: Entry tickets must be pre-booked online; group discounts apply for 10+ people

9. The Ibiza Orchestra Experience at Quex Park

If you want a high-energy alternative to the traditional village fete, this outdoor party in Birchington is going to be spectacular. Picture a full 26-piece live orchestra completely reimagining the biggest dance anthems and club classics from the White Isle, accompanied by a massive laser show, pyrotechnics and fire breathers. They’ve even added a brand-new 90s dance tent, glitter artists, and a silent disco arena for 2026.

Location: Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea, CT7 0HR
Opening Times: Friday 17 July 2026, evening event
Tickets: Available online via the event booking portal

10. The Motor Mule Festival

Celebrate Independence Day weekend in Betteshanger, where the park will be completely transformed for three days into a haven for roots music, with two stages of gritty blues, soaring country vocals and classic rock and roll.

Alongside the music, you can browse an incredible collection of classic American cars and motorcycles, hit the authentic smokehouse BBQ pits, or grab a drink at Brock’s Real Ale and Cider Festival area.

Location: Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal, CT14 0BF
Opening Times: 3–5 July 2026, action running all weekend
Tickets: Day and weekend passes available via the park’s event page

11. Hever in Bloom: Summer Showcase

While this beautiful festival kicks off in late June, the first week of July is when the award-winning gardens at Hever Castle hit their absolute peak of summer beauty.

You get to wander through a jaw-dropping display of more than 5,000 roses in the four-acre walled garden, and the castle rooms are filled with spectacular floral arrangements. They run expert gardener tours, a specialist plant fair, and lovely hands-on workshops like leaf hammering for families. It’s an absolute dream for anyone looking for garden inspiration.

Location: Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
Opening Times: Running until 5 July 2026, 10:30 am – 6:00 pm daily
Tickets: Included with standard castle and gardens admission

12. Monster Slam 2026

For a massive, adrenaline-fueled day out that the kids will be talking about for months, this huge monster truck extravaganza is returning to Thanet. You get to see giant, car-crushing trucks tearing up the arena, alongside high-flying stunt displays and family entertainment.

The reality is that the sheer noise and action are completely thrilling for older children. They have a brilliant festival food arena on-site too, just perfect for a day out during the summer holidays.

Location: Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea, CT7 0HR
Opening Times: Sunday 26 July 2026, daytime event
Tickets: Pre-booking is essential as this is a massive family favorite

13. The Human League & Bananarama Live

Talk about the ultimate 1980s pop lineup by the sea! The legendary Human League are taking over the outdoor Scenic Stage at Dreamland, and they are bringing the brilliant Sara Dalin and Keren Woodward of Bananarama along as very special guests.

Singing along to massive, generation-defining hits with the sea breeze coming off the Margate coast is a brilliant way to spend a Friday night. It’s a standing-only outdoor show and the atmosphere is bound to be completely electric.

Location: Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XG
Opening Times: Friday 17 July 2026, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Tickets: General Admission available online; strictly no re-entry once inside

14. GirlyPop x K-Pop Festival

If you are looking for a brilliant afternoon out to keep teenagers and pop lovers happy at the start of the summer holidays, this amazing crossover festival is a top pick.

Two powerhouse brands are uniting for a five-hour outdoor celebration packed with high-energy tribute acts performing hits from Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ariana Grande, alongside jaw-dropping live choreography from a full K-Pop tribute band. They even have hair glitter stations, glam bars, and massive Instagram photo ops set up across the site.

Location: Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XG
Opening Times: Sunday 12 July 2026, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Last entry 3:00 pm)
Tickets: Available via Skiddle; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult

15. Salute to the Forces 2026

This brand-new, massive two-day military heritage show is a brilliant family choice for the final weekend of July. It includes incredible live battle re-enactments, a dedicated Home Front area, static displays of legendary Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft, and rows of classic wartime vehicles.

For an unexpected twist, they are even running a massive Comic Con section inside the park with cosplay, themed exhibitors, and movie props. It’s a huge, varied event that also raises funds for brilliant veterans’ charities.

Location: Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal, CT14 0BF
Opening Times: 25–26 July 2026, all day
Tickets: Family and individual tickets can be booked online via the park portal

16. Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Fair (Faversham)

If you want to dodge the high street rush and find some genuinely beautiful, kitchen-table crafts, this beautifully curated fair at the historic Alexander Centre is a must. The organizers are incredibly strict about ensuring everything on display is made by hand by the person sitting right behind the stall.

You’ll find a massive selection of regional artists, contemporary ceramicists, and textile designers. I love the atmosphere here—it’s very calm, and you can have a proper chat with the makers about how they create their pieces.

Location: The Alexander Centre, 15-17 Preston Street, Faversham, ME13 8NZ
Opening Times: Saturday 11 July 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

17. Hall Place Bexley Sunday Farmers Market

This is consistently named one of the best farmers markets in the region, and the setting in the courtyard of a magnificent Tudor mansion is just beautiful.

It gathers an incredible array of stallholders selling everything from freshly landed fish and Kentish game to artisan loose-leaf teas, locally brewed beers, and handmade jumbo macarons. It has a real community energy, and it’s the absolute perfect spot to load up a basket with local cheeses and fresh strawberries for an afternoon picnic.

Just a quick heads-up: dogs aren’t allowed on the main Hall Place & Gardens site, so leave your pups at home for this one.

Location: The Courtyard outside the Visitors Centre, Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ
Opening Times: Sunday 5 July 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry (with plenty of free parking available on-site)

18. Coastal Crafty Crew Handmade Craft Fayre

If you’re planning a coastal trip out toward Thanet, popping into this independent craft fair inside the grounds of Quex Park is a lovely addition to your day.

Run by a passionate collective of local crafters, the small barn fills with stalls showcasing handmade jewelry, upcycled home decor and small-batch bakes. It’s a wonderful, unpretentious little market that gives you a glimpse into the creative talent hiding along the east coast.

Location: Quex Small Barn, Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea, CT7 0HR
Opening Times: Sunday 5 July 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

19. Aylesford Priory Farmers’ Market

The grounds of The Friars in Aylesford look completely spectacular in mid-summer, making this easily one of the most scenic places in the county to shop for your Sunday treats.

Organized by the brilliant team behind the Tonbridge farmers market, this event brings together top-tier local food producers right into the medieval peace of the priory grounds. You can grab incredible artisan sourdough loaves, regional honey, and organic vegetables and then find a quiet spot on the riverbank to enjoy the morning sun.

Location: The Friars, Aylesford, ME20 7BX
Opening Times: Sunday 19 July 2026, 9:00 am – 1:30 pm
Tickets: Free entry (a small donation for parking is usually encouraged)

20. Hall Place Bexley Saturday Farmers Market

If you prefer a Saturday morning explore rather than a Sunday trip, Hall Place hosts a second, slightly different variation of its famous market on the third Saturday of the month. Set up on the hardstanding courtyard, you’ll find a completely fresh mix of independent food traders, artisan bakers, and local plant growers.

The reality is that the quality is just as high as the Sunday version, but it often feels a little more relaxed—perfect for a slow wander before checking out the formal gardens and the historic house itself.

Location: The Courtyard outside the Visitors Centre, Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley, DA5 1PQ
Opening Times: Saturday 18 July 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

21. Artisan Craft Market (Tunbridge Wells)

You will find this craft market inside the stunning, historic setting of King Charles the Martyr church, just at the top of the Pantiles.

Over 30 independent makers take over the space, offering everything from hand-poured soy candles and botanical skincare to fine art prints. It’s an incredibly sophisticated, indoor shopping experience that fits perfectly into a Saturday afternoon spent exploring the historic lanes of Tunbridge Wells.

Location: King Charles the Martyr Church, London Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1YX
Opening Times: Saturday 18 July 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

22. Ramsgate Handmade & Vintage Fair

There is a lovely, breezy coastal energy to this open-air market which sets up right along the harbor parade in Ramsgate. Organized by Ramsgate Arts, it brings a brilliant mix of local makers, vintage clothes sellers, and antique collectors right to the waterfront.

Walking along the UK’s only Royal Harbour with a fresh coffee, browsing through vintage maps or handmade seaside crafts, is a wonderful way to spend a July Sunday morning.

Location: Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, CT11 8LN
Opening Times: Sunday 5 July 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets: Free to explore

23. Whitstable Castle Farmers Market

While Whitstable seaside town is super famous for its seafood, the locals head to the castle gardens on the first Sunday of the month for their fresh groceries. It’s a beautifully curated little food market where you can source organic fruit, handmade preserves and local meats.

The setting is much quieter than the bustling harbor arm, meaning you can escape the summer crowds, grab a pastry, and enjoy a slow stroll through the manicured castle grounds.

Location: Whitstable Castle, Tower Hill, Whitstable, CT5 2BW
Opening Times: Sunday 5 July 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

24. JAM on the Marsh Festival

This multi-arts festival takes place across the stunning landscape of Romney Marsh, with events happening inside historic medieval churches, old railway carriages, and open-air gardens.

You’ll find a beautiful mix of classical concerts, theatre, visual art exhibitions and I love that the landscape itself really shapes the whole feel of the festival.

Location: Various historic venues across Romney Marsh, South Kent
Opening Times: 8–12 July 2026, event timings vary
Tickets: Prices depend on the specific performance; booking online is recommended

25. Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

This is a brilliant day out that celebrates Dover’s maritime heritage. The seafront completely comes alive with sailing races, rowing competitions and classic boat displays out on the water.

Back on the shore, the promenade fills with local food stalls, live music and family-friendly entertainment. It is always a fantastic day out and a great excuse to watch the ships pass while enjoying a proper portion of fish and chips by the harbour.

Location: Dover Seafront and Harbour, CT17 9BU
Opening Times: 4–5 July 2026, events running all day
Tickets: Completely free to attend and watch from the promenade

26. The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever (Margate)

This is one of those wonderfully quirky, eccentric events that you really have to see to believe. Hundreds of people dress up in the iconic red dress, put on a dark wig, and gather on the lawns of the Oval Bandstand to recreate Kate Bush’s famous “Wuthering Heights” dance en masse.

The reality is that the atmosphere is utterly joyous and completely unpretentious. The day is all about fundraising for a charity and of course it’s a great spectacle to watch!

Location: The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2HL
Opening Times: Sunday 26 July 2026, starting around 12:00 pm
Tickets: Free to watch; a donation for the participants’ charity bucket is highly encouraged

27. FuelFest UK

For anyone who loves sleek cars and high-octane action, this large automotive lifestyle festival is taking over the old international airport site at Manston toward the end of the month.

You will be able to see custom builds, supercars and drift racing with live music art and guest appearances from the car community.

Location: Manston International Airport, near Ramsgate, CT12 5BL
Opening Times: Saturday 25 Jul 2026, from 1:00 pm
Tickets: Available online via major ticketing platforms; booking early is recommended

28. Tonbridge Farmers Market

If you love sourcing top-quality local ingredients for a summer Sunday roast, this is officially one of the largest and most successful monthly farmers markets in Kent. The market is held on the second Sunday of the month right by the river.

It has over 60 stalls offering everything from award-winning regional sausages and local cheeses to seasonal soft fruits and artisan spirits.

Location: Sovereign Way Car Park, Tonbridge, TN9 1RG
Opening Times: Sunday 12 July 2026, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Tickets: Free entry

29. Sound Healing & Meditation Festival

If the big music crowds aren’t your thing and you want a weekend focused on deep relaxation, this peaceful festival held at the Bilsington Priory Estate is fantastic.

Set against the beautiful backdrop of a one of the most beautiful medieval priories in Kent, the event is dedicated to sound baths, mindfulness workshops, yoga sessions and holistic crafts. It’s an incredibly calm, supportive space where you can unwind under the shade of ancient trees and sample nourishing, healthy food from independent local traders.

Location: Bilsington Priory Estate, near Ashford, TN25 7AU
Opening Times: Saturday 11 July 2026, starting from 10:00 am
Tickets: Day passes must be purchased online in advance

30. Penshurst Place Open Air Theatre: The Secret Garden

Taking the kids to see a live play in the manicured gardens of a spectacular 14th-century manor house is lovely summer holiday tradition. This July, the lawn hosts a wonderful, family-friendly production of The Secret Garden.

You can pack your own picnic blanket, a few high-protein snacks, and watch the story unfold as the early evening sun highlights the historic brickwork. It’s a lovely and gentle introduction to theatre for younger children.

Location: Penshurst Place and Gardens, near Tonbridge, TN11 8DG
Opening Times: Selected dates in late July 2026 (check the Penshurst website for exact dusk timings)
Tickets: Adult and child tickets available online; standard garden entry separate

31. Cranbrook Artisan Guild Summer Craft Fair

Cranbrook is a lovely, traditional Wealden market town with a famous windmill, and their summer craft fair is a brilliant showcase of high-end, local craftsmanship.

Held inside the historic Vestry Hall, this curated market features members of the regional guild selling beautiful hand-thrown pottery, intricate silver jewelry, and hand-woven textiles.

Location: Vestry Hall, Stone Street, Cranbrook, TN17 3HA
Opening Times: Saturday 18 July 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

32. Brands Hatch 10k

If you fancy a proper physical challenge or just want a unique place to jog, this evening race gives you the chance to run full laps around the famous Kent race circuit.

It’s a fantastic evening where hundreds of runners take on the smooth, rolling tarmac of the Indy circuit without a single car in sight. It has a brilliant, supportive crowd at the finish line, and it’s a fun alternative to a traditional summer evening out.

Location: Brands Hatch Circuit, Fawkham, Longfield, DA3 8NG
Opening Times: Friday 3 July 2026, race starts at 7:00 pm
Tickets: Entry fees apply for runners; free for spectators to come along and cheer

33. Balfour Winery: Summer Tour & Wine Tasting

For a beautifully sophisticated afternoon out in the High Weald, a trip to the Balfour Winery at Staplehurst is a real treat.

This specialized summer afternoon event includes a guided walk through their pristine vineyards and ancient woodlands, explaining how the regional clay soil produces world-class English sparkling wines. Afterward, you head to the tasting room balcony for a flight of their signature wines paired with a platter of local cheeses.

Balfour Winery is one of the many vineyards in Kent, that offer tastings, guided tours and also have their own shop with cafe or restaurant open every day (in summer season), so if you miss this special event you can always visit on a different day.

Location: Balfour Winery, Hush Heath Estate, Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, TN12 0HT
Opening Times: Wednesday 1 July 2026, from 3:00 pm
Tickets: Pre-booked tasting experiences are essential via the winery website

This blog post was originally published on 18 May 2026 and last updated on 18 May 2026