25 Things to Do in Kent in October 2026 (Apple Festivals, Halloween & Handmade Markets)

As we start October, the Kentish landscape completely transforms into a tapestry of rich gold and deep orange. The air is crisp, the mornings are noticeably mistier, but afternoons are still lovely and warm.

The school half-term holiday are towards the end of the month and so is Halloween, which means the calendar fills with a lot of family fun activities, food festivals, scenic autumn trail runs and plenty of other events.

The evenings draw in much earlier now, giving you a wonderful excuse to head inside a warming village pub after a day spent exploring the countryside or to experience our historic castles and steam railways lit up after dark.

Is October a good month to visit Kent?

October is a fantastic time to explore Kent if you love autumn color and a slightly slower pace of life. Average daytime temperatures sit around a comfortable 14°C to 15°C, which is ideal walking weather for exploring places like the High Weald walking trails, small Kent villages, vineyeards or apple orchards.

The summer crowds have completely gone, meaning you can wander through historic towns like Canterburry or Tunbridge Wells or head to the coast for a bracing, peaceful walk without the crowds. My absolute favorite thing about October is how countryside colour changes. Places like Bedgebury Pinetum or Emmetts Garden look completely breathtaking toward the end of the month. Just remember to pack a proper waterproof jacket and some sturdy walking boots, as the autumn weather can be a bit unpredictable!

Special Days in October 2026:

26th October – 30th October: School Half-Term break across most of Kent

25th October (Sunday): British Summer Time ends (clocks go back one hour)

31st October (Saturday): Halloween

1. Broadstairs Autumn Food Festival

This is an absolute highlight of the autumn calendar, and the coastal setting at Victoria Gardens is just spectacular. It gathers around 100 top-tier independent stalls showcasing the very best regional produce, from hand-crafted preserves and local cheeses to artisan breads, small-batch Kentish ciders, and regional spirits. There is a brilliant, laid-back community feel, with live music playing on the bandstand and free activities inside the marquee to keep younger minds entertained. Walking along the clifftop overlooking Viking Bay with a hot, freshly prepared brisket bowl or a portion of seafood is a brilliant way to spend an early October afternoon.

• Location: Victoria Gardens, Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, CT10 1QL
• Opening Times: 2–4 October 2026, Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Tickets: Free entry to the festival site (registered assistance dogs only)

2. Halloween Half-Term Fun at Hever Castle

If you are looking for a brilliant way to keep the family entertained during the school holiday, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn goes all out for the half-term break. The stunning gardens fill with the “Bones and Giggles” trail, where you have to hunt for clues among some incredibly funny, skeletal scenes—picture skeletons having a full-on pumpkin-picking campsite party! They run interactive storytelling sessions throughout the day, and kids can head to the castle workshops to make their own movable skeleton friends or chalk stencils. The autumn trees surrounding the moat look beautiful right now, making it a lovely day out for all ages.

• Location: Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
• Opening Times: 18 October – 2 November 2026, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily (closes 4:00 pm from 26 October)
• Tickets: Included with standard castle and gardens admission; booking online saves a few pennies

3. Run Kent Half Marathon, 10k and 5k

For anyone looking for a proper physical challenge before the winter sets in, this massive, closed-road running event explores the very best of Tonbridge and the surrounding countryside. Starting out from the local school grounds, the single-loop routes take you along smooth, rolling country roads bordered by golden hedgerows and traditional oast houses. There is a fantastic, highly supportive environment with local bands playing live sets along the course and crowds cheering you on toward the finish line. Every single runner gets a brilliant, themed medal and post-race treats at the finish.

• Location: The Judd School, Brook Street, Tonbridge, TN9 2PN
• Opening Times: Sunday 4 October 2026, Half Marathon starts at 9:00 am, 10k at 9:30 am, 5k at 9:45 am
• Tickets: Entry fees are £38 for the Half Marathon, £34 for the 10k, and £30 for the 5k; free for spectators

4. Fright Night Trains: Kent & East Sussex Railway

There is something incredibly atmospheric about a steam train rattling through the dark countryside, and this specialized evening event in Tenterden is a fantastic pre-Halloween treat for families with kids aged 6 to 11. The adventure starts at the station with free spooky face painting and children’s activities, before you board the beautifully restored vintage carriages. The steam train creeps out into the dark countryside with the lights glowing softly, heading down the line to Northiam station. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their scariest finery, and the reality is that the soft steam and autumn night create a wonderful sense of mystery.

• Location: Tenterden Town Station, Station Road, Tenterden, TN30 6HE
• Opening Times: 30–31 October 2026, arrivals from 5:00 pm, train departs at 6:30 pm
• Tickets: Pre-booked tickets are essential via the railway website; station tea room open for hot food beforehand

5. Kent Construction EXPO

If you are involved in regional business, this massive gathering at the Detling showground is officially the largest event of its kind in the South East. Run by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, it brings together hundreds of independent businesses, suppliers, and contractors for a packed day of industry insight and networking. There are multiple live conference streams covering innovation and sustainability, alongside a giant exhibition hall. It is a major date on the professional calendar and a fantastic showcase of the commercial talent based across the region.

• Location: Kent Event Centre, Kent Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF
• Opening Times: Thursday 1 October 2026, all day
• Tickets: Free to attend for business delegates, but you must register online in advance

6. Canterbury Festival

This is officially Kent’s international arts festival, and it completely takes over the historic city for a massive two-week celebration of creativity. You’ll find a spectacular program packed with live music, theater, stand-up comedy, science talks, and street performances happening in unique spaces all over the city—including the cathedral grounds. The reality is that the atmosphere across Canterbury is wonderful, with a real buzz in the air as world-class artists arrive. It’s a lovely excuse to head into the city for an early evening dinner before catching a show.

• Location: Various historic venues across Canterbury City Centre, CT1 2EH
• Opening Times: Mid-to-late October 2026, events running throughout the afternoon and evening
• Tickets: Prices vary by performance; booking well in advance via the festival box office is essential

7. Kent Downs 50 Ultra Challenge

If you want to tackle a massive personal challenge or just want a fantastic reason to stand in the autumn woods and cheer on some incredibly determined people, this end-of-season trail event is a huge highlight. Starting and finishing at the Detling showground, hundreds of walkers and runners take on a sweeping route along the Len Valley Walk to Leeds Castle, before looping back along the North Downs Way. The countryside looks completely magnificent right now with the changing leaves. It’s a wonderfully supportive event, with bustling marquee rest stops and a real sense of celebration at the finish line.

• Location: Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF
• Opening Times: Saturday 10 October 2026, staggered start times from early morning
• Tickets: Entry fees apply for participants (with 50km, 25km, and 10km options); free for spectators to cheer along the route

8. Tenterden Folk Festival

Tucked away in the High Weald, this traditional four-day event completely transforms the wide, tree-lined greens and historic pubs of Tenterden. It is a massive celebration of folk music, traditional dance, and song, drawing performers from all over the country. You’ll find the town absolutely bursting with color from Morris dancers, workshops, sea shanty sessions, and a massive craft fair. I love the atmosphere here—it feels like a proper, old-fashioned English gathering. It’s a brilliant excuse to hop onto a vintage steam train while you’re in town to look at the autumn woods.

• Location: Various venues across Tenterden Town Centre (High Street, Town Hall, and local pubs), TN30 6AN
• Opening Times: 1–4 October 2026, events running from Thursday evening through to Sunday night
• Tickets: Free outdoor dance displays and street events; evening concerts and events are ticketed

9. The Kent Classic Cycling Sportive

For a brilliant, high-energy way to experience the rolling hills of the High Weald at their absolute peak of autumn beauty, this massive end-of-season bike ride is a top pick. Starting out on the county border, three different route distances snake through West Kent, looping around the lanes of Hever Castle and crossing the beautiful Bough Beech reservoir. It is an incredibly popular and accessible ride, with fully signed routes and fantastic feed stations along the way. Crossing the finish line to collect a chunky medal and a warm drink with hundreds of other riders is a wonderful feeling.

• Location: Starts and finishes near the Kent border at Lingfield Park, RH7 6PQ (routing through West Kent)
• Opening Times: Saturday 24 October 2026, start times from 8:30 am
• Tickets: Entry prices depend on the chosen route length; under 12s ride completely free with an adult

10. Call the Midwife Official Location Tour

If you are a fan of the hit BBC series, the final month of the touring season at Chatham is the absolute perfect time to go, as the historic brickwork looks beautifully atmospheric in the autumn light. Led by a costumed midwife guide, you get to walk the cobbled streets of the dockyard which completely doubles as London’s East End. You’ll see original filming spots, private props, and behind-the-scenes sets. It’s a gently paced, 90-minute walk that also gives you full access to explore the wider historic warships and galleries, making it a lovely, nostalgic afternoon out.

• Location: The Historic Dockyard Chatham, ME4 4TY
• Opening Times: Selected dates throughout October 2026, tour times vary
• Tickets: Adult tickets from approx. £29 (includes full day access to the wider dockyard site); booking ahead is a must

11. The Wonder Stuff & Inspiral Carpets Live

If you want a proper blast of alternative British rock, this massive indoor concert at Margate’s premier seaside venue is a brilliant addition to the October calendar. The iconic Hall By The Sea is hosting the legendary Wonder Stuff as they celebrate a massive 40th anniversary on the road, alongside special guests and Madchester icons, Inspiral Carpets. The reality is that hearing those massive indie anthems echoing through the vintage indoor arena creates an incredible, high-energy night out. It is a fantastic excuse to escape the autumn chill, head to the coast, and enjoy a proper live music atmosphere.

• Location: Hall By The Sea, Dreamland, Margate, CT9 1XG
• Opening Times: Saturday 10 October 2026, doors open from 7:00 pm
• Tickets: General Admission tickets available online; strictly 14+ only

12. Folk and Bespoke Artisan Craft Fair (Faversham)

Tucked inside the grand Gatefield Hall at the historic Alexander Centre, this beautifully curated autumn fair is a top choice if you want to support independent kitchen-table businesses. The organizers ensure every single maker on-site has handmade their own items, meaning you get to browse completely unique creations. You’ll find stalls packed with contemporary pottery, hand-poured autumn candles, cozy hand-knitted accessories, and fine art prints. It’s a wonderfully calm and creative space to pick up a few special bits before walking over to the standard Saturday charter market in the town center.

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

13. Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Rochester Castle

If you are looking for a gentle, spooky afternoon out to keep younger children entertained during the half-term break, heading into the grounds of Rochester’s magnificent medieval fortress is a brilliant shout. The castle gardens and stone keep play host to a lovely Halloween trail where little ones have to track down creepy clues hidden across the site to find the hidden witches’ cauldron. It is a fantastic, active way for kids to burn off some energy while learning a bit about local history, and every single child who finishes the trail wins a special achievement badge.

• Location: Rochester Castle Grounds, Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW
• Opening Times: 24–31 October 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
• Tickets: Small fee applies for the trail sheet; standard castle entry rates apply for the keep

14. Discos For Grown Ups: Pop-Up Party

For a brilliant, light-hearted night out packed with full-on nostalgia, this massive touring dance party is taking over the historic ballroom on the Folkestone seafront. It is completely dedicated to people who love to dance but prefer a classic hits playlist, spinning the absolute best vinyl anthems from the 70s, 80s, and 90s disco, pop, and soul eras. The reality is that the energy inside the hall is completely electric, featuring an incredible light and laser show to match the tunes. It’s a wonderful excuse to gather a group of friends, dress up, and have a proper dance.

• Location: Leas Cliff Hall, The Leas, Folkestone, CT20 2DZ
• Opening Times: Friday 9 October 2026, doors open at 7:00 pm, dancing until midnight
• Tickets: General admission and VIP packages available online via the venue box office; 18+ only

15. The Pantiles Autumn Artisan Food & Craft Market

While the summer sunshine might be fading, the historic Georgian colonnades of Tunbridge Wells fill with a massive, specialized harvest market toward the middle of the month. It brings together a fantastic selection of independent West Kent makers and food producers showcasing everything from winter squashes and organic orchard juices to handmade jewelry, contemporary homeware, and autumnal floral designs. Grabbing a hot specialty coffee and checking out the stalls while listening to the local musicians who often set up near the bandstand is a lovely way to spend a crisp Sunday morning.

• Location: The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TN
• Opening Times: 17–18 October 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
• Tickets: Free entry

16. The Brogdale Apple Fair

This is the absolute grand finale of the fruit-picking season, and it takes place at Brogdale Farm, home to the National Fruit Collection. With over 2,000 varieties of apples growing in the orchards, the farm completely transforms for a massive, weekend-long harvest celebration. Your ticket includes a large tote bag to fill with fruit straight from the trees, alongside professional apple tastings, guided tractor tours, and expert fruit identification talks. It has a lovely, traditional atmosphere with free orchard crafts to keep the kids busy, plus a bustling marketplace selling regional ciders, freshly pressed apple juices, and seasonal bakes.

• Location: Brogdale Collections, Brogdale Farm, Faversham, ME13 8XZ
• Opening Times: 3–4 October 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily (last entry 3:00 pm)
• Tickets: Adults £16 (includes tote bag and fruit); under 16s go completely free

17. The Mount Vineyard Harvest Tasting

Tucked away in the beautiful Darent Valley village of Shoreham, this stunning estate is right in the thick of the grape harvest at the start of October. They open their cozy, covered tasting terraces for an informal afternoon learning exactly how English viticulture works during the busiest month of the winemaking year. You get to sample a brilliant selection of their signature estate wines while learning about the whole journey from vine to glass, all accompanied by a generous board of regional cheeses. It is an incredibly peaceful, sophisticated way to spend an autumn afternoon.

• Location: The Mount Vineyard, Church Street, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, TN14 7SD
• Opening Times: Selected afternoons throughout October 2026, slots from 12:30 pm
• Tickets: Tasting packages must be pre-booked online via the vineyard site

18. Woolton Farm Wine & Cider Harvest Tours

Located near Canterbury, Woolton Farm is famous for its award-winning craft ciders and boutique wines, and October is the final month of their outdoor touring season before winter sets in. Led by their wonderfully passionate and funny guides, the two-hour walking tours take you through the orchards and vineyards right as the final pressing wraps up. You get a fascinating insight into commercial cider blending and winemaking, followed by a full tasting flight inside their beautifully restored 14th-century barn. It is fantastic value for money and an incredibly relaxed, unpretentious afternoon out.

• Location: Woolton Farm, Bekesbourne Lane, Bekesbourne, Canterbury, CT4 5EA
• Opening Times: Weekends across October 2026, tours start from 11:00 am
• Tickets: Hosted tour and tasting packages are £22 per person (booking online essential)

19. Castle Farm Lavender & Orchard Shop Harvest

While the famous purple lavender fields are harvested back in July, this beautiful family estate in the Darent Valley completely pivots to its massive autumn harvest in October. The farm shop barn fills with their own freshly gathered heritage apples, alongside giant Kentish pumpkins, autumn squashes, and their signature local honey. It is a fantastic place to pick up high-quality, local ingredients for a comforting autumn dinner. I highly recommend grabbing a hot coffee and a slice of their seasonal cake to enjoy while looking out across the valley—the surrounding woodlands look absolutely breathtaking right now.

• Location: Castle Farm, Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, TN14 7UB
• Opening Times: Open Tuesday to Sunday throughout October 2026, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Tickets: Free entry to the farm shop and parking areas

20. Cranbrook Apple Fayre

Cranbrook is a beautiful, traditional Wealden town, and their annual apple celebration is a wonderful nod to the area’s deep orchard heritage. Held right in the center of the town, the high street closes to traffic to make room for a massive collection of artisan food stalls, local fruit pressers, and handmade craft tables. You can bring along mysterious apples from your own garden for expert identification, watch traditional cider pressing demonstrations, and listen to local folk musicians playing on the green. It has a lovely, old-fashioned community feel that completely sums up a classic Kentish autumn.

• Location: Cranbrook High Street and Vestry Hall, TN17 3HA
• Opening Times: Saturday 3 October 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Tickets: Free entry to the town markets and displays

21. Guardians of the Grounds at Leeds Castle

If you are hunting for a brilliant, fully immersive outdoor adventure to tackle during the half-term school break, the magnificent parkland of Leeds Castle plays host to a fantastic interactive Halloween quest. Young spell seekers are invited to follow a winding trail through the autumn trees, solving riddles, meeting a cast of mysterious characters like helpful wizards and mischievous goblins, and gathering essential clues along the way. The reality is that the estate looks completely beautiful right now with the changing leaves, and kids are highly encouraged to turn up in full fancy dress to join the daily competitions.

• Location: Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Maidstone, ME17 1PL
• Opening Times: 24 October – 1 November 2026, displays and character interactions throughout the day
• Tickets: Included with standard annual admission tickets (Pay once, visit all year)

22. Stanhill Farm Pumpkin Patch

For a proper, traditional autumn afternoon out, grabbing a wheelbarrow and heading into the massive pumpkin fields in Dartford is an absolute must-visit. This working family farm opens its specialized patch mid-month, showing off a huge sea of orange, green, and white squashes in every size imaginable. It is a fantastic place for a family photo opportunity and a brilliant way to let the kids select their own perfect pumpkin to take home and carve for Halloween. I highly recommend popping into the on-site farm shop afterward to pick up some regional apples and fresh bakes for a cozy evening treat.

• Location: Stanhill Farm, Birchwood Road, Wilmington, Dartford, DA2 7HD
• Opening Times: Daily from mid-October 2026 until Halloween, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Sunday closes 3:00 pm)
• Tickets: Small entry fee per person; pumpkins priced by size (pre-booking online is completely essential)

23. Penshurst School of Sorcery: Magical Storytelling

Tucked away in the historic High Weald, Penshurst Place provides a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop for a gentle, light-hearted half-term theater event designed specifically for families with younger children. The interactive storytelling sessions follow the comedy-filled adventures of Larry Leeching, a completely flustered student wizard trying his best to pass his final sorcery diploma under the watchful eye of his professor. Kids get to help Larry cast a few clever spells and join in the fun, and every single child leaves with their very own official magical certificate. It’s a lovely choice if you prefer a day out filled with giggles rather than big scares.

• Location: Penshurst Place and Gardens, near Tonbridge, TN11 8DG
• Opening Times: Selected half-term dates in late October 2026, multiple performances throughout the day
• Tickets: Included with a standard gardens and grounds admission ticket

24. Dracula, The Panto at The Astor Theatre

If you fancy a brilliant, traditional British night out with a spooky twist, heading to the historic coastal town of Deal toward the end of the month is a top pick. The lovely community theater is hosting Dracula, The Panto—a family-friendly comedy spoof packed with classic routines, fast-paced slapstick, and plenty of opportunities to shout “He’s behind you!” at the stage. It is a wonderfully cozy, funny alternative to a standard scary attraction, making it a fantastic evening out for grandparents and grandchildren alike during the half-term break.

• Location: The Astor Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, CT14 6AB
• Opening Times: Friday 30 October 2026, evening performance starting at 7:30 pm
• Tickets: Tickets available online via the theatre box office; family discounts apply

25. Spooky Saturday City Takeover (Canterbury)

Canterbury completely transforms for one day into a massive, city-wide celebration of Halloween that is brilliant for adults, teens, and families alike. The historic cobbled high streets fill with costumed characters, a massive city-wide trick-or-treat trail for the kids, and street entertainment. You can expect to meet dedicated Ghostbusters roaming the medieval lanes, watch zombie runners along the riverside paths, and take advantage of late-night shopping as the independent businesses fully embrace the spirit of the season. It has a fantastic, high-energy festival feel that makes the historic city center look incredibly vibrant.

• Location: Across Canterbury City Centre, CT1 2AA
• Opening Times: Saturday 26 October 2026, events running from 10:00 am until late into the evening
• Tickets: The outdoor street entertainment, character meets, and trails are completely free to join

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