Holly Price
The Garden of England comes to life in the autumn. From beautiful autumnal walks where leaf-peeping is a priority to the range of family-friendly October half-term events, Kent is a perfect destination during October. Enjoy hot toddies as you breathe in the tangy salt air of the Kentish coast, or opt for a quaint village getaway on the edges of a forest for that ultimate spooky season feeling.
Below, we’re taking a look at the different autumn events happening throughout Kent, so that you can make the most of your visit.
Autumnal Events in Kent for 2025
From food and drinks festivals to ghost tours, you can choose between a range of enjoyable and exciting activities in Kent throughout autumn. For a family-friendly roundup, make sure to check out our October Half-Term Blog.
Broadstairs Food Festival
Location: Victoria Gardens & Bandstand, Broadstairs
Dates: 3rd-5th October 2025
Celebrating Kent’s rich food and drink scene, the Broadstairs Food Festival showcases artisan producers, cookery demos and a host of tasty treats to sample and take home. Whether you’re a gourmet enthusiast or simply love a good grazing session by the sea, this coastal festival is the perfect autumn indulgence. Book a stay nearby for ease of access.
Sandwich Antiques Market
Location: The Guildhall Forecourt (or inside the Guildhall in bad weather)
Dates: 10 am to 3 pm, 12th October 2025
A must for interior enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Sandwich Antique Market gives you the perfect excuse to mooch around a stunning medieval village and perhaps even leave with some envy-inducing antiques. Want to stay in the area? We’ve got a selection of charming boltholes nearby.
Railway 200 – Autumn Gala
Location: Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
Dates: 18th & 19th October 2025
Set against a breathtaking backdrop of Kent in autumn, the Autumn Steam & Diesel Gala is a must for any locomotive fans, or those who just want to enjoy the romance of yesteryear. Find out more information here.
Music, Fairground Rides & More at Dreamland
Location: Dreamland, Margate
Dates: Throughout October
Hosting standalone events such as the Margate Rock Festival and other live music shows, Margate’s Dreamland is open every weekend throughout October with rides, street food, amusement arcades and a roller disco.
Wünder Harbour
Location: Folkestone Harbour Arm – The Goods Yard
Dates: 27–28 September & 4–5 October 2025 (11:00–20:00)
Step into a slice of Bavaria by the sea at Wünder Harbour, Folkestone’s spirited weekend celebration of bratwurst, beer and brass. The Goods Yard is transformed into a vibrant German-style festivity featuring traditional Bratwurst, German doner and a dedicated Stein Bar, while oompah bands, sing-alongs, dancing and games bring the fun from afternoon into evening. With live music or DJs each day, it’s a coastal twist on Oktoberfest—free to attend, full of flavour, and perfect for gathering with friends by the harbour.
Felderland Farm Pumpkin Patch
Location: Felderland PYO, Deal Road, Worth, Deal, Kent CT14 0BE
Dates: 18th October – 31st October
While it might be a pastime we’ve pinched from our American friends, you simply cannot deny the ability of a pumpkin patch to transport you to the epicentre of all things autumnal. At Felderland’s PYO, you can also enjoy seasonal hot food and drinks, photo opportunities and a play area that little ones will love.
Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival
Location: Canterbury Cathedral Lodge
Dates: 24-25th October 2025
Beer lovers unite for a weekend of hops, malts and creative brews at the Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival. Featuring local and national breweries, street food pairings and live music, it’s a celebration of independent brewing in a stunning setting.
Canterbury Ghost Tours
Location: Canterbury City Centre
Dates: Friday Evenings Throughout October
Step into the shadows of Canterbury’s medieval streets with a guided ghost tour that uncovers the city’s darker past. Hear eerie tales of hauntings, mysterious happenings and chilling legends as history and folklore intertwine in one of the UK’s oldest cities.
Autumn at the Theatre….
As we ease into the season of indoor entertainment, it’s also the perfect time to visit local theatres! Below, we’ve listed some venues where you can swap your screen for the stage.
The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
Described as Kent’s ‘engine house for the performance arts,’ the Marlowe is plays host to everything from West-End smash hits to sell-out Fringe performances and more. Take a look at what’s on here.
The Granville Theatre, Ramsgate
Reopened in 2023 following renovations, Ramsgate’s Granville Theatre has a long history and was originally the Granville Pavilion, which was damaged beyond repair in WW2. Today, it continues to invite locals and tourists alike inside to enjoy a wealth of entertainment – see what takes your fancy here.
The Tower Theatre, Folkestone
Whether you want to round up the family and enjoy your annual festive panto, or experience opera as you’ve never seen it before, the Tower Theatre is the place to go. Take a look at what’s on the autumn agenda here.
