London Symphonic Rock Orchestra
The London Symphonic Rock Orchestra performs iconic rock anthems with full orchestral backing.
THECITYBRIEF
Canterbury
What's On in Canterbury – Events This Week & Things To Do
Subscribe now for a free, weekly personalised email on what's going on in Canterbury.
Delivered every Thursday.
By subscribing, you agree to receive weekly emails from The City Brief. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Free forever. No spam.
We've sent a confirmation email. Click the link in your email to complete your subscription.
Only for Canterbury and what matters to you.
One email. Every Thursday. No noise.
No spam, no cost.
You know that quiet moment near Canterbury East when the River Stour glimmers at dusk, wooden ships still docked in Chatham’s harbour, their engines long silent but memories alive.
Too many local stories get lost in social media noise. The rare bird fluttering through Blean Woods, a whisper from the Cathedral Archives, it’s easy to miss them.
We bring you the signal: what matters this week, riverside walks, seasonal events, and gatherings that matter, all quietly delivered.
A peek inside recent issues
Events in Canterbury This Weekend
Drum & Bass All Dayer - Canterbury
A full-day Drum & Bass music event in Canterbury featuring multiple DJs and live performances.
Canterbury Campus Open Day 7 June 2026
Prospective students can explore Canterbury Christ Church University campus, courses, and student life at an open day event.
Canterbury Campus Postgraduate Open Day 7 June 2026
Canterbury Christ Church University hosts an open day for prospective postgraduate students.
Student Finance: What You (And Your Parents) Need to Know
Canterbury Christ Church University will host an informational session on student finance for students and parents.
Alda Dizdari (Violin) Plays Brahms And Elgar
Violinist Alda Dizdari performs Brahms and Elgar works at St Mary the Virgin Church, Wingham.
Events in Canterbury This Week
Captain Breadbeard's Alternative Comedy Night
Comedian Captain Breadbeard performs alternative comedy at Cosy Club in Canterbury.
Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra perform live at The Marlowe Theatre.
Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Roachford
Jools Holland and his orchestra will perform with the singer Roachford at the Marlowe Theatre.
London Symphonic Rock Orchestra
The London Symphonic Rock Orchestra performs iconic rock anthems with full orchestral backing.
Drum & Bass All Dayer - Canterbury
A full-day Drum & Bass music event in Canterbury featuring multiple DJs and live performances.
Canterbury Campus Postgraduate Open Day 7 June 2026
Canterbury Christ Church University hosts an open day for prospective postgraduate students.
Explore Events by Category
Looking for something specific in Canterbury?
What Readers Are Saying
The City Brief keeps me in the loop on local events. I never miss a thing anymore.
A newsletter that actually covers what's happening and not full of ads. Highly recommend.
Simple, useful, and delivered right to my inbox. Exactly what I needed.
It's the main place I check to see what's on at the weekend. Saves me doom-scrolling through everything else.
The City Brief makes it easy to spot the good stuff before everyone else does.
Upcoming Events by Category
Culture & Arts
Alda Dizdari (Violin) Plays Brahms And Elgar
Violinist Alda Dizdari performs Brahms and Elgar works at St Mary the Virgin Church, Wingham.
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
A comedic ballet troupe performs parody dance performances at The Marlowe Theatre.
Join us to Learn All About The Cathedral Organ!
A demonstration of the Canterbury Cathedral organ by Jamie Rogers, followed by a chance for organists to play.
With Our Cathedral Choral Scholars
Cathedral Choral Scholars perform classical choral music in the crypt with guest vocalists.
Living Through Two World Wars - Canterbury 1914-1951
Doreen Rosman delivers a historical talk at Canterbury Cathedral on life in Canterbury during the World Wars.
Family & Kids
St Edmund's Festival Presents ... Football Fest
A football-themed festival event takes place at St Edmund's School as part of the St Edmund's Festival.
Fitness & Outdoors
Nvc Surveying Woodland
A course on NVC woodland surveying hosted at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Nvc Surveying Grassland
A grassland surveying event hosted at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Blean Bees Eco Glamping - Fire And Forage Experience
An eco glamping event in Blean Bees featuring fire and forage activities in a natural setting.
Fire And Forage Experience
An eco-glamping event combining fire-making and foraging in Kent.
Hockey Workshop
St Edmund's Festival hosts a hockey workshop at St Edmund's School.
Nightlife & Music
Lovejuice Canterbury - Sammy Porter, George Mensah + More Tba
LOVEJUICE returns to The Venue in Canterbury with Sammy Porter, George Mensah, and special guests.
Crave The Rave Presents: Turno: Grubby Tour!
Crave The Rave presents TURNO: GRUBBY TOUR, a top-floor DJ event at Club Chemistry in Canterbury.
Vinyl Album Launch Party - "For Aunty Pat" by Angeldee + Guests
Angeldee launches her vinyl album "For Aunty Pat" with five guest acts and visuals at ABode Hotel Canterbury.
Bowling For Soup + Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Bowling for Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls perform live music at Dreamland.
Speed Dating in Canterbury | Ages 30-45
A speed dating event for singles aged 30-45 is held at One Pound Lane in Canterbury.
Featured Places in Canterbury
Restaurant
Café du SoleilCafé du Soleil is a Mediterranean restaurant on Pound Lane in Canterbury’s city centre, just behind the Stour River.
View Info →Restaurant
FrancFranc is a French restaurant and wine bar at 49 Northgate in Canterbury’s city centre.
View Info →Culture & Arts
Royal Naval ReserveYou can find the Royal Naval Reserve on St.
View Info →Board Game Cafe
The Long RestThe Long Rest is Canterbury's first dedicated board game cafe, located on Butchery Lane.
View Info →Pub
The Thomas IngoldsbyThe Thomas Ingoldsby is a Wetherspoon pub on High Street in Canterbury City Centre.
View Info →Canterbury Places And Events Guides
Things to do in Canterbury
You can find events in Canterbury across music, theatre, food, and family activities. Whether planning for this weekend or looking ahead, there’s always something happening near areas like Canterbury East.
Live music takes place at venues such as The Marlowe Theatre, while seasonal pop-ups appear in Westgate Gardens or near the cathedral precincts. Cultural exhibitions are held at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, with displays on archaeology and local history. Family-friendly walks follow riverside paths along the River Stour, with access to Blean Woods through established trails.
The City Brief helps you navigate what’s on using filters by category, Food & Drink, Family & Kids, Culture & Arts, Nightlife & Music, and Fitness & Outdoors. Use it to find events at venues like Westgate Towers Museum or Mulberry Tree Green. You’ll also get curated guidance on city walks, accessible spaces, public transport options, parking tips around the centre area, and where to go for seasonal events.
Events often tie into recurring festivals such as the Canterbury Tales Festival in autumn, the Christmas Market with handmade gifts and mulled wine, or the annual Pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral commemorating Thomas Becket’s martyrdom on 29 December. guided walks through medieval city walls and historic buildings are regularly scheduled at places like The Crooked House, once a prison during the Middle Ages, and Old Sessions House on Christ Church University campus.
Common Canterbury Questions
What kinds of events happen in Canterbury during the week?
Canterbury hosts regular weekly activities across Culture & Arts, Food & Drink, Shopping & Markets, and Family & Kids. Theatre performances take place at The Marlowe Theatre, while exhibitions are held within heritage spaces such as the Cathedral Archives or Westgate Towers Museum. Artistic displays appear regularly at venues like The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, featuring archaeology exhibits alongside fine art collections.
Seasonal markets occur in Westgate Gardens or near the cathedral precincts, often timed with historical themes, such as trick-or-treat trails during Halloween events or pilgrimages marking Thomas Becket’s martyrdom date on 29 December. Guided walks through ancient oak and beech trees are available at Blean Woods.
Where do most events take place in Canterbury?
Most events happen around historic landmarks including The Marlowe Theatre, Westgate Towers Museum, and the River Stour. Public spaces such as Westgate Gardens provide access to riverside walks with views of 200-year-old plane trees, alongside medieval city walls.
Cultural programming uses buildings with deep historical roots: Old Sessions House on Christ Church University campus hosts academic exhibitions in its stone-walled rooms. The Crooked House, formerly a prison during the Middle Ages, now operates as an outreach hub for homelessness charities. A short drive away.
Are there family-friendly things to do in Canterbury?
Yes. Families can walk through Blean Woods’ ancient oak and beech trees or relax at Westgate Gardens near the River Stour’s dappled banks, where wildflowers grow along shingle beaches. Interactive exhibits are available indoors at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, including library quiet spaces used by school groups from King’s School.
Seasonal events such as the Christmas Market offer themed stalls with handmade gifts and mulled wine; storytelling performances often occur in accessible venues like Westgate Gardens or under covered arches near Old Sessions House. A short drive away.
What nightlife and music events happen in Canterbury?
Nightlife & Music includes live concerts at The Marlowe Theatre, comedy nights hosted by local comedians from A La Turka, karaoke sessions held weekly at Alleyway Espresso, and themed gatherings such as Unified Dating meetups for singles. Some evenings feature performances within historic spaces: Westgate Towers Museum hosts escape room adventures using its medieval prison cells, while concerts occasionally take place in the cathedral cloisters during evensong hours.
How can I find events happening this week or this weekend in Canterbury?
To discover current activity, use The City Brief’s event listings filtered by category, Food & Drink, Family & Kids, Nightlife & Music, and Culture & Arts. Select specific venues such as Westgate Towers Museum to locate exhibitions on medieval engineering; check the Marlowe Theatre for upcoming plays inspired by Christopher Marlowe's life in Canterbury.
Explore Blean Woods via trail maps linked to local school groups’ nature walks. this weekly overview ensures awareness of both recurring festivals and transient happenings across city centre locations.