Events

Our curated list of the most interesting events happening in Kent over the coming months.

October 2026

🎙️ Mon 12 Oct - Jeremy Bowen: Truth Under Fire // Former BBC International Editor talks about his career in war zones and the state of the world. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. Tickets from £36.75.

🎤 Fri 16 Oct - Mark Steel: Work in Progress // Mark Steel tries out new material following the publication of his book about recovering from throat cancer. Alexander Centre, Faversham. Tickets £16.

🎭 16 - 31 Oct - Canterbury Festival // Two weeks of circus, music, literature, comedy, visual art and performance across the city, including Circa inside Canterbury Cathedral, Simon Armitage, Ruby Turner and free outdoor installations. Various locations, Canterbury. Various ticket prices.

👻 20 - 24 Oct - Paranormal Activity // The long-running film series moves into theatre to find new ways to scare people. Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. Tickets from £19.

🎬 22 - 25 Oct - Folkestone Documentary Festival // Four-day festival of feature and short documentaries, artist films, filmmaker events and an industry day. Various venues, Folkestone. Ticket prices vary.

🪕 Fri 23 Oct - Alabama 3 Acoustic // Legendary band play stripped-down show. Booking Hall, Dover. Tickets £25. Also at Swale Assembly, Sittingbourne on 24 Oct.

🎬 23 - 26 Oct - Deal Film Festival // A particularly strong four-day programme featuring the UK gala premiere of Dover Unlocked, Brenda Blethyn in conversation, director Aleem Khan and Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell. Astor Theatre, Deal. Individual events from £10.

🏎️ 24 - 25 Oct - Formula Ford Festival: Centenary Edition // The 55th running of Formula Ford’s knockout competition forms part of Brands Hatch’s 100th anniversary season. Brands Hatch, West Kingsdown. Day tickets from £17.

🎤 Sun 25 Oct - Nish Kumar: Angry Humour From a Really Nice Guy // Existential angst and political disquiet from one of the UK's best comedians. Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. Tickets £29. Also at Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells on 22 Nov.

🎤 Fri 30 Oct - Bridget Christie and Guests // Creator and star of Channel 4’s The Change performs an extended headline set, joined by two rising comedians. Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Tickets £29.

📚 30 Oct - 28 Nov - Medway River Lit // Medway’s annual literary festival returns with authors, poets, workshops, open mics and new writing across the area. Various venues. Pay what you can.

🎸 Sat 31 Oct - Grace Petrie // One of the UK's most urgent songwriters. Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury. Tickets £22.25.

November 2026

🎤 Mon 2 Nov - Richard Ayoade: Afterthoughts // Comedian reflects and shares insights from his new book. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. Tickets from £33.75.

🎤 Wed 4 Nov - Mark Thomas: 40 in Stand-Up Years // Political comedian celebrates four decades on the mic. Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury. Tickets £21.25. Also at Astor Theatre, Deal on 6 Nov.

🤼 Sun 8 Nov - UKPW Showcase 2026 // End-of-year professional wrestling show featuring championship matches, high-flying action and concluding rivalries. Westgate Hall, Canterbury. Tickets from £13.20.

🎸 Thu 12 Nov - Firestations // Shoegazey alt-pop from London five-piece. Where Else? Margate // Tickets £10.

📚 12 - 22 Nov - Folkestone Book Festival // Eleven days of talks featuring Sir Tony Robinson, Philippa Perry, Lynda La Plante, Ben Okri, Cory Doctorow and Billy Childish. Various locations, Folkestone. Various ticket prices.

🎸 Sat 14 Nov - Railcard + Swansea Sound // New indiepop band plays alongside indiepop supergroup. Ramsgate Music Hall. Tickets £14.50.

🪧 21 - 22 Nov - Pussy Riot: Riot Days // Play from Russian punks combining theatre, music, and politics. Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury. Tickets £26.25.

🎸 Thu 26 Nov - The Wedding Present // Band play show celebrating 35th anniversary of their Seamonsters album. Booking Hall, Dover. Tickets £30.

December 2026

🪕 Wed 2 Dec - James Yorkston // Scottish singer-songwriter and author performs solo with special guests, following an album of duets with Nina Persson and Johanna Söderberg. Quarterhouse, Folkestone. Tickets £22.

🎸 Fri 4 Dec - Trash Kit // Acclaimed post-punk band. Where Else?, Margate. Tickets £14.

🎸 Fri 18 Dec - Swansea Sound + support // Careful Now Promotions Christmas bash with multiple excellent bands. Oast Community Centre, Rainham. Tickets £10.

January 2027

🎭 26 - 30 Jan - Strangers on a Train // New stage adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s psychological thriller, arriving in Canterbury directly after its West End run. Marlowe Theatre. Tickets from £19.

💡 29 - 30 Jan - Gravesham Light Festival: Galactic Glow // Two evenings of illuminated installations, performances, music and workshops inspired by planets, constellations and imagined galaxies. Various locations, Gravesend. Free.

February 2027

📺 Thu 11 Feb - Witness to History: Sir Trevor McDonald Live // Legendary newsreader tells stories from his life and career. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. Tickets from £39.25. Also at Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury on 18 Feb.

🎤 Wed 17 Feb - Chloe Petts: Call Me By My Surname // Breakout star of Taskmaster returns with an hour of new material. Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury. Tickets £21.50.

🎤 Fri 26 Feb - Iain Lee: Imposter Syndrome // Broadcaster tells stories from his lengthy career. The Alex, Faversham. Tickets £17.

March 2027

🎤 Thu 4 Mar - Ed Gamble: Fresh Hell // Comedian, podcaster, and TV host tours new show of material. Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells. Tickets £34.25. Also at Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 18 Apr.

🎤 Sat 6 Mar - Amy Gledhill: Thanks For Having Me // Last One Laughing and Taskmaster star tours new stand-up show. Marlowe Studio, Canterbury. Tickets £22.50.

🎤 Sun 7 Mar - Phil Wang: Uh Oh // The only cool comedian left returns with a new moustache. Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. Tickets from £33. Also at Orchard Theatre, Dartford on 13 Mar.

April 2027

🤼 Sun 8 Nov - UKPW // Professional wrestling action. Lockmeadow, Maidstone. Tickets from £12.50.