Kent’s biggest events you won’t want to miss in 2026

From huge concerts to all-day food festivals, there is so much to get excited for

A new year has arrived and with that comes a whole host of brilliant events taking place across Kent to get jotted in the calendar. Over the next 12 months the county will play host to some huge music concerts, family-friendly festivals, glamorous Pride events, awe-inspiring air shows and lots more.

The fantastic events are also wonderfully spread out around the county, giving you plenty of opportunities to see all the Garden of England has to offer. You might even find a new favourite annual tradition.

With so much going on, it can be hard to keep track of all the events to determine which you actually want to check out. So, KentLive has stepped in to make life a little easier by rounding up the very best and biggest events taking place in Kent in 2026 to save you some furious Googling.

Take a look below for the full details and get the calendar at the ready, you won’t want to miss any of these events this year.

Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow

Where: Headcorn Aerodrome, Shenley Road, Ashford, TN27 9HX

When: Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28

Starting with a true Kent favourite, the Headcorn Battle of Britain Airshow stuns huge crowds every year. A variety of World War II-era vehicles will perform amazing flying displays above Headcorn Aerodrome, with both Allied and Axis fighters, bombers, transport and training aircraft taking part.

The event also features family-friendly attractions and re-enactments for all ages to enjoy. Tickets are on sale now and full booking details can be found here.

Margate Summer Series

Where: Dreamland, Marine Terrace, Margate, CT9 1XJ

When: Various dates between June and September

Returning once again in 2026, Margate Summer Series has risen to be one of the biggest music events in the Kent calendar. Huge names from across the world of music will be performing monumental outdoor shows at the seaside venue.

A number of huge names have already been confirmed including Kesha, Fatboy Slim, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Bastille, The Streets and Tom Grennan, plus more to be announced. Find further details and ticket booking information here.

The line-up that has been confirmed is as follows:

• Sunday, June 14 – Tom Grennan
• Friday, June 19 – Garbage and Skunk Anansie
• Thursday, June 25 – Bowling for Soup with special guests Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls.
• Friday, June 26 – The Streets
• Saturday, June 27 – Obi’s House
• Friday, July 3 – Paul Weller
• Saturday, July 4 – Chris Isaak
• Sunday, July 5 – Kesha
• Friday, July 10 – David Gray with special guests The Divine Comedy
• Friday, July 17 – The Human League with special guests Bananarama
• Friday, July 24 – Alex James’ Britpop Classical
• Saturday, July 25 – OMD Summer of Hits
• Friday, July 31 – Belle and Sebastian
• Saturday, August 1 – The Kooks
• Friday, August 21 – Nile Rodgers and Chic
• Saturday, August 22 – Bastille
• Friday, August 28 – Fatboy Slim

Faversham Hop Festival

Where: 3a Market Street, Faversham, ME13 7AH

When: Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6

Another true staple of the Kent calendar, Faversham Hop Festival began in 1990 and has proven a hugely popular annual tradition ever since. Taking place this year from Saturday, September 5, the weekend street festival brings together live music and charming market stalls in Faversham’s town centre.

Expect to see Morris dancers and street parades at this free-to-attend festival which has plenty to offer the whole family. Plus, be sure to enjoy some of the amazing varieties of beers, ales and ciders on offer from Shepherd Neame and a number of independent breweries. Find out more here.

Pride festivals

Where: Various locations

When: Various dates

Pride festivals continue to draw huge crowds throughout Kent every year as thousands come together to celebrate all things love and the LGBTQ+ community. Among the biggest in Kent will be Pride Canterbury, taking place all throughout the city centre on Saturday, June 6.

Medway Pride meanwhile will be held at Rochester Castle on Saturday, August 22, and Margate Pride is booked for the weekend of August 8. Other events will be held in Maidstone, Tonbridge, Thanet, Folkestone and Ashford.

Expect colourful parades, lively music, stalls operated by LGBTQ+ businesses and plenty of fun to be had at all of these events. Keep your eyes peeled for more Pride festival announcements which will be covered by KentLive throughout the year.

Canterbury Summertime Live

Where: The St Lawrence Ground, Old Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3NZ

When: Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9

New for 2026 will be the Canterbury Summertime Live festival at the St Lawrence Ground, home of Kent Cricket. Taking place on the weekend of Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9, organisers say the festival will “bring together some of the UK’s most exciting artists and all day festival line ups, attracting over 40,000 music lovers to Canterbury across the weekend”.

Ska legends Madness and pop icon Becky Hill will be performing alongside other huge and current names from the world of music. Find out more here.

The Kent County Show

Where: Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF

When: Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 6

An unmissable showcase of the county’s farming, agriculture and countryside life. Complete with animals, talks, vintage cars and retail stalls, there will be a little something for all ages to enjoy.

The event is organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, a registered charity whose mission is to support local farming practices and promote education about food farming and the countryside. Find out more here.

Rochester Sweeps Festival

Where: Rochester High Street and Castle Gardens

When: Expected to take place between Friday, May 1 and Monday, May 4

Coinciding with the early May Bank Holiday weekend, Rochester Sweeps offer a May Day celebration in the heart of Kent unlike any other. The multi-day event sees Rochester’s historic streets transformed with Morris dancers live music and delicious food and drink to enjoy, making for the perfect family trip out.

As May Day was also the traditional Bank Holiday for chimney sweeps, the event celebrates both for a unique festival that honours the town’s rich history. There will also be a funfair and parades to enjoy.

KentLive will cover the full details on the event when they have been announced.

Kent Tribute Festival

Where: Quex Park, Park Lane, Birchington, CT7 0BH

When: Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25

Described as a “mini-Glastonbury with all the bands you know and love”, Kent Tribute Festival offers a more wallet-friendly alternative for festival goers. Featuring tributes to some of the biggest names in music, including Adele, Blur, Lewis Capaldi, Queen, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and plenty more, there is something for all tastes to enjoy.

Get the true festival experience camping at the site, with motorhome and caravan pitches also available. Tickets are on sale now and full booking information can be found here.

Preston Summerfest

Where: Preston Recreational Ground, Preston, Hitchin, SG4 7TZ

When: Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30

Beloved pop-rock band Scouting for Girls are headed to Kent in 2026 to headline a huge music festival near Canterbury. Preston Summerfest is returning to the Preston Recreational Grounds, near Wingham, having grown from its humble small community event origins in 2024 to one of the largest celebrations of music in the county.

Described as “an affordable family-friendly” event, the bill of musical acts accompanies plenty of activities for little ones including an action-adventure playzone, UV painting, a circus skills workshop, princess pampering, story time and games. Find out more here.

Faversham Festival of Transport

Where: Faversham town centre

When: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17

Motor fans won’t want to miss this incredible festival in the heart of Faversham. Featuring a vast array of cars, buses and motorcycles for guests to view and enjoy, it is a truly unique experience that attracts visitors from far and wide.

There will be free vintage bus rides, charming market stalls and steam vehicle showcases to enjoy over the two-day event. Tickets are on sale now and full details can be found here.

Hythe Food and Drink Festival

Where: Holman’s Field, Moyle Cottage, Dymchurch Road, Hythe, CT21 6JN

When: Wednesday, July 19 to Sunday, July 25

One for foodies, Hythe Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of all things delicious. Expect to see two alfresco dining areas served by bars of distinction and a range of pop-up kitchens featuring local to international street foods.

These will be joined by grocery food traders, craft and art stalls plus a range of entertainment for the whole family including two live music stages, children’s workshops and funfair rides. Find out more here.

KentCon TV, Film and Comic Con

Where: Herne Bay High School, Bullockstone Road, Herne Bay, CT6 7NS

When: Sunday, April 12

Timelords, space travellers, TV cops and cult horror stars will come together for a fantastic celebration of all things pop-culture on the Kent coast later this year. The ever-popular KentCon TV, Film and Comic Con is returning this April, transforming Herne Bay High School into a haven of all things geeky and sci-fi.

The all-day event will feature numerous celebrity guests signing autographs and meeting fans from various iconic franchises. Find out more here.

Rock the Mote

Where: Mote Park, Mote Avenue, Maidstone, ME15 7RN

When: Friday, July 24 to Sunday, July 26

Another fantastic music event featuring incredible tribute artists, Rock the Mote is perfect for anyone who likes their music loud. Promising stadium staging, sound, light and production at a fraction of the cost, the event is a must for any music lovers.

Tributes from a range of genres will perform, including acts inspired by Guns N’ Roses, Arctic Monkeys and Robbie Williams. Ticket information can be found here.

Canterbury Oktoberfest

Where: 3 Westgate Hall Road, Canterbury, CT1 2BT

When: TBA

Kent’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration will make a return in 2026. Westgate Hall, found near the iconic Westgate Towers, will be kitted out with long tables, steins and festive décor for the German bier festival.

The event invites beer enthusiasts to put on their best lederhosen or dirndl for a weekend of German beers from a 600-year-old brewery, Bavarian style street food, table service and live music from a brass band. Expect plenty of singalong anthems in what is sure to be a celebration to remember.

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