What’s On In Canterbury
What’s On In Canterbury
Canterbury is packed with events year-round, offering something for everyone – captivating theatre shows, vibrant festivals, insightful exhibitions, hands-on workshops and lots more. The city is a hub of activity. Our What’s On listings make finding the perfect event a breeze. Simply use our filters to narrow your search by interest, activity type, or even specific attractions. To help you plan ahead, we’ve also highlighted venues known for hosting regular events, ensuring you never miss out on the fun!
Canterbury Features
Additionally, our Things to Do In Canterbury and Things To Do for Kids in Canterbury features are packed with great attractions and activities in Canterbury for all ages.
Festivals & Fayres in Canterbury
Canterbury hosts an impressive range of festivals, community fairs, fayres, pride and carnival events throughout the year. There’s the Canterbury Festival – an annual arts event with walks, talks, music and lots more. Don’t miss the Canterbury Medieval Pageant & Trail, the bOing! festival with family fun, live music, entertainment, dance, and interactive performances, with many activities free. In addition, there are plenty more, including food and drink, Pride Canterbury, and arts celebrations. For lots more see our Festivals in Kent feature, our Music Festivals in Kent, Family-Friendly Festivals in Kent, Food & Drink Festivals in Kent, and our Free Festivals in Kent guides for full lists of what’s on. In addition, don’t miss our Carnivals, Country Shows, & Fayres In Kent article.
Check our What’s On menu, and under the Arts & Culture category filter, select Music & Festivals for Canterbury – or click here!
Movie Time in Canterbury
A trio of cinema venues in the city – the Curzon Canterbury, Curzon Canterbury Riverside and The Gulbenkian Cinema. In addition, keep an eye on events at The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, as they also show films for seasonal highlights. See our Films in Kent blog post for the latest blockbusters, independent gems, documentaries, and heartwarming animations on the big screen.
Theatres in Canterbury
With many venues to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. The city boasts three prominent theatres – The Marlowe, The Malthouse, and the Gulbenkian. The latter is also home to the Colyer-Fergusson Hall for concerts and shows. Also, the Westgate Hall showcases live productions and other events. Don’t miss a wealth of theatrical events, there are shows for all tastes and interests. Whether it’s musical theatre, comedy, ballet, pantos, interactive theatre or live music, Canterbury is full of great shows for everyone all year round. In addition, the city also has a lively music scene in its many pubs and bars.
Canterbury’s Museum Moments
Canterbury boasts two museums brimming with activities: The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge has wonderful displays including children’s favourites Rupert Bear and Bagpuss. Most of the collection is free to enter, although there is a small charge for some events. The Canterbury Roman Museum offers themed trails, plus Roman-inspired hands-on fun, and activities. Both museums are ideal for any time of the year and great for rainy days.
Outdoor Fun in Canterbury
During the school holidays, the Whitefriars Shopping Centre puts on many outdoor events – from Easter to half terms and festive family fun in Canterbury, there are workshops, demonstrations, and more in the centre of Canterbury. In addition, Dane John Gardens is a popular place for festivals and live events. See our festival round-ups for upcoming events, as many incorporate the city’s outdoor spaces – such as the bOing! festival and the Canterbury Festival.
Canterbury’s Festive Fun
Christmastime is magical in Canterbury, with seasonal displays, magical lights, and festive events. Additionally, the annual Canterbury Christmas Market is home to a range of festive fun with a Santa’s Grotto and other family-friendly events and activities for all ages, including a pawsome grotto for fur babies! Check out the What’s On section for events and use the seasonal category to filter.
Workshops, Tours & Trails
Canterbury Cathedral offers free entry for children (with a paying adult). Download colouring sheets, take a holiday trail, and enjoy Gregory Gargoyle-inspired events throughout the year. In addition, during the school holidays, children’s activities and workshops. The adult ticket is valid for a year, so if you live nearby or staying for more than a day, you can maximize the free entry for kids! The Cathedral also offers a range of events and seasonal highlights – including Mother’s Day tea, themed tours and concerts. The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge also runs workshops, exhibitions, and children’s activities.
Food & Drink
Plenty of places to stop for a rest: independent cafes and restaurants to chains that cater to all tastes.
Find Things To Do & See in Kent
This round-up is part of our See Kent, Know Kent blog series, with guides for visitors and residents for what’s on and things to do and see in the Garden of England. Check also our Areas in Kent menu for even more great ideas and inspiration for your Kent visits.
Picture Credit: © Main picture bOing! Festival!, insert Beaney House of Art & Knowledge and Canterbury Museums & Galleries.
See Kent, Know Kent
Sign up for our Newsletter to keep up to date with what is going on in Kent
You can unsubscribe at any time.
Please support our advertisers – it helps us bring you this free website!
If you have a business, event or service we should feature, we would love to hear about it. Please email details to [email protected]
We do our best to endeavour to be as accurate and comprehensive as possible from the information we have at the time of publication. We are not liable for any changes that a company or event makes at the last minute, whether time changes or price amendments.
