Smashing September! 25 things to do in Kent this month

Squeeze out the last of the summer fun with FREE heritage open days, beer and literary festivals, comedy, dining experiences and so much more happening across Kent this month.

1 – 8 SEPTEMBER

End of Season Party at The Food Village, Macknade, Sat 7 Sep

As summer bids farewell, join us for one last hurrah at The Food Village’s End of Season Party on 7th September! It’s going to be a day packed with mouthwatering food, lively music, and fun for the whole family. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or just looking for a great time, this is the perfect way to savor the final moments of summer. Don’t miss out on the season’s grand finale!

Hops’n’Harvest Beer Festival, Kent Life, Sat 7 – Sun 8 Sep

What started as a celebration of the humble hop is now a weekend long festival with a variety of live and local music acts plus historical characters, hop picking and the chance to sample up to 50 varieties of beers, ales and ciders (there’s even a gin bar!). Coming to Kent Life in Maidstone this September is Hops’n’Harvest Beer Festival is a fun day for the whole family. Don’t miss the variety of food stalls, Dotty’s Team Room and wood-fired pizzas in the Pizza Garden.

Birds of Prey Event, Squerryes, Westerham, Sat 7 Sep

Experience the wild side of nature at Squerryes in Westerham on Saturday, 7th September, with a thrilling Birds of Prey event! Set against the stunning backdrop of the North Downs countryside, right next to the vineyard, this unique day out includes a mesmerizing bird demonstration by the expert team from Willows Bird of Prey. Watch these magnificent creatures soar above the vines, then get up close and personal with a chance to handle them under the guidance of skilled falconers. After the excitement, relax with a chilled glass of Brut or sparkling elderflower juice. Perfect for nature lovers, this event is an unforgettable way to spend a morning amidst beautiful scenery. Don’t miss out—book your spot online today!

Cable Carnival, Whitemills Wake, Sat 7 Sep

Roll up! Roll up! The Cable Carnival will be at Whitemills Wake Park for their first ever live show so are you ready for the craziest wake show ever? Expect never-before-seen events, massive crashes and some jaw-dropping Wakeboarding from some of the world’s best wakeboarders. All supported by Bass Barn who will be bringing their best DJs to see the night off in style. Tickets from £5.

Into The Trees, Ashdown Forest, Fri 6 – Sun 8 Sep

Let the summer’s festival vibe live on at this gorgeous gathering set in the stunning surrounds of the Ashdown Forest. Into The Trees is a rare chance to relax and actively explore the natural environment at Pippingford Park with the ethos of encouraging families to spend more time together outdoors, this is a winner of an event. Weekend and day guests are welcome to discover a host of sports, arts and nature activities. Every member of the family from toddlers to grandparents are included with the full focus on everyone connecting with nature.

Discover Your Inner Power: Women’s Day Retreat, Sun 8 Sep

It’s time to reclaim some time back for yourself so join industry experts Tammy Hall, founder of specialist skin care clinics, Renew Clinics and Naomi Buff, Holistic Wellness Expert and Coach from Nourish By Naomi for an exclusive Women’s Day Retreat designed to nourish your body, mind, and soul in Brands Hatch. Their retreat is your perfect getaway to connect with yourself, embrace your inner strength, and create lasting change in your life. 9:30am – 4pm.

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, Hazlitt Theatre, Sun 8 Sep

The People’s Theatre Company are in Maidstone with their brand new adaptation of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. With a captivating combination of live action, animation and puppetry, watch as aliens from a distant planet crash-land on earth and need your help to get home. Their rocket runs on stories, not fuel, and only the greatest story in the universe will be enough to save them!

9 – 15 SEPTEMBER

An Evening with Jacqueline Wilson, The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, Mon 9 Sep

Sevenoaks Bookshop are thrilled to finally announce their event with Jacqueline Wilson in September at The Stag Theatre. Author of over 100 books and the creator of favourite characters such as Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather, she is one of Britain’s bestselling and most beloved children’s authors. Jacqueline will be introducing her new adult novel, Think Again, revisiting characters Ellie, Magda and Nadine from the Girls series, for all the readers who grew up reading Jacqueline as children and teens. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from this iconic author, live in Sevenoaks. Tickets from £19.

FREE entry to The Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington, Sat 7 Sep

Budding geographers, historians and archeologists will love a visit to The Powell-Cotton Museum. Set in 10 acres of woodlands and gardens, with lots of interactive fun, this is a great day out for all the family. This September enjoy FREE entry to the museum, house and gardens on Sat 7 Sep as part of the annual Heritage Open Day.

Woodfest & County Fair, Belmont House, Faversham, Sat 7 – Sun 8 Sep

Enjoy exciting woodland demonstrations including chainsaw carving, wood turning, spoon carving, campfire cooking, horse logging, pole lathe turning as well as vintage tractors and a fantastic display of stationary steam engines at the Woodfest & County Fair at Belmont House. It’s not just about wood, oh no! Go see falconry displays, dog & duck displays, Terrier Racing, the Mini Pony Show and Sunday will see the Fun Dog Show and Golden Retriever display team. There’ll also be craft-making activities, climbing walls and not forgetting the local food and drink stalls.

Pilates for Cyclists 5 Week Workshop, VWell Studio, Hythe, Tues 10 Sep

Discover why Pilates is the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed! Join VWell Studio in Hythe for 5 weeks of matwork and spring wall pilates starting this September in a state-of-the-art wellness space designed to cater to all fitness levels. Expect top-notch instructors and a supportive community, it’s the perfect place to enhance your performance, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out. This dedicated space and cycling workshop is equipped with everything you’ll need to transform your cycling game! £12 per class and £50 for all 5 sessions. All levels welcome.

Autumn Craft Fair, Hever Castle, Thurs 12 – Sun 15 Sep

The Autumn Craft Fair held in the stunning grounds of Hever Castle is back on  this September. Organised by Craft in Focus, over four days browse and purchase direct from around 180 of the UK’s finest designers, makers and contemporary artists. The designers have been chosen specifically for their individuality and innovation in contemporary design so you’ll be in for a treat! Open 9:30am – 5:30pm. Entrance to the Craft Fair is included in both Gardens Only and Castle & Gardens admission tickets.

Joe Pasquale: The New Normal – 40 Years of Cack, The Hazlitt Theatre, Thurs 12 Sep

Get ready for a night of nonstop laughs as the legendary Joe Pasquale brings his uproarious show, The New Normal – 40 Years of Cack – Continued!, to the Hazlitt Theatre this September. With over four decades of comedy gold under his belt, Joe is back on stage, proving that normal has never been his thing. Expect wild stories, hilarious antics, and the kind of unpredictable humor that only Joe can deliver. If you’ve ever wondered why chicken breasts don’t have nipples or if a nudist would stain his character with beetroot soup, this is the show for you. Don’t miss this comedy icon live in action!

Sevenoaks Literary Festival, Fri 13 Sep – Tues 29 Oct

The Sevenoaks Literary Festival is back! Kicking off from Fri 13 Sep – Tues 29 Oct in collaboration with Muddy award-winning Sevenoaks Bookshop, expect famous and up-and-coming authors in various locations all around Sevenoaks to share the love of books. Book your tickets to attend talks and events from Liz Earle, Anton du Beke and much more. See the full line-up here.

Salute to the 40’s, Historic Dockyard Chatham, Sat 14 – Sun 15 Sep

Salute to the 40’s returns to Historic Dockyard Chatham, celebrated as ‘one of the Britain’s best vintage festivals’, get ready to reminisce and feel nostalgic as the Historic Dockyard is transformed into a 1940s experience. Relive the whole decade, from military wartime displays, hundreds of re-enactors, fantastic music line-up including The D-Day Darlings to shopping 40’s fashion essentials in the Vintage Street Market. Plus FREE vintage funfair rides for the family, dance lessons and even experience an air-raid with a tour of the Dockyard’s air raid shelters.

Sandwich Arts Week, Sat 14 – Sat 21 Sep

Don’t miss Sandwich Arts Week this month, a week-long exhibition of over 40 local local artists and sculptors in St Mary’s Church Arts Centre. The exhibition opens with a welcome evening including wine and an opportunity to meet the artists.

Food Pop-Up at Yotes Court, Mereworth, Sun 15 Sep

Get ready for a deliciously fun afternoon on Sun 15 Sep at Yotes Court Vineyard, where the fabulous food writer and Instagram sensation Charlotte Butterworth, aka @theneedy.greedy, is hosting a mouthwatering pop-up event! Picture this: you, a sunny vineyard, and a table brimming with Charlotte’s signature big-flavour salads, perfectly complimented by Yotes Court’s crisp, refreshing wines. It’s the ultimate foodie dream come true so see you there, forks in hand!

Outdoor Cinema Night at The Dog, Wingham, Sun 15 Sep

Sit out under the stars and enjoy a screening of Rocketman, Elton John’s biopic starring Taron Egerton in The Dog at Wingham’s terraced garden. Starting from 7pm. Tickets are £10pp with popcorn included. Book your spot asap as spaces are limited!

16 – 22 SEPTEMBER

Farm Table, The Small Holding, Weds 18 Sep

Don’t miss The Small Holding’s new Farm Table alfresco suppers, exclusively for 8 guests and hosted only once a month during the summer, this really is a magical dining experience. As the sun starts to go down, enjoy a glass of Sussex sparkling from Artelium and a guided farm tour where you’ll see what’s in perfect condition to harvest. Much of the six-course menu will be harvested straight from the farm, where chef Will Devlin will cook elements of the menu over the fire right in front of you.

Dining Event with Hubbles, Deal, Fri 20 & Sat 21 Sep

Don’t miss this intimate dining experience at The Merchant of Relish in Deal on Fri 20 and Sat 21 Sep, where Chef Scott Hubble will showcase his passion for exceptional produce. With only 12 seats available, this exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to savor Scott’s meticulously crafted menu, designed with the finest seasonal and local ingredients. Due to the complexity of the dishes, the menu is served as is so come ready to indulge in a culinary journey like no other. View the menu here.

Tom Houghton, The Alex, Faverhsam, Sat 20 Sep

After a phenomenal, sold-out, international tour, don’t miss Tom Houghton’s next appearance in Kent at The Alex. Hear his stories of how he found himself in Indonesia where he plunged into a journey of self-discovery, while asking the most profound questions of what truly makes someone who they are. And now he’s bringing his discoveries to you. It’s time to go “Deep”.

23 – 30 SEPTEMBER

Harvest Cider Festival, Woolton Farm, Fri 27 – Sun 29 Sep

Following on the success of their sell-out festival last year, Woolton Farm’s Harvest Cider Festival is back with a bang for 3 days of live music, food and drink. Entry is £5 (under 18s go free) which includes an etched glass to take home. Taste local handcrafted beers and ciders plus live music, garden games, face painting, sweet stalls, freshly made pizza served all day and a hog roast. Why not make a day of it and camp or why not stay in one of their Motor Homes for £20 a night?

The Dog, Port Lympne, Gusbourne and Hide & Fox Fine Dining Event, Thurs 26 Sep

Prepare for an evening of culinary excellence as three of Kent’s finest kitchens — Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, The Dog at Wingham, and Michelin-starred Hide & Fox – team up with award-winning Gusbourne Wines for an exclusive fine dining event on Thurs 26 Sep. Set in the breathtaking Orangery at Port Lympne, this extraordinary four-course dinner features dishes crafted by top chefs, each paired perfectly with handpicked Gusbourne wines. From whipped cods’ roe tartlets to Kent marsh lamb and decadent chocolate mousse, every course promises to be a symphony of flavors, making this a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience. Book up!

Chatham Dockyard Tasting, Bowley’s at The Plough, Fri 27 Sep

Get ready for a flavorful evening at Bowley’s with the Chatham Dockyard Tasting, a 4-course culinary adventure where every dish features an element of English spirit! Kick off the night with complimentary gin and canapés on the terrace, setting the tone for an unforgettable dining experience. As you savor each course, you’ll have the chance to mingle with the distillers themselves, gaining exclusive insights into the unique flavors and stories behind the spirits. This is a rare opportunity to indulge in exceptional food and drink in a stunning setting. If that doesn’t sway you; here’s the menu. £140pp.

Drag Bingo, Macknade, Faversham, Sat 28 Sep

Dabbers at the ready! Macknade invites Delilah Tickles & Anita Wee for their first ever evening of Drag Bingo this September. All presented with a smattering of humour in the best possible taste with prizes to be won, alongside a bar stocked full of lovely locally sourced drinks. 

Words by Mollie Manning

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