DISCOVER FOLKESTONE’S UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2025
There’s always something going on in Folkestone and Hythe… discover just a few of the highlights for 2025!
Folkestone Triennial: How Lies the Land?
Running until 19 October, the Folkestone Triennial invites you to explore the town as a vast, open-air gallery. Under the theme How Lies the Land?, internationally acclaimed artists have created site-specific installations that respond to Folkestone’s landscapes, history, and community.
From striking sculptures and playful interventions to immersive soundscapes in unexpected spaces, each work offers a fresh way of seeing the town. Many will remain after the festival as part of the permanent Creative Folkestone Artworks trail; so you’re not just visiting an exhibition, you’re witnessing the shaping of Folkestone’s cultural future.
Read more here: Folkestone & Hythe – Folkestone Triennial or visit www.creativefolkestone.org.uk/news/folkestone-triennial
Folkestone Harbour Arm Summer Series
Soak up the seaside atmosphere at Folkestone Harbour Arm as it comes alive with an exciting programme of live music, outdoor film screenings, street theatre, and family-friendly workshops.
Running through August into early September, the Summer Series offers something for everyone: whether you’re enjoying a laid-back evening of jazz, dancing to reggae beats, or taking part in an African drumming workshop.
With independent food vendors, pop-up bars, and stunning views across the Channel, it’s the perfect place to spend a summer’s evening. Best of all, many events are free, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors looking for vibrant entertainment by the water.
Folkestone Documentary Festival
Between the 22nd and 26th of October, Folkestone celebrates the art of storytelling through film with the Folkestone Documentary Festival.
Spread across local venues like the Silver Screen Cinema and Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse, the festival showcases gripping documentaries from around the world—alongside director talks, panel discussions, and Doc Club screenings. Expect powerful, eye-opening stories that spark conversation, challenge perspectives, and bring you closer to the people and issues shaping our times.
Whether you’re a devoted documentary fan or just curious to try something new, this is your chance to experience the best in non-fiction cinema right here in Folkestone.
Carry On Military Event at Romney Marsh Wartime Collection
Step back in time at the Carry On Military event (20th and 21st of September) hosted by the Romney Marsh Wartime Collection, where history enthusiasts get an immersive experience of military life during the Second World War. Located at Ivychurch on Romney Marsh, the site transforms into a living, breathing wartime encampment, complete with reenactors, vintage vehicles, period uniforms, and authentic battlefield displays.
Visitors can explore the wartime huts, chat with reenactors about daily life in the forces, browse military memorabilia stalls, and enjoy demonstrations of wartime crafts and equipment. The Dispersal Hut Café provides a perfect spot to reflect and recharge, serving wartime-inspired refreshments. As well as being educational, the event offers fun and interaction for all ages—kids can try on period kit, watch drill routines, and get hands-on with historical displays.
Tickets are affordably priced at £8 for adults, £6 for concessions, and free for children, making it a great day out for families or anyone interested in social history and military heritage. More details, including dates and booking information, are available from the Romney Marsh Wartime Collection events page.
Folkestone Christmas Lights Switch-On
As the festive season creeps nearer, Folkestone Town Centre will once again sparkle with holiday magic thanks to the annual Folkestone Christmas Lights Switch-On. Join the town in welcoming December with a community celebration full of seasonal charm, music, and entertainment. Expect the countdown to the big switch, street performers, live music, and plenty of festive cheer as the lights illuminate the High Street and Harbour area, bringing the holiday spirit to life.
Whether you’re heading down with family, friends, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this evening is all about fun, lights, and getting into the Christmas spirit together. It’s a perfect opportunity to grab a mulled drink, browse Christmas market stalls, and watch the town transform into a winter wonderland. Keep an eye on the Folkestone Town Council’s Facebook event page for updated timings, performer announcements, and more.
(See event details on the Folkestone Town Council Facebook page.)
Creative Folkestone Book Festival
From the 13th to 23rd of November, Folkestone becomes a literary hotspot as the Creative Folkestone Book Festival welcomes more than 70 authors, artists, and thinkers.
This year’s line-up features headline names such as Joanne Harris, Amanda Knox, Rupert Everett, and Irvine Welsh, alongside an inspiring mix of new voices.
Across 11 days you can enjoy readings, workshops, debates, and discussions that span fiction, memoir, politics, poetry, and more. Whether you want to meet your favourite author, discover fresh ideas, or simply soak up the festival buzz, this celebration of the written word has something for everyone.