Why Visit Thanet in Summer?

Summer transforms Thanet’s coastal towns—Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate—into vibrant hubs of seaside activity. Whether you're planning a holiday stay, enjoying a weekend break, or managing a short-let property, Thanet offers a packed calendar of cultural festivals and food-focused experiences that celebrate its local character and creative community.

🎪 1. Margate Soul Festival

📍Where: Margate Old Town, Main Sands & The Oval Bandstand
📅 When: Early August (build-up starts in late July)

What to Expect:
This is the UK's biggest soul music festival, taking over Margate with live DJs, beach stage performances, and community parties. Expect an electric atmosphere, with everything from classic Motown to modern funk, plus beach bars, food trucks, and local vendors.

Local Tip:
Pre-festival fringe events begin in late July—book tables at beachside restaurants like Buoy and Oyster well in advance. Dreamland also hosts official afterparties worth checking out.

🧀 2. Broadstairs Food Festival – Summer Edition

📍Where: Victoria Gardens, Broadstairs
📅 When: Typically mid-July

What to Expect:
With over 80 stalls celebrating Kentish produce, this family-friendly event is a highlight of Thanet’s foodie calendar. Enjoy tastings of local wine, gin, preserves, meats, and baked goods alongside cooking demos, music, and kids’ activities—all with sea views.

Local Tip:
The picnic lawns fill quickly—bring a blanket and arrive early. Don’t miss the locally made lemon curd or the handmade pies from Kent Pie Company.

🎨 3. Margate Summer Series at Dreamland

📍Where: Dreamland Margate
📅 When: Late June to early September

What to Expect:
Dreamland’s vintage amusement park hosts big-name music acts, outdoor food courts, pop-up bars, and family fun throughout the summer. From reggae nights to indie pop, it’s Thanet’s top open-air concert spot.

Local Tip:
Even if you don’t have tickets, the surrounding street food zones are usually open to the public—great for casual drinks and dinner under the lights.

🛍️ 4. Cliftonville Night Market

📍Where: The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, Cliftonville
📅 When: Every Thursday evening, June to September

What to Expect:
This community-run, open-air market is packed with food trucks, DJs, local crafts, and handmade gifts. Expect wood-fired pizza, vegan street food, cocktails, and a great sunset view over the cliffs.

Local Tip:
It’s the perfect pre-sunset hangout. Arrive early to walk the coastal trail, then settle in with a craft beer and live music.

🍻 5. Ramsgate Microbrewery and Street Food Weekenders

📍Where: Gadds' Brewery, Ramsgate
📅 When: Selected weekends throughout summer

What to Expect:
A casual, relaxed mix of craft beer tastings, acoustic live sets, and Kentish food trucks. A hidden gem for those who prefer a local, low-key vibe.

Local Tip:
Try the ‘DogBolter Dark Porter’ and pair it with jerk chicken or gourmet burgers. The brewery is near the harbour—ideal for a post-lunch walk.

🌽 6. Quex Barn Farmers Markets

📍Where: Quex Barn, Birchington
📅 When: Saturdays year-round, with expanded summer offerings

What to Expect:
Farm-to-fork produce, artisan bakery goods, local cheeses, and handmade gifts in a charming rustic setting. The summer months often include food trucks and live folk music.

Local Tip:
Combine your market visit with a walk around Quex Park and the Powell-Cotton Museum—it’s a great family half-day trip.

🍦 Bonus: Ice Cream and Seafood Trails

📍Where: Across Thanet (Margate, Broadstairs & Ramsgate)

What to Expect:
Summer in Thanet isn’t complete without a treat by the sea. Don’t miss melt-in-your-mouth gelato from Melt (Broadstairs), traditional scoops at Ramsgate’s Marc-Pierre's Kitchen kiosk, or oysters from Mannings Seafood in Margate.

Local Tip:
The best sunsets are from Westbrook Bay or the Harbour Arm in Margate. Grab a cone and enjoy the view.

🏡 Hosting Tip from Pass the Keys – Thanet

If you own a holiday home in Thanet, summer is your peak season. These festivals and food events draw thousands of visitors to the area, making it the perfect time to list your property on short-let platforms.

Pass the Keys Thanet, run by local partners Dayna and Sofia, helps property owners manage bookings, guest communications, cleaning, and pricing strategy—so you can maximise your income stress-free while offering guests the best of Thanet.

🎉 Final Thoughts

From soul music and seafood to farmer’s markets and night-time food fiestas, Thanet’s summer events are brimming with local flavour and community charm. Whether you're planning a weekend trip or welcoming guests to your holiday home, there's no better time to explore all that Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate have to offer.