34 Things to Do in Kent in June 2026 (Summer Festivals, Concerts & Artisan Markets)

June in Kent is absolutely marvelous! The countryside is fully green, the sun actually has some warmth to it, and the evenings stretch out until nearly 9 pm. It is a brilliant month for outdoor theater, food festivals by the water and exploring the coastal paths without needing three layers of knitwear.

Is June a good month to visit Kent?

Honestly, it’s arguably the most pleasant month of the year. The average temperatures sit nicely around 20°C, and because the school summer holidays haven’t started yet, the beaches and bigger attractions aren’t completely packed out.

The early summer flowers are out in full force right now. If you want to see beautiful English country gardens at their absolute peak, June is the time to visit places like Sissinghurst Castle Garden or the rose gardens at Hever Castle. It’s also the start of the cherry season, so keep an eye out for roadside stalls around Faversham selling proper Kentish cherries.

Special Days in June 2026:

21st June (Sunday): Father’s Day.

21st June (Sunday): Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year!).

1. Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

This is absolutely one of my favorite shopping events of the year, and the setting at Hole Park is just glorious. It’s a massive collection of over 250 handpicked stalls selling beautiful homeware, garden accessories, and summer fashion. I usually spend hours wandering through the grand marquees and then grab a spot on the grass for some artisan street food. It’s the perfect excuse to pick up something special for the garden.

Location: Hole Park Gardens, Rolvenden, Cranbrook, TN17 4JA
Opening Times: 11–13 June 2026, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily
Tickets: From £13 for adults; children’s tickets available

2. Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra at The Marlowe

You can’t really beat a night out in historic Canterbury, and seeing a bona fide British musical legend at The Marlowe is a proper June treat. Jools Holland always puts on a spectacular show, and his big band setup is guaranteed to get everyone moving. I’ve seen him live a few times, and the energy he brings to the stage is just fantastic. It’s a lovely excuse for a pre-show dinner near the cathedral.

Location: The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS
Opening Times: 3–4 June 2026, 7:30 pm
Tickets: Prices vary by seating, booking well in advance is essential

3. The Kent Wellness Festival

If you want a weekend focused on feeling good, this is a brilliant event to head to. It’s a huge gathering at the Detling Showground dedicated to everything from yoga and meditation to healthy eating and holistic therapies. There are tons of workshops, talks, and fitness classes you can join in with. I think it’s a lovely, positive space to spend a Saturday, and you can try out everything from sound baths to new vegan street food stalls.

Location: Kent Event Centre, Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF
Opening Times: 13 June 2026, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tickets: Check online for day passes and package options

4. Stamperama Paper Crafts Show

For anyone who loves getting creative, this is a huge craft market that takes over the event center mid-month. It’s packed with specialized stalls selling stamps, beautiful papers, inks, and everything you could possibly need for card-making or scrapbooking. The reality is that you get to see live demonstrations from expert crafters, which is great for picking up new techniques.

Location: Kent Event Centre, Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF
Opening Times: 13 June 2026, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets: £4.50 in advance; £6 on the door (Under 12s free)

5. Father’s Day Steam Gathering at Spa Valley Railway

If you’re looking for a nostalgic family day out for Father’s Day, this is a brilliant shout. The railway puts on a proper show with classic cars, traction engines, and, of course, their beautiful vintage steam trains running through the High Weald. I think there is something so comforting about the smell of coal smoke and the clatter of the tracks. It’s great fun for the kids and a lovely trip down memory lane for the grandparents.

Location: West Station, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QY
Opening Times: 20–21 June 2026, timetables vary
Tickets: Day Rover tickets available; family bundles offer the best value

6. Broadstairs Dickens Festival

Broadstairs was Charles Dickens’s absolute favorite holiday spot, and every June the town celebrates its connection to the author in the most wonderfully eccentric way. You’ll find the promenade and town center filled with locals dressed in full Victorian costume, alongside traditional beach entertainment, tea parties, and evening plays. It feels like stepping straight back in time, and walking along Viking Bay while a Victorian parade passes by is quite something to see.

Location: Various locations across Broadstairs town center and seafront, CT10 1QS
Opening Times: Mid-June 2026, events run throughout the day
Tickets: Most outdoor events and parades are completely free; evening plays are ticketed

7. Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition

If the summer rain decides to make an appearance, the Historic Dockyard in Chatham is a fantastic indoor refuge. This world-renowned touring exhibition features some of the most breathtaking marine photography on the planet. Walking through the gallery and seeing the massive, crisp images of underwater wildlife and dramatic seascapes is incredibly humbling. Plus, you get to explore the historic ships and rope walks while you’re there.

Location: The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TZ
Opening Times: Running all month, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Tickets: Included with standard dockyard admission (which acts as a 12-month pass)

8. Medway Dark Skies: Bat & Reveal Walk

For a bit of an evening adventure, CPRE Kent is hosting this lovely nature walk at Ranscombe Farm. It’s part of a project to celebrate our natural nightscapes, and you get to use specialized bat detectors to listen to the creatures flying overhead in the dark. They are also doing a “reveal” segment using special lights to show off biofluorescent plants and fungi. It’s a brilliant, educational night out for older children and nature lovers.

Location: Ranscombe Farm Reserve, Cuxton, Rochester, ME2 1LA
Opening Times: Tuesday 9 June 2026, evening event (check website for exact dusk timing)
Tickets: Free, but you must register online beforehand to secure a spot

9. Tonbridge Castle Open Air Theatre

Sitting on the lawn with a picnic blanket while watching a live play against the backdrop of a medieval castle gatehouse is my idea of a perfect June evening. Throughout the month, the castle grounds host various touring theater companies performing everything from Shakespeare to family-friendly comedies. I challenge you not to lose yourself in the atmosphere as the sun sets behind the stone walls.

Location: Tonbridge Castle, Castle St, TN9 1BG
Opening Times: Selected weekend evenings across June 2026, usually starting around 7:00 pm
Tickets: Prices vary depending on the production; early booking recommended

10. Chislehurst Farmers’ Market

While I love a big festival, there is something lovely about a traditional Sunday morning market. Held on the third Sunday of the month, this is where the locals gather to stock up on proper Kentish produce. You’ll find the freshest seasonal berries, artisan cheeses, and locally baked bread. I love grabbing a sausage roll and a fresh coffee here before heading off for a long walk around Chislehurst Commons.

Location: Hornbrook House Car Park, High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AB
Opening Times: 21 June 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

11. Country Club: Country Music Day Party

Saddle up, because the UK’s first-ever country music day party is riding straight into Margate for a massive open-air hoedown. If you love a bit of line dancing, American BBQ street food, and country music legends, this is going to be an absolute blast. They are setting up a mechanical rodeo bull and even axe throwing, so the energy is going to be fantastic. I think there is something so brilliant about combining a country festival with the fresh sea air of the Thanet coast.

Location: Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XG
Opening Times: Saturday 6 June 2026, 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tickets: Booking in advance via Dreamland’s site is highly recommended

12. Chilli Hop Cider Festival

If you love a bit of spice and a crisp drink on a summer afternoon, this is an absolute must-visit down near Deal. It’s a wonderful, family-friendly food festival that celebrates the unusual combination of craft ciders and fiery chilli-infused street foods. You’ll find local bands playing live sets, plenty of artisan food producers to chat with, and a massive selection of regional ciders to try. The setting at Betteshanger Park is lovely, meaning you can easily combine it with a walk or bike ride through the old colliery paths.

Location: Betteshanger Park, near Deal, CT14 0BF
Opening Times: 26–28 June 2026, timings vary daily
Tickets: Check Zoom Events online for entry packages

13. Hever’s Home Front: A 1940s Weekend

This is a brilliant way to treat Dad for Father’s Day if he’s a bit of a history buff. Hever Castle steps back in time to wartime Britain with an incredible display of living history, vintage vehicles, and enthusiastic reenactors who really bring the era to life. You’ll hear the sounds of big band music drifting across the lawns, see authentic 1940s fashion, and can even sample some traditional treats. Walking through the award-winning rose gardens while swing music plays in the distance feels like a scene straight out of a classic movie.

Location: Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
Opening Times: 20–21 June 2026, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tickets: Included with standard castle and gardens admission

14. Richard Ayoade: Live at The Marlowe

For a brilliant, sophisticated night of comedy in the heart of Canterbury, this is a top pick for mid-June. The BAFTA-winning comedian and director is heading to the stage to share his hilarious, unreflective reflections on his latest book, Afterthoughts. The reality is that his sharp wit and dry British humor are just spectacular live. It’s the perfect excuse to spend an evening in the city, perhaps grabbing a glass of local wine beforehand.

Location: The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS
Opening Times: Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 June 2026, 7:30 pm
Tickets: Prices vary by seating arrangement; booking early is essential

15. Brogdale Collections: Pick Your Own Cherry Weekends

June marks the very beginning of Kent’s legendary cherry harvest, and there is no better place to celebrate than Brogdale, home to the National Fruit Collection. These specialized PYO weekends are a fantastic opportunity for families to wander through the orchards and pick unusual, heritage varieties of cherries straight from the tree. They also run free orchard crafts for kids and guided tours, making it a lovely, educational afternoon out in the fresh air.

Location: Brogdale Collections, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME13 8XZ
Opening Times: Late June weekends (check the cherry ripening updates online), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets: Adults approx. £9; Under 16s go free

16. American SpeedFest at Brands Hatch

For something completely high-octane, this massive star-spangled extravaganza thunders back into West Kent. It’s the circuit’s ultimate family weekend, combining roaring NASCAR racing with a massive American car display, monster trucks, live music, and plenty of Hollywood-style entertainment. Even if you aren’t a massive petrolhead, the sheer scale and energy of the event make it a fascinating watch, and it’s a huge hit with older kids.

Location: Brands Hatch Circuit, Fawkham, Longfield, DA3 8NG
Opening Times: 6–7 June 2026, action throughout the day
Tickets: Gate prices vary; Under 13s get in completely free

17. Great Pottery Throw Down’s Keith Brymer Jones: Live

If you are a fan of artisan crafts and a good cry over a beautiful piece of ceramics, you will love this. The beloved judge and designer Keith Brymer Jones is returning to the Kent stage alongside Marj Hogarth for a brand-new show called Us, Pots, and A Welsh Chapel. It’s an intimate, funny, and moving look into his life, his craft, and his recent restoration projects. It’s a wonderful insider event for anyone who appreciates the handmade lifestyle.

Location: The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS
Opening Times: Wednesday 24 June 2026, 7:30 pm
Tickets: Available via the theatre box office online

18. Kings Hill Music Festival

If you are looking for a proper, laid-back community festival with a great family feel, head down to West Malling toward the end of the month. Held at The Spitfire, this day-long festival features a fantastic lineup of live bands, great street food stalls, and plenty of activities for children. I love these kinds of pub-hosted festivals because the atmosphere is completely unpretentious—everyone is just there to enjoy the summer sun, have a dance, and listen to some brilliant tunes.

Location: The Spitfire Pub, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4AU
Opening Times: Saturday 27 June 2026, 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Tickets: Family and individual tickets available online via Skiddle

19. London Symphonic Rock Orchestra Live at the Marlowe

If you fancy a proper boundary-breaking night out, this is a brilliant addition to the Canterbury calendar. Picture a massive, energetic orchestra dressed like modern-day rock warriors, completely redefining classical instruments to play massive hits from the likes of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Queen. The reality is that the atmosphere is completely electric—it’s loud, it’s theatrical, and it’s a far cry from your standard orchestral concert.

Location: The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury, CT1 2AS
Opening Times: 5–6 June 2026, 7:30 pm
Tickets: Prices vary by seating, booking in advance is highly recommended

20. Macknade Beer and BBQ Fest

Macknade in Faversham is an absolute institution for Kentish foodies, and their late June food festival is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. They pull out all the stops with independent local breweries taking over the taps, alongside incredible live-fire BBQ stalls cooking up the very best regional meats. It’s a wonderful, unpretentious community day where you can chat directly with the makers, listen to a bit of music, and eat some top-notch food.

Location: Macknade Food Hall, Selling Road, Faversham, ME13 8XF
Opening Times: Saturday 27 June 2026, all day
Tickets: Entry to the food hall grounds is free; pay for food and drink as you go

21. Tom Grennan Live at Dreamland

Summer concerts by the sea just hit differently, and watching the incredible Tom Grennan perform open-air with the vintage amusement park rides lit up in the background is going to be magnificent. This is a huge date on the Margate summer lineup, bringing massive energy, a brilliant crowd, and those perfect holiday feelings right to the coast. It’s an ideal excuse to spend the weekend in Thanet, catching some sea air and a world-class live performance.

Location: Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XG
Opening Times: Sunday 14 June 2026, gates usually open late afternoon
Tickets: Available via the Dreamland website (selling out fast)

22. Nine Oaks Seasonal Supper Club

For something incredibly intimate and sophisticated, heading into the Ashford countryside for a vineyard supper club is a lovely choice. You get to enjoy a beautifully curated, seasonal menu showcasing the finest Kentish ingredients, with each course carefully paired with wines produced right there on the estate. Sitting among the vines on a long June evening feels like a hidden slice of paradise.

Location: Nine Oaks Vineyard, Church Lane, Hothfield, Ashford, TN26 1LY
Opening Times: Friday 19 June 2026, evening event
Tickets: Pre-booking is essential via the vineyard website

23. Introduction to Kefir and Fermented Drinks at Bore Place

If you enjoy learning a few new culinary tricks, this specialized morning workshop tucked away in the Chiddingstone countryside is fantastic. You’ll learn how to look after live cultures, flavor your own gut-friendly brews, and leave with your very own fermentation starter kits to carry on the hobby at home. The setting at Bore Place is incredibly peaceful and a lovely place to wander around after the session finishes.

Location: Bore Place, Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AR
Opening Times: Sunday 7 June 2026, morning session
Tickets: Booking in advance is required via the Bore Place website

24. Garbage & Skunk Anansie Live on the Coast

If you want to relive the alternative rock glory days, this massive double-headline outdoor show is arguably the biggest rock ticket of the month. Seeing Shirley Manson and Skin share a stage on a warm June night by the sea is bound to be a spectacular, high-energy event. It’s a fantastic, loud alternative to the usual village fetes.

Location: Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XG
Opening Times: Friday 19 June 2026, gates open late afternoon
Tickets: Available via major online ticket platforms

25. Dolly and Dine at Frasers of Egerton

For a brilliant, light-hearted night out in the countryside, this lovely boutique estate near Ashford hosts a fantastic Dolly Parton tribute evening alongside a high-end dinner. You get a spectacular two-course meal showcasing local Kentish farming, followed by a live performance of all the country classics. It’s a wonderful, fun excuse to dress up and head out into the lanes for a proper laugh.

Location: Frasers, Barham’s Mill Road, Egerton, Ashford, TN27 9DD
Opening Times: Saturday 6 June 2026, evening event
Tickets: Pre-booked packages include dinner and the show

26. Bowling for Soup + Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls

Another massive music night hits the coast toward the end of the month, blending massive pop-punk anthems with brilliant British folk-rock. This open-air summer series has truly put West Kent and the coast on the map for massive international touring acts, and the party atmosphere here is always brilliant.

Location: Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XG
Opening Times: Thursday 25 June 2026, evening show
Tickets: Check availability online via Dreamland’s box office

27. United Makers of Kent Food and Creative Market

This is a fantastic way to spend the first Saturday of the month, right in the center of Ashford. Organized by the brilliant team at Made In Ashford, it brings together over 30 independent stalls showcasing the very best local creative businesses. You’ll find a beautiful selection of handmade crafts, alongside brilliant street food stalls near the bandstand. It has a wonderful community-focused energy, and it’s the perfect spot to buy direct from the makers.

Location: Bank Street and Middle Row, Ashford Town Centre, TN23 1XP
Opening Times: 6 June 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

28. Detling Showground Antiques & Vintage Fair

If you love a good hunt for vintage treasures, this massive two-day fair is one of the biggest in the county. Spread across the massive showground, you’ll find hundreds of indoor and outdoor stalls selling everything from antique furniture and vintage textiles to retro kitchenware and estate jewelry. The reality is that you could easily spend the entire day here and still not see everything. Wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to do a lot of walking!

Location: Kent Event Centre, Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF
Opening Times: 6–7 June 2026, Saturday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Tickets: Early entry on Saturday is £6; standard entry from £5

29. Tunbridge Wells Artisan Craft and Gift Market

Tucked inside the lovely One Warwick Park Hotel, just a short stroll from the historic Pantiles, this curated indoor fair is a wonderful place to escape the midday heat. It gathers a fantastic group of local artists, ceramicists, and small-batch makers. I love popping in here to browse the handmade soy candles and local pottery before heading out into the town for lunch. It’s small, intimate, and a great showcase of regional talent.

Location: One Warwick Park Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TA
Opening Times: Sunday 7 June 2026, 10:30 am – 3:50 pm
Tickets: Free entry

30. Folk and Bespoke Artisan Craft Fair (Whitstable)

Whitstable is always a lovely choice for a coastal day out, and this independent craft fair at the Umbrella Centre makes it even better. The organizers are incredibly passionate about supporting true kitchen-table businesses, so everything on display is genuinely handmade by the person sitting behind the stall. You’ll find lovely coastal-inspired jewelry, hand-woven textiles, and artisan bakes. It’s far quieter than the main harbor stalls, making it a very relaxing place to browse.

Location: The Umbrella Centre, Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DD
Opening Times: Sunday 7 June 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

31. Faversham Artisan Crafts and Gift Market

Faversham is one of Kent’s oldest and most traditional market towns, and this regular indoor fair at the historic Alexander Centre is a real highlight. Held right in the heart of the main shopping area, the grand Gatefield Hall fills with independent traders selling everything from regional preserves to handmade woodwork. I highly recommend grabbing a coffee at a nearby cafe and making a proper morning of it, combining this indoor market with the traditional outdoor charter market happening on the marketplace.

Location: The Alexander Centre, 15 Preston Street, Faversham, ME13 8NZ
Opening Times: Saturday 6 June and Saturday 13 June 2026, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

32. Herne Bay Artisan Market

If you fancy some fresh sea air with your Sunday morning shopping, this lovely market at Wimereux Square is a top choice. Run by Kent Food Hubs, it places a massive focus on sustainable, local food production alongside handmade crafts. You’ll find incredible artisan breads, locally landed seafood treats, organic vegetables, and beautiful handmade gifts. I love grabbing some local bakes here and taking a slow walk down to the end of the pier.

Location: Wimereux Square, Herne Bay, CT6 5NX
Opening Times: Sunday 14 June 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

33. The Pantiles Antiques & Vintage Fair

The Georgian colonnades of The Pantiles provide the absolute perfect backdrop for a vintage market. Hosted by Love Fairs, this massive weekend event brings around 40 specialist antique dealers straight to the historic heart of Tunbridge Wells. You’ll find an incredible mix of decorative items, mid-century pieces, and vintage fashion. Sitting outside with a cold drink while browsing through old books and estate jewelry is my absolute definition of a perfect early summer afternoon.

Location: The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TN
Opening Times: 20–21 June 2026, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm daily
Tickets: Free entry

34. Maidstone Museum Summer Craft Market

Toward the end of the month, the historic Maidstone Museum opens its doors to a wonderful seasonal craft fair. Stalls are spread across the ground floor and top galleries, offering an eclectic mix of contemporary crafts, fine art prints, and handmade textiles from across Mid-Kent. It’s a lovely, family-friendly environment where you can easily combine a bit of gift shopping with a explore of the museum’s fascinating local history collections.

Location: Maidstone Museum, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone, ME14 1LH
Opening Times: Saturday 27 June 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets: Free entry

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