DAYS OUT

The perfect family day out, Weald of Kent Country Craft Show returns to Penshurst Place for a weekend of great shopping, delicious food and family fun on Sat 2 – Mon 4 May. Browse over 175 independent stall holders across indoor marquees and outdoor markets, bursting with beautiful handmade jewellery, homewares, clothing and much more! Plus enjoy delicious gourmet street food and drinks whilst soaking up the stunning surroundings and atmosphere.

Hever Castle & Gardens is hosting a lively line-up of May events in 2026, starting with its May Day Weekend (2 – 4 May) filled with traditional fun like Maypole dancing and an interactive traditional play on the Castle forecourt with a game of tug of war, all celebrating the start of the season in proper countryside style. Then there’s Castle Canines (10 May), a relaxed, feel-good day for dog lovers, featuring breed meet-ups, live demos, charity stalls and scenic walks around the estate.

Step back in time as the Kent & East Sussex Railway brings wartime Britain to life for its “bigger than ever” 1940s Weekend on Sat 16 – Sun 17 May. Tenterden Town and Bodiam stations will be transformed with live swing music, vintage stalls, military encampments and immersive living history, alongside headline performances from the D-Day Darlings Trio. Expect full-size replica Spitfire and lively re-enactors to 1940s makeovers. Dress the part, grab an identity card and fully embrace the spirit of the era.

FESTIVALS

In a first for 2026, one of London’s most iconic music festivals, Lovebox is being reimagined and finding a new home in Dreamland. Don’t miss Lovebox Presented by Dreamland on Fri 29 – Sat 30 May, bringing the spirit of the much-loved festival to the Kent coast. This seaside edition boasts a line-up featuring Rudimental, Groove Armada, Scissor Sisters and Soul II Soul and many more across the weekend. If your group chat is overdue a reunion, this is your sign.

The Folkestone Harbour Arm FREE Summer Cinema is back! From Fri 8 May, come down every Friday evening (and Saturday evenings in June) from 7pm to explore 10 different, independent food and drink outlets and enjoy a cinema programme crafted for all tastes. From The Lizzie McGuire Movie to Jaws, there’s entertainment for everyone this summer. Plus throughout the month, there’s Music in May (8 – 27 May), in collaboration with Folkestone Music Town, bringing sing-along favourites and music-led movie moments to the big outdoor screen. The perfect excuse to grab dinner, settle in and let the sea air do the rest.

If you fancy a fest that’ll tickle your brain, the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival from Fri 1 – Sun 10 May, will do just the trick, with an exciting lineup of over 30 events. Highlights include no.1 bestselling poet Donna Ashworth & presenter Davina McCall, Iain Dale & Mike Martin MP to discuss Ian’s sparkling short biography; Margaret Thatcher: The Prime Ministers Series, and national treasure Gyles Brandreth helping celebrate 100 Years of Winnie-The-Pooh and many more. Get booking stat.

Whilst we’re in Tunbridge Wells… Feast Street Food Festival is a brand new festival coming to The Pantiles on Sat 23 – Mon 25 May. Expect an exciting line-up of independent traders serving global eats, sweet treats and handcrafted drinks. All set against a lively, social atmosphere that’s perfect for grazing, exploring and soaking up the vibes.

Fill up you taste buds at this year’s fabulous Tonbridge Food Festival at Tonbridge Castle Bailey Lawn on Sat 30 – Sun 31 May. Try, taste and buy from more than 70 stallholders selling a delicious range of food and drink produced in and around Kent and from across the globe. Discover delicious cheeses, breads, cakes, sweet treats such as fudge and chocolate brownies; locally roasted coffee and specialist teas as well as other food related stalls.

Get ready to kick off summer with a bang with the Spring Beer & Cider Festival at Woolton Farm, running bank holiday weekend Fri 22 – Mon 25. With a massive selection of craft ciders and Beers from across the country, freshly made pizza and delicious BBQ served all day, non-stop live music and a ‘Kids’ Zone’ to keep the youngsters entertained, this will be perfect fun for all the family. Click here to see list of accommodation options.

Tenterden Food & Drink Festival is a firm favourite in the community calendar and now in its 10th year, returning Fri 8 – Sun 10 May. It’s back with a great selection of local and international stalls of mouth-watering street food and live music, children’s entertainment and comedy to keep everyone entertained. It’s free to enter and held on spacious recreation ground close to the town centre – day trip anyone?

Bring your appetite to Chatham Maritime for the annual Food & Drinks Festival from Sat 23 – Mon 25 May. Over the late May bank holiday weekend, local producers, chefs and gastronomic gurus will be pitching up dockside with all sorts of delicious artisanal treats. The highlight of the event is the Dragonboat Race on Sunday, great fun for all the family and free to enter.

MUSIC

Sunny afternoons and live music return to Chiddingstone Castle this summer as Live at The Orangery kicks off super soon. They’ve got all the feel-good line-up of tribute acts such as Imagine the Beatles (Sun 17 May), BJORN This Way (Sun 14 June) and Stevie Wonder Celebration (Sun 16 Aug). Bring your own picnic, blankets, chairs, or stop by the castle tea room before the show.

Join the author of the only official biography of Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie for dinner at The Dog at Wingham for a Songbird Literary Dinner with Lesley Jones on Thurs 25 June. Lesley-Ann Jones is an acclaimed biographer, novelist, broadcaster and keynote speaker, having interviewed many of the world’s best-loved artists, often forming lifelong friendships with her subjects. Join the FREE talk at Wingham Church from 6pm and then enjoy a three-course meal at The Dog, including Leek & Watercress Velouté and Wild Bass.

THEATRE

TWODS are bringing the multi-award-winning Evita to the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tues 26 – Sat 30 May. Follow the journey of Eva Duarte, from her humble beginnings in rural Argentina to the dazzling heights of fame and power. With Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable score, including the iconic Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, Evita is a gripping tale of ambition, glamour, and the ultimate price of fame.

The Hazlitt Theatre are bringing us the treat of John Barrowman with his show, My Life In Musicals on Tues 12 May. Focusing on his dazzling career spanning across three decades of musical theatre, performing songs from all your favourites. For an even more unforgettable evening, don’t miss the exclusive pre-show Q&A soundcheck as well as the post-show Meet & Greet with a photo opportunity.

Calling all Agatha Christie fans! If you’re looking to add some drama to their evening, Kent & East Sussex have a Murder Mystery Evening on Fri 29 May. Step aboard for a journey of intrigue, deception and high drama. Will you uncover the culprit or will they walk free? You’ll also enjoy a delicious two-course dinner while you try to solve the mystery.

Planning that all-important first family theatre trip? Everybody’s favourite pink icon is on tour with the Peppa Pig Live: Peppa Pig Big Family Show! Scoot over Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells to catch Peppa and gang from Sat 2 – Sun 3 May. It’s a shiny new production – and this time, there’s a baby on the way. With a big family update looming, Peppa, George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig have a house full of decorating, building and general oinktastic chaos to tackle (and yes, they’ll need a little help from the audience). Packed with songs, silliness and plenty of muddy-puddle energy, it’s a bright, gentle introduction to theatre for little ones. Just bring your anoraks – we’ll say no more than that.

Bobak Champion invites you to discover the real Iran, the one that doesn’t make the news, on Thurs 14 May. Join Bobak at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre on his journey of self-discovery as he meets a whole cast of weird and wonderful characters – from women defiantly running the first (and last) ever Tehran marathon, to stumbling into an underground breakdance battle. After the show, enjoy a chat with your neighbours and the artists as we serve traditional Persian tea and date biscuits called Kolompeh.

Diaries at the ready for Marlowe Theatre’s incredible May lineup. For a fun night of comedy, consider Bridget Christie (Thurs 7), known for A Bic For Her (which broke box office records at Soho Theatre) or Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty (Thurs 28), the two-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee. To get your party on, head along to Here & Now – The Steps Musical (Tue 12 ‐ Sat 16), Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Mon 25 ‐ Sat 30) or Rumours of Fleetwood Mac (Sun 31).

The Tony Award and double Olivier Award-winning musical  Operation Mincemeat is also heading to the Marlowe Theatre next month, appearing from Tue 19 – Sat 23. It’s the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.

FOOD

Prepare to journey to Kerala with Taste of Kerala, the next in the regional supper club series at Essence at The Pantiles, Weds 6 May. Step into an evening where Kerala’s spice-laden coastline meets the refined elegance of this gorgeous restaurant. Think fragrant curries, coastal delicacies, and the unmistakable warmth of Keralan hospitality, reimagined through Atul’s signature culinary craft.

Celebrate one whole year at The Spotted Dog in Penshurst on Fri 29 May with their Charity Fashion Show Barbecue Party. Think live music, eating competitions and dangerously good BBQ food to celebrate their first year in business.

Bringing together the very best of our local area is the Taste of Kent Celebration Dinner, an exciting collaboration between our favourites of The Dog, The Swan and Chapel Down on Thurs 28 May. A luxurious five course meal, with choices including Lobster Tortellino, Lamb Saddle and Smoked Apricot Pavlova, all served alongside Chapel Down’s delicious award-winning wines.

Dreamland x KERB Sunset Dinner Series invites you to pull up a seat for an unforgettable seaside supper inside the iconic Sunshine Café. Taking place over two weekends, this intimate, long-table dining experience pairs shared feasting with sweeping sunset views, as guest chefs — including Mark O’Brien on Fri 1 & Sat 2 May (arrival from 6pm) — serve a seasonal three-course menu alongside a welcome glass of fizz. Expect relaxed, sociable vibes in a raw, one-off setting designed purely to bring people together, with the light fading over the sea as the evening unfolds. Tickets are £100pp.

DRINK

Curious about what makes wine and cheese the ultimate match? Wine & Cheese Evening at Yotes Court Vineyard on Thurs 21 May is your chance to explore the flavours behind the pairing in a relaxed, delicious, and delightfully indulgent way. Perfect for anyone who loves discovering new tastes and stories behind what’s on their plate and in their glass.

Whether you’re already a big sake fan, or perhaps curious about the methods and different styles, Macknade’s Sake Tasting (Fri 8 May) will be the perfect opportunity to try Akashi-Tai’s exceptional range. Akashi-Tai make beautifully crafted artisanal sake, full of warmth and character. Each sake is carefully handmade in small batches by their Toji (master brewer), Kimio Yonezawa, alongside his close-knit team of skilled craftsmen. Tickets only £25pp.

WELLBEING

Caught by the River x Elmley, Fri 15 – Sun 17 May, brings a rare and immersive experience to the wild beauty of Elmley Nature Reserve, a 3,300-acre island haven on the Isle of Sheppey. Running from 3pm on Friday to 4pm on Sunday, this intimate weekend (limited to just 150 people) blends live music, film, talks and workshops with the chance to explore one of the UK’s most important landscapes for birdlife. Expect performances from the likes of Clémentine March, Modern Nature and Andrew Wasylyk, alongside discussions with leading writers, creative sessions, bird ringing, swimming and guided ranger tours. With on-site accommodation options, food vendors, a late-night bar and even a free shuttle from Swale station, it’s a beautifully curated escape where culture, community and nature meet. Tickets are £65, with accommodation bookable separately.

The rare opportunity to hear the complex and beautiful birdsong of the nightingale has returned to the gorgeous woodlands of Green Farm, part of their Spa & Yoga Weekend Retreats. Including a two night stay in the farmhouse, yoga classes, spa access, all meals and now with the added treat of the Nightingale Evening Experience (also available on other dates separately), we think this will be a true indulgence. Spaces are very limited but a few spots remain available Fri 1 – Sun 3 and Fri 15 – Sun 17.

Ease into golden hour at Chapel Down with Sunset Yoga, a blissful blend of movement and wine set among the vines. Taking place on 27 May (with further dates in June and August), the experience begins with a calming one-hour yoga session (either out in the vineyard or overlooking it from the beautiful Wine Sanctuary) before flowing seamlessly into a relaxed, tutor-led tasting of five Chapel Down wines. £35pp, just remember to bring your own mat.

Set against the countryside surrounding Macknade, the Half Marathon & 10k returns on Sun 31 May with a scenic 10am start, taking runners through rolling lanes and valley views just outside Faversham. After crossing the finish line, the day rolls straight into festival mode with live music from Abi Nash (11am – 2pm), street food favourites, local tastings, and a buzzing Food Village and bar, the perfect excuse to refuel, celebrate and soak up laid-back summer vibes with runners and supporters alike.

BOOK AHEAD

Wine lovers can raise a glass at LIME TREE WORK SHOP with a series of expertly hosted Wine Savvy tastings designed to broaden your palate. Their event The Big South African Tasting is already sold out, but the discovery continues with Hidden Gems (11 June). The perfect chance to break out of your wine comfort zone with unusual grape varieties and lesser-known producers (£49pp). Or there’s The Big English Tasting (2 July), which celebrates the best of Britain’s booming wine scene across sparkling, white, rosé and red styles (£55pp). Expect relaxed, sociable evenings packed with flavour, stories and plenty of new favourites.

May-hem incoming! The best things to do near you this month

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