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.

Having a Serious Conversation With a Mountain

Markus Vater’s exhibition ‘Having a Serious Conversation With a Mountain’ at kollectiv transforms the gallery with paper-covered walls and floor painted directly by the artist. Part of the Juha season of exhibitions curated by Sammi Gale.

Creative Retreat Folkestone

A weekend retreat in Folkestone led by Heather Orr, combining macramé workshops, yoga, relaxation, food and free time. The programme includes beach yoga at Sunny Sands, studio sessions and a Sip & Knot macramé workshop at Glassworks, meals at Yoke, brunch, time around the harbour, and a sauna and optional sea swim to finish.

DJ Does the 00s

A 00s DJ night at The Dracula Parrot in Folkestone. Free entry.

FREE Community Acting Sessions - Every other Friday, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Sunflower House Folkestone.

Are you interested in theatre or acting but unsure where to begin? FPAC invites local residents to take part in its regular FREE Community Acting Sessions. No prior experience is required. FPAC offers free theatre workshops to participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, local communities & those facing financial hardship. The goal is to remove barriers to theatre training and create an inclusive space where people of all skill levels can engage with various theatre forms, facilitated by experienced theatre practitioners. Launched in 2022, these sessions welcome theatre lovers of all ages and backgrounds. They offer a warm, inclusive space to connect with others, share stories, laugh, and explore creativity. Participants engage in theatre-based activities designed to build confidence, strengthen social connections, enhance wellbeing, and support personal development, while also helping to combat social isolation. Open to adults aged 18 and over, the programme runs in 6 to 8-week blocks, introducing participants to a wide range of theatre skills and providing opportunities for performance. All sessions are led by an experienced industry practitioner. FPAC is committed to accessible training opportunities as a core value. The Community Acting Sessions are designed specifically for those with little or no previous experience, offering training in drama skills—including voice, character development, text analysis, and playwrighting—alongside valuable transferable skills such as teamwork, time management, empathy, problem-solving, communication, fitness, wellbeing, and self-confidence. FPAC was formed to encourage greater local participation in theatre. Its vision is to empower the community to create and perform original dramatic work, fostering a stronger sense of connection and belonging. By nurturing creativity and community spirit, FPAC aims to inspire positive social change. The organisation’s long-term ambition is to become Kent’s preeminent ensemble theatre and a vibrant artistic hub at the heart of Folkestone—one that encourages people of all ages and abilities to take creative risks and explore the transformative power of the arts.

FTS011 with Tania Atyabi and Robboburgers

FTS011 is a music night at Folkestone Fog Factory on 17 July 2026. The lineup includes a vinyl warm-up set from Folkestone-based Robboburgers, electro guest DJ Tania Atyabi from London, and visuals by Vented Tours.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac returns to Leas Cliff Hall for a live tribute show celebrating the music of Fleetwood Mac. The performance is noted as being personally endorsed by Mick Fleetwood.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Country Superstars Weekender

A three-night country tribute weekender at the Grand Burstin Hotel in Folkestone, hosted by Sarah Jayne and Andy Crust. The programme features tribute performances celebrating country legends including Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Billie Jo Spears, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks and Glen Campbell, alongside rockabilly and crossover favourites such as the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. Saturday includes Tennessee Daydream Duo and Country Superstars with a live band, and Sunday features Adam Harding and Charlie Harper as Elvis. The weekend also includes line dancing, daytime entertainment, game shows, bingo and guest comedy, with evening doors from 7:00pm each night and a country DJ playing line-dancing hits across the weekend.

Heidi Robus Live at Henry’s Wine Bar

Heidi Robus performs a live Friday evening set of rock and roll favourites and feel-good tunes at Henry’s Wine Bar and Chocolate Café in Hythe. Entry is free and the performance is scheduled to run for two hours.

Prophets of Pop Fundraiser for Harry's Village

One-off charity concert by Folkestone band The Prophets of Pop at Quarterhouse in support of Harry’s Village. The five-piece will play original rock and pop with a 90s feel, raising money for Harry and his family as he continues recovery from a severe spinal injury.

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.

Friday Night Live at Rocksalt

Rocksalt hosts Friday Night Live in its main restaurant every Friday in July, with live music alongside dinner service from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.

Happy Box of Imps Summer Special

Happy Box of Imps return to The Tower Theatre in Folkestone for an interactive improv comedy show. Expect audience-suggested characters and scenes, fast-paced unscripted performances, silly games and audience suggestions shaping the action throughout the night. Inspired by shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Mock The Week, the performance may contain adult humour and is recommended for ages 14+. Tickets are £8, with door sales from 18:30.

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 and is open to all ages and abilities. Sessions continue through August.

A Night with Angela

Angela Bangsbury brings a camp drag performance to Folklore with lip-syncs, live vocals and a late-night bar atmosphere. Free entry from 8pm.

Tempaural Social with Tania Atyabi

Electronic music night at The Blind Pig in Folkestone featuring a special guest DJ set from Tania Atyabi, a vinyl set by Robboburgers, visuals from Vented Tours, and resident support from PSQ.

Surfs N Burgs Pop-Up at Folkestone Harbour Arm

Surfs N Burgs pop up at Folkestone Harbour Arm’s dedicated pop-up street food zone, serving seafood street food including lobster tails in stacked beef burgers, lobster and crab grilled cheese toasties, fried prawn burgers and more. Available on select dates only.

Cliff Top Yoga & Breakfast Club

A 60-minute seaside yoga session for beginners and improvers, focusing on movement, breath, balance and gentle strength-building. After class, attendees can optionally head to the Cliff Top Cafe for breakfast, coffee and a relaxed chat.

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.

Wuthering Rehearsals

Saturday morning rehearsal sessions to learn or refresh Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights dance ahead of the main event on Sunday 26 July. Meet at the south end of Harbour Station towards the Harbour Arm, near the large seagull marker.

Family Workshop: Jabberwocky with Gwen Grynfeld

"'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe. All mimsy were the borogoves and the mome raths outgrabe." Adventure with us into the weird and wonderful realm of nonsense poetry! Using Lewis Carrol's "Jabberwocky" to start, we will create entire worlds with our imaginations, words and team work. Whether you fancy having a go at writing a nonsense poem yourself, painting an enchanted forest, or puppeteering and acting to become the very fearsome creatures themselves, we can't wait to welcome you, discoverers! "Oh frabjous day! Calooh Callay!" This is a drop-in session, anytime between 11am - 2pm.

Folkesound at Folkestone Harbour Arm

A free, family-friendly day of live music at Folkestone Harbour Arm featuring Doozle’s Trio, Jimmy & The Riddles, Lucy May Walker, Katie B & The Snooks and Watermoor. The line-up spans blues, funk, reggae, singer-songwriter performances and classic rock.

Folkestone Flea Summer Flea

Summer flea market at Docker Brewery + Taproom featuring vintage finds, handmade items, work from local artists and one-off treasures. The market runs across the indoor space and beer garden, with beer, pizza and coffee available on site.

Hale Exhibition

An exhibition of artwork by older people from Folkestone and Dover, exploring links between creative practice, arts engagement and wellbeing. Artists include members of Community Art Kent’s Follow on Folke Art and Dover SmART Project’s Recycled Teenagers.

Improv Your Writing Workshop

“Improv Your Writing” workshop with Kerry Ryan and Lucy Trodd, using improv techniques to generate ideas and support focused writing. Bring a laptop if you wish (paper and pens also provided). Cost is £50; booking via email: folkestoneimprovtheatre@gmail.com.

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.

Saturday Live Music on Harbour Arm

Live music takes place on the Harbour Arm stage every Saturday in July, with two acts each day at 2pm and 6pm. The performances run alongside the summer pop-up food area on Folkestone Harbour Arm.

East Peckham Silver Band at Folkestone Bandstand

East Peckham Silver Band (the oldest surviving village band in Kent) performing as part of Folkestone Festival at the Folkestone Bandstand. The post also shares a past playlist of pieces they have played.

Pimms and Hymns: Hymn World Cup Finals Day

A summer sing-off at Saint Eanswythe's Church featuring the final eight hymns from the congregation's Hymn World Cup. Attendees can enjoy a glass of Pimm’s in the church garden, sing the shortlisted hymns, support their favourite, and celebrate worship music together.

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.

Big Flava Band at Folkestone Harbour Arm

Big Flava Band play a live afternoon set in Harbourside Square at Folkestone Harbour Arm, with a sing-along and dance-friendly mix of popular hits.

Modern Metal Invasion

A free-entry live music night at The Dracula Parrot in Folkestone featuring Orphan Gears, Void Machine and Scars of Sense. Expect original modern metal and hard rock with heavy riffs, big choruses and a grassroots gig atmosphere in The Nest.

TREELINE UK Premiere

UK premiere of TREELINE, a contemporary music work by composer Graham Fitkin made using sound recordings from ancient trees. Performed by Graham Fitkin with the Sacconi Quartet at The Grand in Folkestone. Tickets are £10.

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.

Folkestone A Cappella Summer Concert

Summer concert by Folkestone A Cappella with guest performer Luke Fitzpatrick Hart. Doors open at 7pm at The Music Workshop in Folkestone.

Ludovico Einaudi Candlelight Concert (2 sittings)

Lumos presents a candlelight concert experience in Folkestone: a classical Ludovico Einaudi tribute performed by a string trio. The event has two sittings (7–8pm and 9–10pm) with doors opening at 6:15pm for the first sitting and 8:30pm for the second. Held at Harbour Church (130 Canterbury Rd, Folkestone, CT19 5NR). Seating is first come, first served within allocated tiered zones (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze). Age 8+; venue is wheelchair accessible (front row not guaranteed). A donation is made to a different charity each month. Programme includes pieces such as "Experience", "Adieux", "Nuvole Bianche", "I giorni", "Primavera", main theme from “The Third Murder”, "Nightbook", and "Seven Days Walking/Day 2 (Golden Butterflies)".

Folkestone Symphony Summer Prom Concert

Folkestone Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Prom Concert returns to Leas Cliff Hall for an evening of well-known film and television music, alongside classical favourites. Hosted by Jan Leeming, the concert ends in true ‘Last Night’ style with a sing-along finale, flag-waving and a fun prom atmosphere. The event will raise money for the MND Association.

Profound Sound: RIEKO and Guests

Profound Sound presents an immersive live performance by RIEKO (Rieko Whitfield), a Japanese-born, Margate-based artist and composer, featuring music from her EP Zakuro performed live for the first time. The set draws on the Buddhist story of Kishibojin and blends string arrangements, electronic beats, minimalist piano and powerful vocals. Raven Bush opens the evening. Presented in partnership with Folkestone Fringe, Profound Sound Folkestone, Creative Folkestone and Folkestone Techno Social, the event is part of an Outlands Network Exchange commission supported by Shadow World and Folkestone Fringe.

The Build-Up: House & Underground (DJ Steve Goddard)

The Build-Up returns to The Blind Pig for a night of deep underground sounds and house/tech vibes, featuring DJ Steve Goddard. Expect groovy, energetic tech house with a few wild cards, as part of the venue’s 2026 DJ nights twist with different themed Saturdays each month. Starts at 8pm and entry is free.

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.

The Invictas Live in Hythe

Live show by The Invictas at The Globe Inn in Hythe on Saturday evening. Organised by Invictas.

Get Roasted Quiz Night

Get Roasted is a bold, playful quiz night at The Coterie hosted by McDykeskinner, billed as a no-holds-barred evening for brave quizzers.

Farthing Common 12.5 Mile Walk

A guided 12.5-mile circular hike from Farthing Common led by Kevin Hall for Ashford Ramblers. The route follows the North Downs Way to Tolsford Hill, drops to Coombe Farm, passes Peene, climbs over Cheriton Hill, heads towards Paddlesworth, and returns via Lyminge. Expect a moderate walk with several climbs, around 1500ft of ascent, a short lunch stop, and a possible pub drinks break if open.

Paint & Dip

A relaxed beach painting session at Mermaid Beach in Folkestone, followed by an optional sea dip. No experience is needed. Bring a picnic blanket, a towel, and anything else you would usually want for a morning by the sea.

Hoad Farm Venue Showcase Morning

A free wedding venue showcase morning at Hoad Farm with styled setup ideas, time to explore the venue and grounds, and a chance to speak with the team. Aimed at newly engaged couples and those finalising wedding plans.

Rivals Cup 2026

The 7th annual Rivals Cup is a charity 7-a-side football tournament at Three Hills Sports Park in Folkestone. Teams of up to 10 can enter for £150, with matches running from 10:00 to 16:00. The event includes trophies and prizes, food and drink stalls, and fundraising for Lebanon in partnership with Help 4 Ummah.

Burlington Hotel Wedding Open Day

Free wedding open day at Burlington Hotel Folkestone. Visitors can look around the Victorian hotel, see the event space set up for a wedding, and ask about hosting their day there. A 10% discount is offered if a wedding deposit is paid on the day.

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. No sign-up or eligibility criteria are required. Food is donated by local sources.

Pizza + Pint Sundays & Live Jazz at Docker Brewery

Sunday sessions at Docker Brewery with a Pizza + Pint deal: any pizza plus a pint of Life In 3D/Local Lager (or a 175ml glass of wine) for £15. Open from 12PM with pizza served all afternoon, and live jazz from the Sarah Jane Trio from 5PM. Find them at Unit C, Five Acre Estate (next to Screwfix, Park Farm), CT19 5DS.

Croquet in Radnor Park

A free outdoor games session at Radnor Park Bowls Club in Radnor Park featuring golf croquet and kubb. Beginners are welcome and no equipment or previous experience is needed. The games are social and low-impact, with golf croquet played in pairs and kubb playable as singles or teams. Hosted by Sanch.

The Runaways (Shadows Tribute)

THE RUNAWAYS - Shadows Tribute Band. One of our favourite bands back by popular demand. You won't want to miss this outstanding band - get your dancing shoes on for this!

Banner Making Social

A Folkestone Pride craft session where attendees can make banners and signs for the parade. Everyone is welcome, whether creating a simple message or a more elaborate design, and materials are provided.

Oscillate Sunday DJ Session

Oscillate return to The Blind Pig for a Sunday afternoon DJ session featuring chilled dub and reggae sounds.

Silent Book Club Summer Special

A summer Silent Book Club meetup at Kingsnorth Gardens in Folkestone. Bring a book, something comfortable to sit on, a drink, and sun protection for this outdoor reading session. Outdoor plans may change depending on the weather.

Choral Evensong

A choral evensong service featuring scripture, prayer and Anglican church music, with expected works by Bainton, Ireland, Harris and Radcliffe. Open to all who would like to attend.

Three Shades of Grey at The Britannia

Three Shades of Grey play a live pub set at The Britannia in Seabrook on Sunday afternoon, featuring familiar favourite tunes in a relaxed local setting.

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.

RERUN live at Skuba

RERUN return for a summer session with a live set at The Skuba Bar in Folkestone—expect a party in the sun.

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.

The Odyssey (15) Subtitled Screenings

Accessible subtitled screenings of The Odyssey (15), following Odysseus on his perilous journey home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. The film includes encounters with Polyphemus, the Sirens and Calypso. Proof of age is required.

Feral State Volunteer Fireside Gathering

Free beachside evening for prospective Feral State volunteers in Folkestone. The session includes meeting others, hearing about Feral principles and the Wild Ways framework, and making a feral pendant by the fire. Intended for adults aged 18+ who live in Folkestone and are interested in supporting beach school sessions.

Lost Signal Cinema Club: The Bride Wore Black

Lost Signal Cinema Club presents a screening of François Truffaut’s 1968 film The Bride Wore Black, a Hitchcock-influenced revenge thriller, at Burrito Buoy in Folkestone. Tickets are available via Outsavvy.

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.