If you’re wondering how to make the most of August in and around Tunbridge Wells, then you’re in the right place. From family festivals and outdoor adventures to live music, foodie events, theatre, historic houses and countryside escapes, there’s something happening almost every day throughout the month.
Whether you’re planning days out with the children, looking for something to enjoy as a couple, meeting friends or simply keen to discover somewhere new, we’ve rounded up almost 35 of our favourite events, attractions and activities taking place around Tunbridge Wells this August.
Highlight: ♥ 25–31 August – Family Shows at Hever Festival Theatre
Make the most of the final days of the summer holidays with some fantastic outdoor theatre and live entertainment from Hever Festival Theatre. Catch medieval mayhem with King Arthur and the Holy Fail on 25 August, sing along to Taylor Swift: The Tour of the Eras on 26 August, or introduce the family to Shakespeare with As You Like It at Chiddingstone Castle on 31 August. There are plenty of shows for grown-ups too, including Natalie Williams, a sunset silent disco and The Dusty Show. Book your tickets today!
♥ AirHop Tunbridge Wells
Newly opened AirHop has quickly become one of Tunbridge Wells’ top family attractions. With interconnected trampolines, climbing walls, ninja challenges and plenty of space to bounce. Plus laser tag (which is such great fun too). It’s the perfect place for children (and adults!) to let off steam whatever the weather.
♥ 1 August – Mint DJs in the Garden
Spend a summer afternoon enjoying feel-good house music, live singers, delicious food and refreshing drinks at Mint DJs in the Garden at The Spa Hotel. Bring a picnic blanket or camping chair, relax in the sunshine and soak up the laid-back atmosphere at this family-friendly outdoor event that’s perfect for music lovers of all ages.
♥ REALMS, Crowborough
Escape into another world at REALMS, where you can choose from immersive VR escape rooms and games, augmented reality darts or the incredible TrackMan golf simulator. Whether you’re planning a family day out, date night or something fun with friends, it’s one of the most unique indoor attractions near Tunbridge Wells and perfect for those inevitable rainy summer days.
♥ Now until 31 August: Free Summer Events at Royal Victoria Place
Royal Victoria Place has a packed programme of entertainment running throughout the school holidays, with no booking required. Expect dinosaur adventures, princess and superhero shows, magic performances, Wild West line dancing, live music, retro arcade games at Pixel Bash and weekly RVP Fest celebrations. With something different happening almost every week from now until 31 August, it’s a fantastic way to keep the children entertained without spending a penny.
♥ Junior Summer Hockey & Multisports Holiday Courses
Keep the kids active this summer with Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club’s fun-filled holiday sports courses. Choose from multi-sports sessions at Cadogan Fields or hockey-focused coaching at Hawkenbury Astro, with games, music and plenty of fun along the way. Running over four weeks throughout August, the three-day courses (Tuesday–Thursday, 9am–12pm) are suitable for both experienced players and those keen to give hockey a try. £45 per week.
♥ Aqua Chimp Kent
Looking for an unforgettable summer adventure? Aqua Chimp Kent has it all, from the floating Jungle Ropes obstacle course to the brand-new Gorilla Slip n’ Slide, where you can race family and friends into the splash pool below. After all the excitement, don’t miss the freshly made stone-baked pizzas – the perfect way to refuel before heading home.
♥ Sat 1 & Sun 2 August – Celebrating 131 Years of Motoring on The Pantiles
Travel through 131 years of motoring history as The Pantiles hosts a spectacular display of classic and modern cars and motorcycles. From vintage vehicles to the latest models, this unique event celebrates Royal Tunbridge Wells’ place in British motoring history while raising money for local charity Taylor-Made Dreams. A must-visit for car enthusiasts and a fantastic free day out for the whole family.
♥ 2 August – Irish & Trad Session at The Sussex Arms
Soak up the atmosphere at The Sussex Arms on The Pantiles as some of Kent’s finest musicians perform an afternoon of live traditional Irish, Cornish and folk music. Grab a pint, settle in and enjoy a free afternoon of toe-tapping tunes inspired by legends such as The Dubliners and The Pogues.
♥ Penshurst Place Summer Adventures
Penshurst Place has a fantastic programme of family-friendly activities running throughout the summer holidays, with something happening every day. From Camp Wilderness Wednesdays and dinosaur-filled Safari Saturdays to treasure hunts, garden trails and hands-on craft sessions, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a full day of outdoor adventure while exploring one of Kent’s most beautiful historic estates.
♥ 5 August – Skateness 2026
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or fancy giving it a go for the first time, Skateness returns to Greatness Skate Park for a free day of skateboarding fun. Expect live demonstrations, beginner-friendly sessions and a brilliant community atmosphere, making it a fantastic summer event for young people, families and anyone keen to get on a board.
♥ Chiddingstone Castle
Enjoy a relaxed summer visit to beautiful Chiddingstone Castle, where you can explore the fascinating collections before treating yourself to lunch or something sweet in the charming Tea Room. Add in a stroll around the picture-perfect village and you’ve got a wonderful day out. Plus take part in the Summer trail too – it’s great fun!
♥ 5–9 August – Big Cat Fest at The Big Cat Sanctuary
Experience the world’s first festival dedicated entirely to wild cats at The Big Cat Sanctuary. Running from 5–9 August, Big Cat Fest promises unforgettable wildlife encounters, fascinating conservation talks, family-friendly entertainment and plenty of opportunities to learn about some of the world’s most incredible big cats. Every ticket helps support the Sanctuary’s vital conservation work, making it a fantastic day out for animal lovers of all ages.
♥ Sat 8, Sun 9 & Sun 16 August – Little Farmers Fun Days at Four Winds Farm
Treat the children to a fun-filled day in the countryside at Four Winds Farm in Fordcombe. Designed for children aged 3–10, the event includes trailer rides, farm entertainment from Keep Calm and Carry On, outdoor field games, bug hunting and plenty of space to explore. Bring a picnic, enjoy refreshments from the tea and coffee hut, and don’t forget tickets must be booked in advance. Face painting is available for an additional fee, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
♥ 8 August – Tonbridge Pride
Tonbridge Pride returns for its fifth year with a fantastic day of free, family-friendly celebrations at Tonbridge Castle. Expect live entertainment, music and a welcoming community atmosphere as the town comes together to celebrate LGBTQIA+ love, acceptance and inclusion.
♥ 8 August – Tunbridge Wells Brick Festival
Calling all LEGO® fans! The Tunbridge Wells Brick Festival returns to Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre with a fun-filled day of impressive displays, speed-building competitions, hands-on building areas and traders selling everything from rare sets to loose bricks and minifigures. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, there’s something here for builders of every age.
♥ 8 August – Silent Disco Yoga at Chiddingstone Castle
Start your weekend with a unique outdoor yoga experience in the beautiful grounds of Chiddingstone Castle. Led by Clare Stone, this uplifting silent disco yoga session combines movement, mindfulness and music through wireless headphones, creating a truly immersive experience in nature. Suitable for all abilities, including complete beginners. 10.15–11.15am, £20 per person.
♥ 9 August – Noble Jacks Summer Afternoon Show
Enjoy an afternoon of high-energy live music at The Forum as British folk favourites Noble Jacks take to the stage. Blending traditional Celtic influences with driving rhythms and infectious singalong anthems, they’re renowned for their electric live performances. The show runs from 3pm–7pm, making it the perfect way to spend a summer Sunday with friends. Suitable for ages 16+ (under 16s accompanied by an adult).
♥ 9 August – Bus Rally at Tenterden Town Station
Travel back in time at the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s annual Bus Rally, where more than a dozen beautifully restored vintage buses will be on display. Enjoy free rides on classic buses to local destinations, browse transport memorabilia stalls and experience heritage diesel-hauled trains throughout the day. Best of all, kids go free, making it a fantastic family day out for transport enthusiasts of all ages.
♥ 12 August – Summer Garden Fete at Mount Ephraim House
Enjoy a traditional summer afternoon at this welcoming Mount Ephraim House Care Home’s Summer Fete – with fun activities for all ages, live entertainment, delicious cakes and refreshments, plus hot and cold drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Visitors will also have the chance to explore the beautiful historic house and discover its fascinating history. Running from 2pm–5pm, it’s a lovely way to spend a summer afternoon with family and friends.
♥ 13 August – Family Pasta Making Workshop at Bore Place
Roll up your sleeves and enjoy a hands-on cooking experience at Bore Place, where you and your child can learn to make fresh pasta from scratch. After picking herbs and tomatoes from the garden to create a delicious homemade pesto, you’ll take your pasta home to cook together, making this a fun and memorable family activity for budding young chefs aged 7+.
♥ 13–16 August – Circus Berlin at Dunorlan Park
Roll up, roll up! Circus Berlin returns to Tunbridge Wells with a spectacular family-friendly show under the big top at Dunorlan Park. Expect breathtaking aerial acrobatics, daring high-wire performances, comedy, juggling and the heart-stopping Globe of Death, where fearless motorcyclists race inside a steel sphere. With an international cast and plenty of thrills for all ages, it’s an unforgettable summer day or evening out.
♥ 14 August – An Evening with The Jive Aces at Scotney Castle
Pack a picnic, grab a drink from the bar and enjoy an unforgettable evening of live music in the stunning grounds of Scotney Castle. From toe-tapping rhythm and blues to infectious rock ‘n’ roll, The Jive Aces promise a feel-good summer concert that’s perfect for families, friends and anyone who loves music under the stars.
♥ 15–16 August – Tractorfest
Returning to the beautiful fields of Biddenden, Tractorfest is one of Kent’s best-loved family events. Alongside more than 200 tractors, you can enjoy the hilarious dog and duck show, vehicle demonstrations, live music, food, children’s entertainment and plenty of countryside fun for all ages.
♥ Mr Mulligan’s Dino Golf in Tonbridge is a great way to while away a morning or afternoon with friends or family. Book online to guarantee a tee time. Dare I say it? It’s close to McDonalds so you could get a fairly budget friendly lunch in too?
♥ Blackberry Farm in East Sussex is a favourite of ours. Enjoy hours of fun on the farm walk, small animal barn, tractor ride, barrel bug ride, jumping pillows and exciting outdoor play area.
♥ 16 August – The Big Business BBQ
Bringing together business owners from across Kent, The Big Business BBQ is networking with a difference. Taking place at the beautiful Meadow Tree Marquee in Tonbridge, expect great food, family-friendly entertainment, children’s activities and a relaxed afternoon of making new connections. Whether you come on your own, with colleagues or bring the whole family, it’s a brilliant way to spend a summer Sunday while supporting two fantastic local business communities. Family tickets just £10.
♥ 16 August – Stevie Wonder Celebration at Chiddingstone Castle
Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of live music in the beautiful grounds of Chiddingstone Castle as a spectacular Stevie Wonder Celebration comes to The Orangery. Featuring acclaimed vocalist Noel McCalla, award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash and a stellar live band, it’s the perfect way to enjoy great music in a stunning setting.
♥ Now until 5 September – The Alpaca Adventure Trail at Kenward Place
Little animal lovers will love the brand-new Alpaca Adventure Trail at Kenward Place in Yalding. Follow the woodland trail to find eight hidden alpacas, discover fun alpaca facts, feed the resident alpacas and earn an Alpaca Adventure Expert sticker. Entry is just £3 per child, or upgrade to the Alpaca Explorer Lunch Box for £6.50, which includes free trail entry, an alpaca-shaped sandwich, snack, drink and cookie. It’s a brilliant, affordable family day out, with every visit helping to support the Kenward Trust. There are Alpaca & Goat ‘Meet & Greets’ which you can book ahead for – more info here.
♥ 18–22 August – SIX at the Assembly Hall Theatre
Following a previous sold-out run, the internationally acclaimed smash-hit musical SIX returns to the Assembly Hall Theatre. Watch the six wives of Henry VIII transform into pop princesses in this award-winning, high-energy show packed with unforgettable songs, incredible performances and plenty of sass.
♥ 29 July – 22 August – Travel through time at The Amelia Scott’s Discovery Days: Discover, Explore, Create. Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, children can join Moley the adventurous mole to explore the Smelly Stone Age, Rude Romans, Messy Middle Ages and Vast Victorians through free, hands-on crafts and activities. Drop in between 10am and 3pm for a fun, educational summer adventure.
♥ 22 August – Tonbridge Castle Outdoor Cinema: Bridesmaids
Gather your friends, bring a blanket or camping chair and enjoy the blockbuster comedy Bridesmaids on the big screen in the beautiful grounds of Tonbridge Castle. Arrive early to enjoy live music, great food, cocktails and all your favourite cinema treats before settling in for a memorable summer movie under the stars.
♥ 26 August – Biscuit Decorating Tea Party at Bluebell Café & Animal Farm
Little bakers will love this fun-filled Biscuit Decorating Tea Party at Bluebell Café & Animal Farm. Children can decorate their own delicious biscuits before sitting down to enjoy a tea party together. Costing just £1 per child, it’s a brilliant value summer activity. Afterwards, make a day of it by meeting the friendly farm animals, following the free Summer Trail and enjoying lunch or a BBQ at the café. Book your place here.
♥ 29–31 August – Local & Live Festival
One of Tunbridge Wells’ best-loved events returns to Calverley Grounds over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Local & Live celebrates the very best local music, alongside fantastic food and drink from local businesses, creating a brilliant atmosphere for all ages and the perfect way to round off the summer.
♥ 29 August – Sevenoaks Street Food Fest
Head to the beautiful Vine Gardens for Sevenoaks Street Food Fest, a free day celebrating incredible food, live music and community spirit. Tuck into a mouth-watering selection of street food from around the world, treat yourself to delicious desserts and soak up the buzzing atmosphere with live entertainment throughout the day. It’s the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon with family and friends.
♥ 29–31 August – Plant Hunter Weekend at The World Garden
Celebrate the adventurous spirit of Britain’s greatest plant hunters during this fascinating Bank Holiday weekend at Lullingstone Castle and The World Garden. Join Tom Hart Dyke for guided tours through the extraordinary gardens, discover the stories behind remarkable plants from around the world and, on Saturday 30 August, meet the amazing creatures of Zoolab, including giant African snails, insects, spiders and corn snakes. A brilliant family day out combining nature, wildlife and adventure.
♥ 29–31 August and 5–6 September – Alice’s Wonderland Express at Spa Valley Railway
Step through the looking glass and into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland aboard this brand-new interactive steam train adventure from the team behind THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Meet Alice, the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter, solve puzzles, complete Wonderland-themed activities and enjoy a nostalgic journey behind a heritage steam locomotive. Every child receives an activity booklet, while all passengers enjoy a slice of cake and a drink. Even better, your ticket includes unlimited travel on Spa Valley Railway’s other train services running that day, making it a brilliant way to round off the summer holidays.
♥ 30–31 August – The Kent Country Show
Round off the summer with a fantastic family day out at The Kent Country Show at Quex Park. Enjoy spectacular equestrian displays, fun dog shows and agility demonstrations, live music, vintage farming displays, artisan shopping and a delicious food and drink festival showcasing the best of Kent. With plenty of hands-on activities and entertainment for all ages, it’s a brilliant Bank Holiday weekend event for the whole family – including the dog!
♥ 30 August – Outdoor Yoga at Smiles Sensory & Family Farm
Unwind in the beautiful surroundings of Smiles Sensory & Family Farm with a relaxing outdoor yoga session led by Tranquility Yoga. Surrounded by the farm’s friendly animals, it’s a wonderfully peaceful way to spend a summer afternoon. Afterwards, enjoy refreshments and homemade cake while soaking up the countryside atmosphere. Takes place from 2.30pm–4.30pm. £22.50 per person.