Maidstone Borough Council has published its September events bulletin, covering a free Autumn Festival at Mote Park, the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival at Kent Life, Heritage Open Days and a run of workshops and concerts across the borough.
Maidstone Borough Council published its September “What’s On” bulletin on 24 August 2026, and there’s a fair bit to get through. The Autumn Festival at Mote Park on Sunday 20 September is the standout free day out — open from 11am to 6pm, with live entertainment, traditional performances, children’s activities and food.
A week earlier, the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival takes over Kent Life on 12 and 13 September. Fairground rides, bouncy castles, 40 cask ales and ciders, live music, traditional hop-picking, vintage houses and a hop caravan. Ticketed — see the Kent Life website for booking details.
Heritage Open Days — England’s largest festival of history and culture — also fall in September, unlocking places in Maidstone that don’t normally see the public. And for those after something under cover, Maidstone Museum’s Hollywood Rome Exhibition, which features original film props and costumes from Gladiator, Spartacus, Ben-Hur, King Arthur and more, runs until 31 October.
Creative Maidstone has workshops dotted through the month, all requiring booking and subject to a small booking fee at checkout. The Crochet Next Steps Course runs across four Mondays — 8, 15, 22 and 29 September — and is open to those aged 17 and over (£80pp). The Clay House Photo Holder Workshop is on Wednesday 16 September, open to ages 14 and over (£25pp). The Lollipop Graffiti Workshop on Saturday 19 September is aimed at those aged 11 to 16 (£5pp).
Music rounds things off. The Brenchley Bandstand Concert is on 6 September at Brenchley Gardens. The Mid-Autumn Chinese Music Concert takes place on 26 September at Creative Maidstone, with The Maidstone Singers’ “Come and Perform” also on 26 September at The Vine.
And if September isn’t enough, two October events are already flagged: Maidstone LitFest runs from 2 to 11 October across various locations (dates subject to confirmation), with Maidstone Monster Madness reportedly following during late October in the town centre.
Key information
- Autumn Festival: Mote Park, Sunday 20 September, 11am–6pm, free entry
- Hops ‘n’ Harvest Family Festival: Kent Life, 12–13 September (ticketed)
- Hollywood Rome Exhibition: Maidstone Museum, open until 31 October
- Maidstone LitFest: Various Locations, 2–11 October (dates subject to confirmation); Monster Madness: Town Centre, late October
Maidstone's September events: Autumn Festival, hop harvest and Heritage Open Days all lined up Quiz
5 questions