Events in Folkestone this weekend

Raising the Dead Exhibition

A free exhibition at Folkestone Museum exploring the lives and deaths of an Early Medieval community from the Folkestone area. It features grave goods from four people buried in the fifth and sixth centuries, including a sixth-century ring sword with a silver-gilt hilt, alongside finds featured on Digging for Britain in 2025 and 2026. Produced in partnership with the Parish Meeting, University of Lancashire, Isle Heritage CIC and Dana Goodburn-Brown. Includes images of human remains.

Weekly Writing Workshop

Weekly writing workshop at kollectiv Folkestone for new and returning writers. The group is small, friendly and welcoming, with space for all voices. New writers are welcome each week. Tickets are £5.

Folkestone Museum Summer Holiday Workshops

A free summer holiday workshop programme at Folkestone Museum with themed craft and activity sessions inspired by Anglo-Saxons, sea life, shells, Romans and dinosaurs. Activities across the run include making an Anglo-Saxon brooch, sword and shield, rockpool, seahorse dreamcatcher, funky fish artwork, shell picture frame, mosaic coaster, Roman crafts and fossil pudding. Sessions last one hour. Timed tickets must be collected from reception, and donations towards materials are welcome.

Conservation Science Investigation Folkestone

A hands-on archaeology event at Folkestone Museum exploring how conservation science helps reveal the past. Conservator Dana Goodburn-Brown and colleagues involved with the Anglo-Saxon sword and other finds demonstrate post-excavation investigation through practical exploration, craft activities, experimental archaeology, and insight into conservation methods and the science behind them. Sessions are free, last one hour, and timed tickets are available from reception. Donations towards materials are welcome.

A Taste of Thailand Pop-Up

A Taste of Thailand brings a pop-up menu to Harbour Arm, serving Northern Thai curry noodles including khao soi and other Thai street food flavours.

Conservation Science Investigation Folkestone

A hands-on archaeology event at Folkestone Museum exploring how conservation science helps reveal the past. Conservator Dana Goodburn-Brown and colleagues involved with the Anglo-Saxon sword and other finds demonstrate post-excavation investigation through practical exploration, craft activities, experimental archaeology, and insight into conservation methods and the science behind them. Sessions are free, last one hour, and timed tickets are available from reception. Donations towards materials are welcome.

Friday Zumba Gold at Hawkinge Community Centre

Weekly Zumba Gold class at Hawkinge Community Centre on Friday mornings. This lower-impact session is aimed at beginners, older adults, and anyone wanting a gentler version of Zumba while still enjoying the music and movement. Everyone is welcome.

Coastal Cruisers Skateboarding Workshops

Free drop-in summer skateboarding workshops for children aged 5 to 16 at Platform 3 on Folkestone Harbour Arm. Qualified F51 coaches help beginners and young skaters build confidence in a relaxed, pressure-free setting, with mini ramps available. Pads are provided, each participant receives a skills book to track progress, and no booking is needed. A waiver must be signed on arrival before taking part.

Fun Tots Play Session

Weekly play sessions for under-5s and their parents or carers at Hawkinge Community Centre. Activities include a bouncy castle, ride-ons, toys, games, books, balls and music, with space to run around. Costs £3 per child, and under-1s go free. Booking is available online, or attendees can turn up on the day. Sessions run year-round, including school holidays. Contact: 01303 901775.

Work From Home Folk Friday Meetup

A Friday morning coworking meet-up in Folkestone with a more relaxed working setup and space for more people. Run by Mooie Fee and Geeky as Folk.

Global Games Night

A drop-in games event exploring popular tabletop games from different cultures, including Mahjong, Catan, Carrom and Ludo. Visitors can learn how to play, meet others, enjoy casual competition, and spend time in the Reading Room with tea and light refreshments. Open to all ages, whether coming alone or with a group.

Intersections Reading Room (Fridays)

Intersections: Reading Room is a free public space at The Old Post Office where visitors are invited to read and reflect, convene and converse in a shared cultural resource that is part library and part meeting place. A rotating reading list selected by guest curators is added monthly.

Invicta Bass: Classics on the Coast

Invicta Bass brings a garage and drum & bass session to Mermaids Cafe with MC Creed, Det Fearless and Shortston. The event runs through the afternoon and evening.

Pickleball Sessions (Open & Over 55s)

Weekly pickleball sessions at Hawkinge Community Centre. Open sessions for all abilities run on Tuesdays from 08:00–09:30 (£4.00) and 09:30–11:30 (£4.50). Over 55s sessions run on Mondays and Fridays from 15:30–17:00 (£4.00). A beginner-friendly Beginners Over 55s session runs on Thursdays from 16:30–17:30 and costs £3.50. Paddles are available to borrow if needed, and booking is recommended.

Invicta Bass: Classics on the Coast

Invicta Bass returns to Mermaids Cafe Bar for another Classics on the Coast night, with garage and drum & bass classics and guest legends from the scene. Early booking is advised as previous Mermaid events have sold out.

Children’s Entertainment at Grand Burstin

Family entertainment at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone with Mini Movers at 18:40 followed by Chaos Live at 19:00. The hotel says these children’s sessions run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and also during school holidays, with party dances and challenges led by the entertainment team.

HeartBeat Ecstatic Dance Folkestone (Friday Session)

HEARTBEAT: Ecstatic Dance Folkestone evening session hosted by Sasha and André (Ecstatic Dance Folkestone). Includes movement guidance, live DJ set (world beats/tribal rhythms/electronic grooves), and community connection. Doors 18:45, opening circle 19:00, dance 19:15–20:30, closing/sharing circle from 20:30. 18+ only. Note: candles, white sage and incense used; filming/photography may take place.

Kinusaiga (Japanese Fabric Art) Workshop

Studio Infinara’s Kinusaiga (Japanese fabric collage art) workshop: a relaxing, no-sewing session where you tuck fabric scraps into a foam base to create a 3D textured picture. Choose from four pre-cut 15cm x 15cm summer-themed designs (Summer Daisy, Rolling Hills, Coastal Lighthouse inspired by Folkestone’s landmark, or Tropical Fish). Ticket includes the pre-cut foam block, access to a large selection of premium and upcycled fabrics (bring your own scraps if you like), all tools, step-by-step guidance from a local artist, plus tea/coffee and conversation. Limited to 16 spaces.

Seaside Classics Open-Air Cinema

Free open-air cinema series at The Goods Yard, Folkestone Harbour Arm, featuring Jaws (12A) on 7 August, Mr Bean’s Holiday (U) on 14 August, Pirates of the Caribbean (PG) on 21 August, and The Goonies (PG) on 28 August. All screenings start at 7pm.

Summer Sundowners (Fridays)

Summer Sundowners at Gaia Studio features a revolving line-up of local DJs soundtracking the start of the weekend with sea views and golden-hour vibes at Folkestone Harbour Arm. Drinks are available, and the event runs on Fridays through the summer.

Roller Disco (Normal Session)

Weekly roller disco session at Hawkinge Community Centre hosted by Kent Roller Disco. The Friday evening normal session runs from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, is open to all ages and abilities, and costs £8 each. Sessions continue through August.

Pretty Crap live at The Blind Pig

Live set from Pretty Crap at The Blind Pig in Folkestone. The band returns to the venue after playing its opening night. Free entry.

Drag Bingo

A drag bingo night at Hawkinge Cricket Club. Booking is required; contact Andy by text on 07734862289 or via Facebook to reserve a place.

Beer Shop Yoga with Unity Yoga

A recurring yoga class at The Beer Shop Folkestone led by Unity Yoga. Designed to feel informal and welcoming, especially for beginners or anyone who feels more comfortable outside a traditional studio setting, the class includes movement, breathwork and meditation for a relaxed, light-hearted start to the weekend. £10 per class.

Urban Sketchers August Meet-up

Urban Sketchers Folkestone will meet near the Amphitheatre in Lower Leas Park for a morning sketching session. Gather at 10:30, sketch locally, then return to the Amphitheatre at 12:00 to share sketches and stories. Open to everyone.

SOULSURV Folkestone to Dover Hike

A women-focused coastal group hike from Folkestone to Dover along the Saxon Shore Way. The walk starts at Crete Road East and covers about 11.9km with clifftop views, music including R&B, Bashment and Amapiano, games, a packed-lunch stop, and a finish on Dover seafront. The route is described as moderate with some climbs and is open to first-timers. Attendees should bring water, snacks, suitable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Badge Making Workshop

Make your own badges in a drop-in craft workshop hosted by Stephen. Materials will be provided, including old books and other craft supplies for creating designs from scratch. Pay what you can, with a suggested donation of £1 per badge.

Draw a Drag

A creative drag-themed drawing session with Elijamjar. Tickets are £10 per person and materials are included.

Global Games Night

A drop-in games event exploring popular tabletop games from different cultures, including Mahjong, Catan, Carrom and Ludo. Visitors can learn how to play, meet others, enjoy casual competition, and spend time in the Reading Room with tea and light refreshments. Open to all ages, whether coming alone or with a group.

Pilot Vibrations: Balearic DJ Set at The Pilot

Pilot Vibrations returns with laid-back Balearic and chilled beach vibes at The Pilot Beach Bar in Folkestone, featuring local DJs for Summer 2026.

Charity Head Shave for Rett UK

A public charity head shave at Folkestone Harbour to raise money for Rett UK. The shave starts at 13:30, followed by music from 14:00. Attendees are encouraged to come along and support the fundraiser.

Free Live Music at Harbour Arm

Free live music takes place on the Harbour Arm stage every Saturday at 2pm and 6pm, and every Sunday at 2pm.

Guided Fossil Walk from Folkestone Central

A guided 4-mile walk from Folkestone Central through the town, Old High Street, harbour, Sunny Sands, Coronation Parade and East Cliff to Folkestone Warren beach. Led by ecologist and GeoAmbassador Melanie Wrigley, the walk includes looking at local rocks, plants and wildlife, with time on the beach for fossil hunting and beachcombing. Booking is essential. Bring snacks, plenty of water, sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

The Old Country Crows (live at the Bandstand)

The Old Country Crows play live at the Folkestone Bandstand. Expect original light country folk rock. Arrive early and bring picnic chairs as seating fills up quickly. Presented by Folkestone Festival.

Saturday Karaoke at The Old Cigar & Olive

The Old Cigar & Olive presents Karaoke—come sing your heart out! Starting on Saturday 28th February and then every Saturday from 3PM till 8PM.

The 1927 live at The Lighthouse

The 1927 Jazz-Age String Band play a live afternoon set at The Lighthouse Champagne Bar on Folkestone Harbour Arm. Free entry.

Sophia Stutchbury Duo at Tikis Bar

Sophia Stutchbury and Colin play an evening set of classic covers and original songs at Tikis Bar & Kiosk, with a special guest joining them. The performance takes place overlooking Sunny Sands Beach.

Children’s Entertainment at Grand Burstin

Family entertainment at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone with Mini Movers at 18:40 followed by Chaos Live at 19:00. The hotel says these children’s sessions run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and also during school holidays, with party dances and challenges led by the entertainment team.

Kerching with Joel Brittain

Kerching returns to Gaia Studio with guest DJ Joel Brittain. Expect an electronic music party running from 7pm to midnight, with cocktails and a late-night dancefloor atmosphere.

Late To The Function at The Blue Silo

Late To The Function play a live party set at The Blue Silo Pub in Folkestone, featuring a crowd-pleasing selection of party tunes.

Meruhizu at Gaia Studio

Meruhizu returns to Gaia Studio on Folkestone Harbour Arm for an evening DJ night running from 7pm to midnight. A special guest DJ is due to be announced.

The Glow-Up: 80s & New Wave DJ Night

The Glow-Up is an 80s and new wave club night at The Blind Pig, with a mix of 80s pop, dance, alternative and new wave tracks.

Radio Riot & Jason Leigh (Solo) Live

Radio Riot with Jason Leigh (Solo) performing live at Dover Road Social Club in Folkestone.

Farthing Common 12 Mile Walk

A moderate 12-mile guided walk from Farthing Common led by Steve Bourne. The route follows the North Downs Way and Elham Valley Way via Staple Farm, Etchinghill Golf Course, Lyminge, Elham, Rhodes Minnis, West Wood, Hemsted and Skeete before returning to the start. Expect around 850ft of ascent. Dogs are welcome if kept on a short lead where needed.

Bean Trill Brunch Pop-Up at Docker Brewery

Bean Trill Kitchen Works is running two brunch pop-ups at Docker Brewery in Folkestone, serving plant-based brunch and speciality coffee. The sessions take place on 9 and 23 August from 10:00 to 12:30. Reservations are available by email at lee@beantrillkitchenworks.com or via DM to Bean Trill Kitchen Works.

Folkestone Repair Café

Folkestone Repair Café returns—bring items along and mend them together at Sunflower House. The next session is on Sunday 8th February, 10:30–12:30.

Hawkinge Community Fridge

Weekly community fridge offering free surplus food for anyone to collect or share, helping reduce food waste and support the local community. Food is donated by local sources, and no sign-up or eligibility criteria are required.

Sound Rise: Family Friendly Sound Bath

A family-friendly morning sound bath at Kollectiv featuring gongs, bowls, monochords and voice looping. The session includes a chance to experience the practice, learn more about it and try some of the instruments. Bring a mat, blanket and pillow if you want to lie down. Children are welcome but must be supervised by an adult. Tickets start from £2.

Free Live Music at Harbour Arm

Free live music takes place on the Harbour Arm stage every Saturday at 2pm and 6pm, and every Sunday at 2pm.

Faversham Mission Brass Band (Folkestone Festival)

See the Faversham Mission Brass Band perform live as part of Folkestone Festival. The band, connected to Faversham Gospel Mission, now plays regularly around town and at local bandstands as well as in church.

Funky Sundays

Family-friendly free DJ session at Mermaids beach bar in Folkestone. The lineup includes Late Nnight b2b SillyDilly, Lee Marks, Steve Goddard and Sookers Decks & Drums.

Gavin Alexander at The Lighthouse

Live music at The Lighthouse Champagne Bar with Gavin Alexander playing an acoustic set of relaxed favourites as the evening draws in.

Open Mic Sunday

Aimate hosts an open mic afternoon for performers trying out material in front of a supportive crowd. Musicians, spoken word artists, poets and comedians are all welcome. A keyboard and microphones are available, and performance slots are around 10 to 15 minutes. Arrive early to add your name to the list, especially if you want a quieter first hour.

Pomus Sunday Sessions

Weekly Sunday garden party sessions at Pomus in Folkestone, starting on 26 July. Expect a DJ playing house and party classics from 4pm, garden games, all-day happy hour, £5 wine by the glass, £8 house spritzes, and the return of the Bombodoughnuts burger.

Stella 'n The Loft Acoustic Duo

Stella 'n The Loft play an afternoon set of acoustic covers and original songs at The Britannia in Seabrook.

Top Guns 80s Band

Outdoor live show by Top Guns, a five-piece band playing 80s rock and pop favourites including songs by Toto, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Journey, Survivor, Kenny Loggins, Bon Jovi and more. Guest guitarist Matt Mallery joins the band for this performance at Hawkinge Cricket Club. The set is planned to take place outside, weather permitting, as part of the club’s Live Music Sundays.

Live band sessions at Skuba Bar & Bistro

Family-friendly live band sessions at Skuba Bar & Bistro in Folkestone, with music starting from 5pm every Sunday through summer.

Live Bands at Skuba in August

Skuba Bar & Bistro is hosting a run of live band performances in August from 5pm. The lineup listed is KT & The Beats on 2 August, Unit 8 on 9 August, Watermoor on 15 August for Skubafest, Turmoil on 16 August for Skubafest, Savages on 23 August, Invictas on 30 August, and The Hot Takes on 31 August.

Weekend Wind Down Live Music

Weekly Sunday evening live music as part of the Weekend Wind Down at Brewing Brothers Beachside on Folkestone Harbour Arm.

Weekly Meat Raffle

Weekly meat raffle at The Providence Inne in Hawkinge. Prizes are announced at around 18:00 every Sunday, with entries priced at £1 per strip. Starts this week.

Children’s Entertainment at Grand Burstin

Family entertainment at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone with Mini Movers at 18:40 followed by Chaos Live at 19:00. The hotel says these children’s sessions run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and also during school holidays, with party dances and challenges led by the entertainment team.

Sunday Karaoke at East Kent Arms

Weekly karaoke night at East Kent Arms in Folkestone, starting every Sunday from 7pm.

Skuba Karaoke Nights

Recurring karaoke nights at Skuba Bar & Bistro every Wednesday and Sunday from 8pm, with happy hour from 8pm to 10pm plus pool and party music through the evening.