Events

Canterbury will be celebrating its rich medieval heritage with an inspiring programme of 20 in‑person talks from Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May. Hosted across 11 sessions in two venues at the University of Kent. The Medieval Canterbury Weekend brings together leading historians, engaging conversations, and fresh perspectives on the Middle Ages.

Kent’s award-winning wines at Westgate Hall’s Canterbury Wine Festival, the must-attend event for both seasoned wine lovers and curious newcomers. Discover and enjoy more than 70 Kent wines at this year’s festival, with tastings and the chance to meet the talented producers who make Kent one of the UK’s most exciting wine regions. From award‑winning wineries to family‑run estates and emerging vineyards, the festival brings together the very best of Kent’s thriving wine scene.

The Canterbury City Race brings two easy‑navigation running events to the city: a 5‑mile race and a 5k, delivered in partnership with Saxons Orienteering.  You’ll receive a map and basic navigation guidance before you start, then follow the checkpoints on a simple time‑trial format. Expect great refreshments, sports retailers, music and live commentary at the race hub, plus real‑time results streamed directly to their website. Prizes will be awarded for the top three male and female finishers, as well as male and female V40, V50 and V60 winners. The weekend also features optional additional races: a Friday evening Prologue on 22 May at Canterbury Christ Church University, and two Orienteering Sprint races on Sunday 24 May from the University of Kent. Entry for these is available through the main event entry link. Entry fees: £14 Early Bird, £16 from 2 February, £18 from 11 May.

Join on Sunday 24 May, during the bank holiday weekend, for a city-wide celebration for Canterbury's transformed public spaces and mark the end of these exciting milestone projects within the city's Levelling Up Fund work. Enjoy live music from Hullabaloo, The Native Oysters Band and Goblin Band, witness The Great Escape aerial theatre performances at Westgate Square and experience Folk Lore Kent's Mayhem Fair at the Dane John Gardens, complete with big top marquee, maypole and Morris dancing, folk entertainment, live music and crafting and dance workshops. Plus, enjoy food markets, pop-up bars and much more.