The UK & Ireland's largest beer festival directory
We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Journey through Canterbury's atmospheric beer festivals in this iconic cathedral city. From medieval streets steeped in pilgrimage history to contemporary Kent brewery celebrations, Canterbury offers intimate festival experiences, exceptional heritage and warm Kentish hospitality.
Set in the heart of Kent, England's historic hop country, Canterbury keeps that heritage close in its festivals. Hops are never far from the conversation here.
Events across the city and the surrounding countryside lean on strong cask traditions, with the famous local hops shaping much of the beer. It is a characterful corner for a festival, with the coast close by.
Get to know the local brewers on our Canterbury breweries guide, or browse festivals across the South East.
Gadds' Green Hop Festival
Sat 10 October 2026
Gadds', Broadstairs
Gadds' Green Hop Festival is back again this year. The brewery will have a selection of Green Hop Ales from other breweries alongside their own, plus other regular and irregular Gadds' ales. Live music and food will be available at each event.
Rising Tide Craft Beer Festival 2026
Fri 16 - Sat 17 October 2026
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, The Precincts, Canterbury
Celebrate craft beer at its best. Back for its third year, this festival curated by Time & Tide Brewing brings together some of the UK’s most exciting independent breweries in a truly unique setting. Held within the stunning grounds of Canterbury Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Canterbury Cathedral Lodge offers a beautiful backdrop just under an hour from London. Expect a carefully curated line-up of beers—from fresh, hoppy IPAs to sours, low-alcohol options and rich imperial stouts, plus a few wild and experimental pours for good measure. There’s also cider, wine, and a selection of spirits and soft drinks. Alongside the beer, you’ll find: High-quality street food with a focus on local produce DJs in the Lodge Auditorium Spacious seating areas throughout the venue, perfect for relaxing and enjoying your drinks.
Time & Tide Brewery Tinsel Town Christmas Beer Fest
Fri 18 - Sun 20 December 2026
St. Mary's Arts Centre, Strand St, Sandwich
We’re hosting another Xmas Beer Festival at the beautiful St Mary’s Art Centre in Sandwich, Kent. The fun kicks off at 4pm on Friday with amazing craft beer, plus wine, cider and soft drinks. Festive hot food will be available all weekend from Wild Tayberry. Saturday starts at 12pm with more of the same. Music, food and plenty of drinks. Nice and simple. Drink, eat, dance and be merry! This event is free entry. We operate a Challenge 25 policy so ID may be required.
You've earned it. Get a free case of 10 unique craft beers from our friends at Beer52. Just cover the postage.
Claim my free caseOffer for new UK customers only. One per household. After your free case you'll be subscribed as a Beer52 member (£33/m for 10 beers, a magazine and two snacks; all items sold separately; contact Beer52 to configure your plan), pause or cancel anytime. 18+ only. Beer selection may vary. Promotion runs for 30 days. Please drink responsibly.
Discover the award-winning breweries that make Canterbury a craft beer and real ale destination. Many of these breweries participate in regional festivals or host their own taproom events.
Canterbury
Black Kite Brewing is a venture founded by six friends who acquired a café and microbrewery from a relocating associate. Their café operates on weekdays from 8 am to 2 pm, offering freshly prepared meals, pastries, cakes, and beverages, crafted by an experienced chef and barista. Located near Stodmarsh Nature Reserve, the establishment invites visitors from nearby attractions and businesses to stop by. The team is currently preparing to commence brewing operations, aiming to produce quality beers using local ingredients and traditional methods. Their planned lineup includes a core range of beers, alongside special small-batch brews and collaborative guest creations. The brewery's name is inspired by the rare sightings of Black Kites at the adjacent nature reserve.
Canterbury
Canterbury Brewers & Distillers
Canterbury
Canterbury
Folkestone
Festival regular
Canterbury
Floc. Brewing Co. is a vibrant craft brewery founded in 2020 in Margate and relocated its main production and spacious taproom to Canterbury in February 2022, featuring an industrial-chic, family-friendly space with long orange benches, 12 keg taps, and an on-site food truck serving pizza. They’re known for hop-forward, unfiltered, vegan-friendly ales—including fan-favourites like the juicy “Whisper” pale ale and bold DIPAs—totalling over 60 unique brews to date. Emphasising community, Floc. hosts charity-driven initiatives like “Tins for Tinnies,” supports local creatives through label art collaborations, and has tapped into Canterbury’s culture via events and the recent opening of “The Goods Yard” bar in Folkestone Harbour. They continue to expand thoughtfully, maintaining quality, bold design, and a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.
