25 Things to Do in Kent in September 2026 (Harvest Festivals, Heritage Open Days & Artisan Markets)

I really like how September brings a lovely change of pace to the whole Kent. While the large summer holiday crowds start to quieten down and the kids head back to school, the calendar doesn’t slow down one bit. In fact, autumn is all about harvest celebrations, heritage open days and fantastic food festivals.

The air has a crispness to it in the mornings, but you still get those gorgeous, warm afternoons and golden early evenings that are just right for a long countryside walk or a sitting outside a village pub.

Is September a good month to visit Kent?

In my opinion, it is one of the most underrated months to visit Kent. The average temperatures sit at a very comfortable 18°C to 19°C, which is ideal for walking the coastal paths or exploring castle grounds without overheating.

Everything feels a bit more relaxed now that the peak holiday rush has passed. It is the absolute height of the hop harvest and grape picking seasons, meaning the local food scene is incredible right now. If you want to experience the true, traditional heart of rural Kent, this is the perfect time to visit places like Faversham or the Wealden villages.

Special Days in September 2026:

7th September (Monday): Most Kent schools return for the autumn term.

23rd September (Wednesday): Autumn Equinox (the official start of autumn).

1. Faversham Hop Festival

This is totally one of my favorite traditions of the year, and it completely takes over the historic center of Faversham. It’s a massive, vibrant street festival that celebrates the end of the traditional hop-harvesting season. The winding medieval streets fill with multiple outdoor music stages, traditional Morris dancers, street processions, and brilliant historic vehicles. The smell of hops in the air is incredible, and the atmosphere feels like a massive, town-wide party. I highly recommend heading down to the marketplace to watch the parades and try a pint of local ale from the town’s historic brewing partners.

• Location: Faversham Town Centre (Market Place, Preston Street, and West Street), ME13 7AH
• Opening Times: 5–6 September 2026, events running all day Saturday and Sunday
• Tickets: Free entry to the town and outdoor stages; some specialized tours are paid

2. Hever Castle Autumn Craft Fair

If you appreciate high-quality, handmade design, this massive contemporary craft fair is a brilliant reason to head into the West Kent countryside. Organized by Craft In Focus, the castle lawns fill with over 180 of the UK’s finest professional craft makers and artists. You can buy directly from the creators, browsing everything from individual ceramics and tailored textiles to fine jewelry and interior woodwork. It is a wonderful way to spend a September afternoon, wandering the stalls with the stunning castle and the early autumn colors as your backdrop.

• Location: Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
• Opening Times: 10–13 September 2026, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm daily (closes 4:30 pm Sunday)
• Tickets: Included with standard castle and gardens admission

3. Heritage Open Days: Across Kent

This is a brilliant nationwide initiative that opens up hundreds of historic buildings, hidden tunnels, and secret landmarks that are usually completely closed to the general public. Across the county, from Rochester down to the Dover cliffs, you can step inside private oast houses, old industrial heritage landmarks, and medieval manor rooms entirely for free. The reality is that it gives you a fascinating look into the secret history right on our doorstep. It is an absolute dream for history lovers, but you do need to keep an eye on the booking deadlines as the smaller guided tours fill up incredibly fast.

• Location: Various historic venues and hidden landmarks all across Kent
• Opening Times: 11–20 September 2026, schedules vary by property
• Tickets: Completely free entry for all official properties; some require pre-booking online

4. The Big Weekend 2026

If you have teenagers or older children involved in the regional scouting and explorer units, this massive action-packed county camp is returning to Maidstone for a full weekend of outdoor adventure. The activity center packs in an incredible program including rafting, climbing, archery, go-karts, and an inflatable obstacle course, alongside evening entertainment like a silent neon rave. It has an amazing, high-energy environment that is brilliant for building confidence and experiencing a proper outdoor base camp with hundreds of peers.

• Location: Lower Grange Farm, Grange Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3BQ
• Opening Times: 18–20 September 2026, arrivals from Friday evening
• Tickets: Participant fee applies for units; leaders attend free (pre-registration essential)

5. Biddenden Vineyard Harvest Tours

September marks the start of the busiest time of year for Kentish winemaking, and heading down to our oldest commercial vineyard is a wonderful autumn treat. They open their gates for specialized self-guided and hosted tours through the vines as the grapes are being gathered for pressing. You can learn exactly how the regional climate shapes their award-winning bottles and sample their brand-new seasonal range of farm-pressed fruit juices and ciders. It is a very peaceful, authentic look at the county’s agricultural harvest.

• Location: Biddenden Vineyards, Gribble Bridge Lane, Biddenden, TN27 8DF
• Opening Times: Daily throughout September 2026, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Tickets: Vineyard walks are free to explore; hosted tasting sessions require booking online

6. Renaissance Faire UK: The Crossing of Worlds II

If you want to dive headfirst into a fantasy world, this highly immersive weekend festival is taking over Quex Park mid-month. It’s an incredible gathering that celebrates myths, legends, and medieval fantasy through theatre, elaborate live roleplay, and historical craft displays. You’ll find the parkland filled with mythical characters, archery tournaments, and a massive village marketplace filled with leatherworkers, blacksmiths, and artisan potion-makers. The reality is that the sheer creativity and effort that goes into the costumes and sets makes it a fascinating day out.

• Location: Quex Park, Birchington-on-Sea, CT7 0HR
• Opening Times: 11–13 September 2026, daily from 10:00 am
• Tickets: Day and full weekend passes must be pre-booked via the event portal

7. Keep It Local Autumn Craft Show

Tucked into the lovely surroundings of Coolings Garden Centre, this dedicated three-day event is a brilliant showcase for independent makers from across the region. Organized by the Keep It Local team, every single item on display is guaranteed to be handmade in the UK by the person behind the stall. You can browse beautiful autumn-themed home decor, hand-thrown pottery, original art, and small-batch preserves. I love combining a wander through these craft marquees with a walk around the nature trails and a quick stop at the on-site cafe for a slice of cake.

• Location: Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill, Knockholt, Sevenoaks, TN14 7NN
• Opening Times: 11–13 September 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
• Tickets: Free entry to the craft show area (with plenty of parking available)

8. Herne Bay Autumn Artisan Market

If you fancy some crisp coastal air while picking up your weekend treats, this independent market at Wimereux Square is a top choice. Run by the Kent Food Hubs collective, it places a huge focus on sustainable local producers and creative kitchen-table businesses. You can load up your basket with seasonal orchard fruits, artisan sourdough loaves, and locally landed seafood bakes, alongside a curated selection of handmade gifts and skincare. It has a lovely, neighborly atmosphere that makes it a perfect stop before a slow stroll down to the pier.

• Location: Wimereux Square, Herne Bay, CT6 5NX
• Opening Times: Sunday 13 September 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Tickets: Free entry

9. Chislehurst Farmers’ Market

This is a brilliant, bustling monthly food market where the locals gather to stock up on proper, regional ingredients. Held on the third Sunday of the month, the high street car park fills with top-tier traders selling everything from Kentish sausages and wild game to small-batch preserves and organic vegetables. It is the absolute perfect place to source local cheeses and artisan bread for a late-summer Sunday lunch. I highly recommend picking up a freshly baked pie or a jar of regional honey while you’re there.

• Location: Hornbrook House Car Park, High Street, Chislehurst, BR7 5AB
• Opening Times: Sunday 20 September 2026, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Tickets: Free entry

10. The Pantiles Antiques & Vintage Fair

The elegant Georgian colonnades of Tunbridge Wells provide the absolute perfect backdrop for an autumn treasure hunt. Hosted by Love Fairs, this massive weekend event brings around 40 specialist antique dealers straight to the heart of the historic Pantiles. You can spend hours browsing through mid-century home decor, vintage textiles, estate jewelry, and rare collectables. Sitting outside with a warm drink under the trees while listening to the local musicians who often set up near the bandstand is my absolute definition of a relaxing September afternoon.

• Location: The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TN
• Opening Times: 19–20 September 2026, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm daily
• Tickets: Free entry

11. Rochester Castle Live

Sitting on the lawn with a picnic blanket right in the shadow of one of the country’s most dramatic medieval keeps is a spectacular way to spend a September evening. This series of massive open-air concerts returns to the castle gardens, bringing a brilliant lineup of world-class musical artists to Medway. The acoustics inside the old curtain walls are fantastic, and as the sun sets behind the stone battlements, the whole arena fills with an incredible energy. It’s a wonderfully sophisticated alternative to a standard muddy field festival.

• Location: Rochester Castle Gardens, Castle Hill, Rochester, ME1 1SW
• Opening Times: Early September 2026, evening performances usually start from 5:00 pm
• Tickets: Prices vary depending on the headline artist; early online booking is highly recommended

12. Kent Country Music Festival

If you love a bit of line dancing, Americana culture, and a proper cowboy atmosphere, this massive indoor music festival is heading to Maidstone mid-month. Taking over the largest suite at the Great Danes Hotel, it brings together an upbeat lineup of live country artists, including the top-rated European tribute to the Zac Brown Band. They have dedicated line dance callers on hand to guide you through the steps, a mechanical rodeo bull to test your balance, and a brilliant, high-energy crowd. Because it is held entirely indoors, there is absolutely no risk of early autumn showers ruining the fun.

• Location: Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, Ashford Road, Maidstone, ME17 1RE
• Opening Times: Saturday 19 September 2026, 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Tickets: Entry tickets must be purchased in advance via Skiddle; under 18s must be with an adult

13. Tonbridge Heritage Open Day Market

To celebrate the national Heritage Open Days fortnight, the town quay and castle grounds in Tonbridge fill with a massive, specialized community showcase. Alongside the rare opportunity to explore hidden corners of the town’s historic buildings for free, you’ll find a bustling gathering of local heritage craft demonstrations, small-batch food producers, and independent charity stalls. It has a lovely, educational, and community-focused atmosphere that makes it a brilliant choice for a family afternoon out in the fresh air.

• Location: Tonbridge Castle Lawn and Town Quay, Tonbridge, TN9 1BG
• Opening Times: Sunday 13 September 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Tickets: Completely free entry to the grounds and participating historic properties

14. Cliftonville Farmers’ Market

This award-winning coastal food market is a real institution for Thanet locals, and the September edition is the absolute best time to visit for fresh harvest produce. Set up on the clifftops overlooking the sea at the Oval Bandstand, you’ll find stalls loaded with the absolute best regional goods, including wild game, organic vegetables, fresh coastal honey, and small-batch artisan breads. It’s a lovely, neighborly morning out, and grabbing a hot specialty coffee while browsing the stalls with the sea breeze in your face is a brilliant way to spend a Sunday.

• Location: The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, Eastern Esplanade, Cliftonville, Margate, CT9 2HL
• Opening Times: Sunday 27 September 2026, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Tickets: Free entry

15. The Saltwood Castle Open Garden and Craft Fair

Tucked away in the hills near Hythe, this beautiful medieval castle is privately owned and usually completely closed to the public. For one weekend in September, the ancient portcullis is raised for a brilliant charity open day. You get to wander through the secret battlements, explore the stunning gardens at their late-summer peak, and browse a curated selection of handmade craft stalls from local East Kent makers. The reality is that stepping inside such a historic, tucked-away home feels incredibly special, and it’s a wonderful excuse for a peaceful countryside afternoon.

• Location: Saltwood Castle, near Hythe, CT21 4QX
• Opening Times: Mid-September 2026, usually 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Tickets: Small entry fee at the gate (all proceeds go directly to regional charities)

16. Whitstable Oyster Festival

If you want to experience one of our most famous coastal celebrations, this historic weekend on the north coast is a brilliant shout. Moved to September for 2026, it centers around the traditional “Landing of the Oysters” on the beach, honoring the town’s centuries-old fishing heritage. The harbor arm and surrounding greens fill with incredible food stalls, live acoustic music, and traditional coastal rituals. The reality is that walking through the town with a plate of fresh native oysters while watching the traditional boat displays out on the water is a proper Kentish summer-into-autumn highlight.

• Location: Whitstable Harbour and Tankerton Slopes, CT5 1AB
• Opening Times: 11–13 September 2026, events running throughout the day
• Tickets: Free to explore the harbor and outdoor food festival areas

17. Music@Malling Autumn Festival

Founded by internationally acclaimed musicians, this beautiful multi-venue festival brings world-class classical, choral, and contemporary music straight to historic landmarks in and around West Malling. You get to listen to incredible artists performing inside stunning, architecturally rich spaces like the medieval St Leonard’s Tower and the ancient Abbey. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the way the classical pieces bounce off the historic stone walls creates an incredibly intimate evening. It’s a wonderful, sophisticated alternative to a massive arena concert.

• Location: Various historic venues across West Malling town centre, ME19 6NE
• Opening Times: 17–26 September 2026, evening performance times vary
• Tickets: Available online via the festival box office; booking in advance is essential

18. Camp Wildfire: September Camp

If you missed the August edition, this legendary adult summer camp returns to its secret Sevenoaks pine forest for one final, wild weekend. By day, you can challenge yourself with everything from shelter building and archery to pottery workshops, and then dance the night away at hidden woodland stages once the sun sets. It has an incredibly high-energy, friendly environment that is brilliant for escaping the everyday routine and having a proper laugh with a group of friends.

• Location: Secret Heritage Forest, Sevenoaks (exact details provided upon booking), TN14
• Opening Times: 4–6 September 2026, full weekend with campsite access
• Tickets: Pre-booked weekend tickets available via the festival website; 18+ only

19. Miss Americana: A Tribute to Taylor Swift

For a brilliant, high-energy family night out at the theater, this massive concert production is heading to the Folkestone seafront mid-month. It’s an incredibly popular touring tribute that covers all the musical eras, complete with live dancers, glittering costume changes, and fantastic stadium-style production. If you have younger kids or teenagers who love a proper pop sing-along, the atmosphere inside the coastal hall is bound to be completely electric.

• Location: Leas Cliff Hall, The Leas, Folkestone, CT20 2DZ
• Opening Times: Friday 18 September 2026, 7:30 pm
• Tickets: Available online via the venue box office

20. Tankerton Slopes FreeWheelin FEASTival

Tucked at the top of the famous grassy slopes in Whitstable, this family-friendly street food market is a lovely way to spend a September afternoon. It brings together a brilliant lineup of independent food trucks, pop-up craft beer bars, and artisan makers right overlooking the sea. There are live music sets on the small stage, children’s comedy performers, and a few traditional fairground rides to keep the little ones happy. I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat here and sitting on the grass to watch the sunset over the Thames Estuary.

• Location: Tankerton Slopes, Marine Parade, Whitstable, CT5 2BQ
• Opening Times: Early September 2026 (check the local collective dates online), Friday afternoon until Sunday evening
• Tickets: Free entry to the site; pay for food and drink as you go

21. Oysterman Triathlon

If you prefer a healthy, physical challenge or just want a fantastic morning spent cheering on some incredible athletes, this fast-growing coastal sprint event is a major highlight. It kicks off with a crisp 500m sea swim right off the Whitstable coast, transitions into a sweeping 20km cycle through the surrounding country lanes, and finishes with a completely flat, scenic 5km run along the seaside promenade. It has a brilliant, incredibly supportive community feel, and the atmosphere at the finish line by the beach is wonderful.

• Location: Whitstable Beach and Seafront Promenade, CT5 1AB
• Opening Times: Sunday 13 September 2026, race starts early morning (check specific tide timings online)
• Tickets: Entry fees apply for competitors; completely free for spectators to line the route and cheer

22. Glass Fusing September Workshop at Hever Castle

For anyone looking to dive into a creative new hobby as the autumn evenings draw in, this specialized design workshop is a brilliant find. Held inside the inspiring setting of the castle estate, expert tutors guide you through the process of cutting, layering, and designing your own beautiful fused glass artwork. You leave your finished pieces to be fired in the professional kilns and sent on to you afterward. It is a wonderfully peaceful, focused morning that makes for a lovely, relaxed alternative to a busy weekend market.

• Location: Hever Castle Estate, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
• Opening Times: Sunday 20 September 2026, morning session
• Tickets: Workshop places must be pre-booked online; includes entry to the stunning gardens

23. Tonbridge Castle Autumn Food & Craft Market

Following on from the massive summer gatherings, this curated weekend market is all about transitioning into the early autumn harvest. The castle lawns fill with independent traders showcasing the very best small-batch regional chutneys, winter squash, handmade knitwear, and contemporary home decor. It is a lovely, family-friendly place to wander on a Saturday afternoon, picking up a few unique bits for the house before heading into the high street for a warm drink.

• Location: Tonbridge Castle Grounds, Castle Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1BG
• Opening Times: 26–27 September 2026, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
• Tickets: Free entry to the castle grounds

24. Smugglers Records Festival

Tucked down onto the east coast near Deal, this independent, homegrown music celebration is an absolute treasure for anyone who prefers a completely unpretentious festival environment. Organized by the local record shop collective, it takes place across a series of intimate wooden stages, secret forest clearings, and cozy indoor spaces. You’ll find an eclectic mix of alternative folk, indie music, and acoustic sessions, alongside top-tier local street food and organic cider bars. It has an incredibly warm, neighborhood energy that feels like a huge gathering of friends.

• Location: Secret woodland location near Deal (directions provided upon ticket registration), CT14
• Opening Times: Early September 2026, running across the weekend
• Tickets: Weekend and day passes must be purchased in advance via the Smugglers website

25. Penshurst Village Fete

This is a place that feels as though it hasn’t changed for decades, completely capturing the best of traditional rural life. Held on the village green right in the shadow of the historic church and Penshurst Place, this traditional afternoon celebration includes classic book stalls, tombola stands, homemade cake counters, and children’s races. It is a lovely, gentle day out that supports regional charities, and it is a brilliant excuse to explore the stunning Wealden architecture of the surrounding lanes.

• Location: Penshurst Village Green, near Tonbridge, TN11 8DB
• Opening Times: Saturday 12 September 2026, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
• Tickets: Free entry (remember to bring some loose change for the game stalls and charity buckets!)

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