As summer fades, the isle’s tourism team at Visit Thanet have taken a look at the packed programme of events coming up this autumn,.
From Heritage Open Days and Ramsgate Festival of Sound in September to Broadstairs Food Festival and Turner Contemporary’s new exhibition in October.
As the cooler autumn air and shifting weather patterns set in, visitors can see some exceptional, richly coloured sunsets.
Whether browsing galleries, exploring heritage sites, or simply enjoying the quiet of the off-peak season, autumn offers plenty of space to breathe, wander, and enjoy the Thanet coast in a gentle, unhurried way.
Autumn 2026 highlights include:
10 – 13 September- Ramsgate Festival of Sound: Celebrating the town’s history, landscapes, architecture and people. This immersive festival brings sonic art, music performances, including local act Look Mum No Computer who represented the UK in this year’s Eurovision and stunning sound installations to unexpected locations across the town.
11 – 20 September-Thanet Heritage Open Days: This festival showcases the architecture, culture, and stories that make Thanet unique. With 36 free tours or events, Heritage Open Days offers the perfect opportunity to explore hidden architectural treasures and get a captivating glimpse into the past.
2 – 4 October- Broadstairs Food Festival: A celebrated feast for food lovers, set against the scenic backdrop of Victoria Gardens on the seafront. The autumn festival brings together a mix of independent producers from Kent and beyond, showcasing local cheeses, craft beers, seafood, and artisan delicacies plus the chance to learn tips & tricks from chef demonstrations.
3 October 2026 – 24 January – Sophie Calle at Turner Contemporary: Sophie Calle: Something Missing? is the artist’s first institutional exhibition in the UK in over fifteen years. It explores themes of memory, disappearance and longing against the gallery’s iconic sea-facing background.
Margate Bookie 16-18 October: The litfest by the sea returns once again to Margate. Featuring authors such as music journalist Sylvia Patterson, acclaimed poet Rebecca Perry and broadcaster and writer Gemma Cairney for a programme of readings, talks and workshops.
East Kent Artists’ Open Houses 10/11, 17/18, and 24/25 October 2026: Across three consecutive weekends, local painters, sculptors, printmakers, and ceramicists open their studios to the public. Visitors can step inside creative homes across Margate, Broadstairs, and Ramsgate to meet the artists, learn more about their work and purchase directly.
Full event listings and comprehensive planning resources, can be found at Visit Thanet website.
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