The Stour Valley Riverfest 2026

Nature & Wildlife

Wellbeing

Sustainability

Destination

Family

The Stour Valley Riverfest celebrates the River Stour and its tributaries, which flow through the Kent Downs National Landscape, the City of Canterbury and out to sea via the internationally protected wetlands of the Lower Stour.

Thanks to the Stour Valley’s devoted local communities and their passion for promoting and protecting this asset, we are excited to announce the annual River Fest will be running from 20-27 September 2026. Expect a week of wonderful Stour-related events aimed at celebrating its historical, cultural and environmental interests.

Each year, thousands of people visit and enjoy the beauty of the Kentish Stour, the second longest waterway in Kent and once a key Roman trade route connecting Britain to Europe. People enjoy its beauty from riverside paths through the historic City of Canterbury, from a paddle board below Fordwich or on recreational routes such as the Stour Valley Walk or the cycle route the Great Stour Way.

The Kentish Stour is an important river system, of great value to human and natural communities alike. Some of its rivers are chalk streams of global significance. Some flow through areas of international importance for conservation and some are part of the history and folklore of this part of Kent. Come and celebrate what it has to offer.

Scroll down to see the full listing of events.
*Please note, booking will open in September*