Tonbridge Bean

As the summer sun begins to mellow and a crispness enters the air, September in Tonbridge bursts forth with an exciting array of events! From invigorating outdoor challenges to cultural delights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we welcome the autumn.

Get your diaries ready, because here are even more fantastic happenings you won’t want to miss.

---

1. Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival

No, this is not a typo. There is another food and drink festival (the second of the year) coming to Tonbridge in September. Aren’t we lucky!

Indulge your taste buds at this fabulous festival! With over 70 stallholders showcasing delicious food and drink from Kent and beyond, you’ll find everything from artisan cheeses and breads to sweet treats and locally roasted coffee. Enjoy cooking demonstrations from local chefs and relax in the Street Food Café

Dates: 6th – 7th September 2025 Location: Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground. The event is free but you do not need to book a ticket in advance – full details here.

2. Tonbridge Lion’s Dragon Boat Race

Witness the thrilling spectacle of the Dragon Boat Race! This lively community event sees teams battle it out on the water, all while raising vital funds for local charities and good causes. It’s a fantastic day out for the whole family, with a vibrant atmosphere along the river. And, you can head to the food and drink festival (above) after the race.

Date: 7th September 2025 Location: Tonbridge . Website: Details on the Dragon Boat Facebook account.

3. The Walk Tonbridge Festival 2025 & Marathon

Lace up your boots because the fifth annual Walk Tonbridge Festival is scheduled for two weeks in September. This year’s event offers a program of guided walks for various abilities, showcasing the local area. Highlights include “Walking With Words,” a poetry-themed walk, “Walking The Fosse” exploring medieval Tonbridge, and established routes like “Lost Pubs of South Tonbridge.”

For those seeking a longer distance, the Walk Tonbridge Marathon on September 21st covers 26.2 miles through Tonbridge and its surrounds. A shorter 5-mile Mini Marathon is also available, traversing Tonbridge Park and Haysden.

Dates: 13th – 28th September 2025 (Festival), 21st September 2025 (Marathon & Mini Marathon) Location: Various locations around Tonbridge. Website: Walk Tonbridge

4. Walk with Words

Discover a fresh way to enjoy the Tonbridge countryside with “Walking with Words,” a new addition to the Walk Tonbridge Festival. This gentle 2.5-mile poetry walk (with a 1.5-mile option) takes you through fields and along the River Medway, featuring short poems from Roundel Poetry Tonbridge at various breaks.

All profits and donations support Sustain food bank. Cost is £15 including afternoon tea, or a donation for the walk only.

Date: 20 September 2025 Location: The Bell Inn, Golden Green. Website: Details here.

5. The Retrial: An Interactive History Talk at Tonbridge Old Fire Station

Delve into local history with “The Retrial: An interactive history talk with Pam Mills” on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Tonbridge Old Fire Station. Local historian and former policewoman Pam Mills will re-examine the 1903 murder case of Frances O’Rourke and the trial of Harold Apted.

Guests will hear original prosecution and defence arguments, plus previously unheard evidence, before being invited to deliver their own verdict as the “jury.” (Part of the Walk Tonbridge Festival). Full details and tickets here.

6. Tonbridge Repair Cafe

Bring your broken household items to the Tonbridge Repair Cafe and get them fixed for free by skilled volunteers! It’s a fantastic initiative to reduce waste and foster community spirit.

Date: Saturday, 13th September 2025 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: St Stephens Church Website: Tonbridge Repair Cafe.

7. Tonbridge Farmers’ Market

Tonbridge Stock up on fresh, local produce and artisan goods at the regular Tonbridge Farmers’ Market. Support local producers and find delicious treats.

Date: Sunday, 14th September 2025 Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM Location: Sovereign Way,

8. Epic Life Medway Canoe Trail Challenge

Fancy an adventure on the water? Join Epic Life for their challenge to paddle the entire 29km Medway Canoe Trail! This event aims to raise money for The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance.

Social paddles will be running throughout the summer to help participants prepare.

Date: 14th September 2025 Location: River Medway (29km trail) Website: Project Epic Life

9. Hospice Run 2025

Participate in or support the Hospice Run, a fundraising event for a vital local cause (Hospice in the Weald.) 5km, 10km and half marathon routes available.

Date: Sunday, 21st September 2025 Time: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Location: Tunbridge Wells.Website: Hospice in the Weald Event Details.

10. EM Forster Theatre Autumn Season Kick-Off

Date: From 4th September 2025 Location: EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School The EM Forster Theatre kicks off its autumn season in September with a range of exciting performances.

• National Theatre Live: Inter Alia (4th September, 7:00 PM): Catch Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike in this highly anticipated new play.
• Allan Bunney Concert: Nights at the Opera (21st September, 8:15 PM): Enjoy a selection of classic arias and duets from the operatic repertoire.
• Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess (20th September): Helen and Ellie return with a brand-new comedy show!

Keep an eye on their website for further September additions! Website: EM Forster Theatre.

11. Tonbridge Castle Artisan Market

Discover unique handmade goods and delicious treats directly from talented local producers and craftspeople. A perfect opportunity to find something special and support local businesses.

Date: 28th September 2025 Location: Tonbridge Castle

12. Art in the Garden

Explore 30 stalls featuring high-quality Kent-made produce and art, complemented by local food and live music throughout the weekend. 

Dates: 13-14 September 2025, Location: Tonbridge, Website: Find details and tickets here.

13. The Goonies at Tonbridge Castle

Get ready for some classic 80s adventure as Cinestock brings an open-air cinema experience to the stunning grounds of Tonbridge Castle. On Friday, September 26th, 2025, enjoy the beloved film “The Goonies” under the stars.

Find full details and ticket options at the Cinestock website.

14. Running club and beer social

Happening on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 PM in Tonbridge (10th September), this free 5K run welcomes all abilities – just rock up to Fuggles and join. After your run, you can celebrate your efforts with a free half-pint and get 25% off food. It’s a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy a post-run treat. Full details on the Fuggles website.

15. Yoga in the Vines

For a truly restorative experience, head to Balfour Winery for Yoga in the Vines on Sunday, September 7th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Details and tickets.

Begin with a gentle vinyasa flow class in the serene beauty of their 400-acre vineyard, designed to strengthen and calm. Afterwards, unwind with a guided tasting of six Balfour wines. Spaces are limited for this unique blend of wellbeing and wine appreciation, priced at £50 per person.

16. Find Your Zen (and Some Goats!) with Yoga at Princess Christian’s Farm

Looking for a unique way to unwind and connect with nature? Don’t miss Yoga with Goats on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Princess Christian’s Farm (TN11 9LN).

This beginner-friendly session combines one hour of gentle Yoga and Qigong with a guided relaxation (Yoga Nidra) and sound healing, all while friendly goats add a fun and calming presence to your practice. Book your place here.

17. River Walk – Last Night

And finally, don’t forget that River Walk will continue until 1st September this year. Catch the last event on the first Friday of the month. Find the full details of events here.

---

Have you subscribed?

Get our weekly newsletter, including a curated list of events for the weekend, straight to your inbox.