Festival season has arrived and we know that unanimously popular are the food and drink ones! With them comes a good reason to eat and drink a host of foods from local and international sources.
Over the coming months, the Garden of England will be showing off its culinary credentials with a whole host of festivals dedicated to sensational food and drink. Whether you are a sucker for street food or want to watch some of your favourite celebrity chefs go about their work, it’s time to tempt your taste buds...
Macknade Beer & BBQ Festival
Saturday 28th June 2025, 12pm-7pm
Get ready for the ultimate day of BBQ brilliance and beer bliss at the Macknade Beer & BBQ Fest in Faversham! This family-friendly event is set to bring the heat, with a deliciously smoky lineup of BBQ delights, craft beer galore, and live music to keep you moving.
Dive into a world of unique brews as local craft breweries showcase their finest ales and lagers. Whether you’re a hop-head or a casual sipper, there’s something to tantalize your taste buds.
Fire up your appetite as chefs and grill masters serve up mouth-watering BBQ dishes, with plenty of demos and workshops. This isn’t just any BBQ... it’s a festival of flavours!
And the fun doesn’t stop at food and drink! Live bands will be rocking the scene, ensuring the vibes stay high while you kick back with a cold one and some smoky goodness.
So gather your crew, bring the kids (because why not?), and enjoy a day of fantastic food, cold beers, and good vibes at Macknade.
Broadstairs Food Festival
18th – 20th April and 3rd - 5th October 2025!
Feast by the sea at the Broadstairs Food Festival, returning to Victoria Gardens from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th April 2025. With nearly 100 local producers serving up everything from gooey cheeses to craft tipples, your taste buds are in for a treat. Watch top chefs do their thing, try your hand at foodie workshops, and let the kids get messy with Easter crafts and seaside-inspired fun. Fancy a breather? Pop into the vintage tea parlour or sip something bubbly by the sea. And if one helping isn’t enough, then we have some good news for you as the festival is back for seconds from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th October 2025! Live music, ocean views and enough snacks to sink a ship… what more could you want?
Stagecoach Southeast is proud to sponsor this year’s Broadstairs Food Festival. Forget the hassle of parking just let Stagecoach drop you right at the heart of the action, with Thanet Loop buses running every 8 minutes. With so much to see, taste and do, hopping on the bus is the easiest (and tastiest) way to get to the festival. It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy the seaside vibe, and make the most of every delicious moment.
Canterbury Wine Festival
16th - 17th May 2025
Sip, swirl and celebrate at the Canterbury Wine Festival, returning to the vibrant Westgate Hall on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May 2025. This joyful two-day event is your chance to taste over 50 fabulous wines from Kent’s top vineyards such as Balfour, Biddenden, Simpsons and more. Mix with the makers, pick up tasting tips, and maybe even discover your new favourite fizz.
Feeling fancy? Join Master of Wine Clive Barlow for a fun, expert-led session that’ll level up your wine knowledge. With delicious local nibbles to pair and three sessions to choose from, there’s every reason to make a weekend of it. Tickets are flying, so grab yours and get ready to toast to the Wine Garden of England!
Sandwich Food and Drink Festival
20th – 22nd June 2025
Get ready for a feast of fun at the Sandwich Food and Drink Festival, running from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June 2025 at The Quay Green. With sizzling street food, local brews, and a buzzing atmosphere, this is the perfect place to treat your taste buds. From live music to hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone, whether you're a foodie or just here for the fun. Don’t forget to bring your furry pals as it’s a dog-friendly event! Stroll through market stalls brimming with local delights, and let the good vibes roll all weekend long. Best of all, entry is free, so there’s no excuse to miss out on this summer food celebration!
Deal Food and Drink Festival
27th – 31st August 2025
Get ready for a tasty bank holiday at the Deal Food and Drink Festival, taking place on Thursday 27th to Monday 31st August 2025 along the stunning Marine Road. With street food that’ll have you coming back for seconds, quirky craft stalls, and a beach bar to sip something refreshing, this is one festival you don’t want to miss. Kids can dive into fun activities, while the adults relax with live music and stand-up comedy. Whether you're here for the food, the laughs, or the sea breeze, there’s something for everyone. Plus, with easy parking and transport links, you can focus on enjoying all the deliciousness! Come for the flavours and stay for the vibes!
