What’s on in Ramsgate – May 2026

Shortcuts : Highlights | Theatres & Cinemas | Art Exhibitions | Hotels, Bars, Cafés | Shopping | Open Top Bus | Calendar | Maps

There’s so much going on in Ramsgate in May, especially around Half term (23rd -31st May). You also have two Bank Holidays to enjoy this month, so why not book a long weekend stay, there’s lots of different accommodation options in Ramsgate. Check out the ‘Where to Stay in Ramsgate‘ Map below to find somewhere suitable.

For more information on the above events and other event highlights in May see below :-

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is on the 9th of May. Expect Magic, Mayhem & Music, in Ramsgate Town Centre. Step through the looking glass with ‘Looping the Loop‘ as they transform the streets into a realm of delightful nonsense, with a FREE, immersive experience inspired by the whimsical world of Lewis Carroll.

Local History Day

Ramsgate Tunnels‘ Local History Day is on the 16th of May (10:00am-4:00pm). This is a free annual event showcasing Thanet’s rich past, featuring heritage displays, archives, and talks from local museums alongside the Tunnels’ own deep-dive tours into their WWII air-raid shelter history, complete with refreshments and a chance to explore Ramsgate’s vibrant history from Roman times to modern day.

Eurovision Screening

Ramsgate Arts Club have a Eurovision Screening to watch Sam Battle AKA Look Mum no Computer represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest – Screening : Semi Finals and Grand Final (12th, 14th and 16th of May, starting at 7:00pm).

There will also be a ‘Viewing Party’ on the 16th of May with compere Shiv & DJ Nick Jones. So why not pop down to Ramsgate Harbour and watch the Grand Final on the giant viewing screen opposite The Queen’s Head pub.

May Fayre

The popular Ellington Park annual May Fayre is on the 17th of May.

There will be live performances at the historic bandstand all afternoon, as well as a funfair, lots of craft and gift stalls, a beer tent and a variety of food vendors.

Don’t miss :-

  • The Miniature Railway: Steam train rides are provided by the Ramsgate and District Model Engineering Club (RADMEC) on their 5-inch gauge track.
  • The Dog Show: see poster below for details.
  • The Hornets Boxing Club Classic Cars
  • The Ellington Park bookshop: A massive selection of second hand books for sale.

A free vintage bus service operates between Ramsgate Station, Ellington Park and Ramsgate Harbour during the May Fayre event.

Several events are also taking place over Half Term, including the four day Operation Dynamo event, The Book Hotel Festival, Active Ramsgate Week and St Augustine’s Week.

Check out the Children Under 16 Activities Map below for ideas on additional things to do over the holiday.

Operation Dynamo – Little Ships

From the 22nd to the 25th of May there is a four day extravaganza to welcome The Little Ships back to Ramsgate.

The Little Ships return to Ramsgate after a pilgrimage to Dunkirk.

In conjunction with this you also have the 338 : Ramsgate Remembers event – Standing with Giants to Commemorate Dunkirk with 338 Silhouettes.

The Book Hotel Lit Fest

The Book Hotel is hosting a Literary Festival from the 23rd to 30th May. A week-long celebration of non-fiction — author talks, panel discussions, illustrated events for children, and an opening night to remember as Mlle. Loulou (Garance Louis) — French accordionist, singer, and one of London’s most captivating live performers — brings her band to the Waterloo Room for an evening of vintage Parisian magic. 

Active Ramsgate Week

Active Ramsgate Week is an annual event held during half-term, it showcases the town’s diverse outdoor activities through a series of free taster sessions.

The Active Ramsgate Week Map below provides additional information.

St Augustine’s Week

St Augustine’s Week is a festival of activities running from the 23rd to the 29th of May, it celebrates Augustine of Canterbury who landed near Ramsgate in 597AD and became the first Archbishop of Canterbury. The activities include :-

  • Annual Lecture at St Augustine’s Church on the 25th.
  • Blessing of the Sea on the 29th – a procession from the Obolisk in Ramsgate Royal Harbour to the beach for prayers and the sprinkling of holy water.
  • Organ Recital at St Augustine’s Church on the 30th.

We are Ramsgate – 20 for Ramsgate campaign

The ‘We are Ramsgate – 20 for Ramsgate‘ loyalty campaign continues into May. See We are Ramsgate map below for details

Theatres, Musical Halls & Cinemas

The Granville Theatre and the Ramsgate Music Hall are hosting several events this month to keep you entertained throughout May (see below).

The Granville Theatre

Ramsgate Music Hall

Ramsgate Community Cinema

Don’t forget to check out what’s on at the Ramsgate Community Cinema.

Art Exhibitions

Exhibitions this month at local Art Galleries and Hotels/Bars/Cafes with Gallery space include :

For more information on Art Galleries in Ramsgate see Visit Ramsgate – Galleries and the Gallery Trail Map below.

Hotels, Bars, Pubs, Cafés, Clubs and more

Local Hotels, Pubs, Bars and Cafés are hosting musical events and comedy events. Some events are being held in Ramsgate Clubs, check with them directly on their non members policy. The ‘May 2026 – Events in Ramsgate’ map below provides event information, location and contact information.

Comedy & Cabaret clubs

There’s the Ramsgate Comedy Club (Chuckl.) at the Granville theatre, Wilson’s Comedy Club at the Queen’s Head and Vaults Comedy at the Ramsgate Arts Club. The Alley Bar also hosts cabaret acts and comedians.

Writing, poetry and book clubs

There are book clubs at The Bedford Inn, The Ramsgate Arts Club and the Perico Lounge and writing groups at the Artillery Arms and The Falstaff (aka The Book Hotel – which also has a regular Friday Book & Bar nights where the Book Shop is open into the evening).

Quiz nights

There are the regular quiz nights at The Falstaff, The Bellevue Tavern, The Churchill Tavern, the San Clu Hotel, the Queens Head, Violets, and Seabird.

Shopping Events

This is great month for shopping in Ramsgate as we have :-

For more shopping information click here.

The Open Top Bus

(Route 69)

The Open Top bus service is running over the May half term holidays this month (23rd to 31st May).

The route runs from Minnis Bay to Ramsgate via Westbrook, Margate and Broadstairs.

For the more information on the Open Top Bus click here. For live bus times see www.stagecoachbus.com

There’s always lots going on in Ramsgate.

For more information on events this month, download the Visit Ramsgate Monthly Events Calendar –

May What’s on Calendar

– awaiting publication.

More to Explore

Some events land in our inbox after the What’s on Calendar has gone to print so we’ll list them here to make sure you (and they!) don’t miss out!

Please note that events are subject to change, for the latest information see https:/www.facebook.com/VisitRamsgate and Event Organisers Social Media.

Don’t Miss Ramsgate also has a weekly news letter you can subscribe to for event information.

Visit Ramsgate Maps & Trails

  • Click on menu icon (top left corner) to view Map index.
  • Click on the green icon (in map, bottom right) for Map information.

May 2026 – Events in Ramsgate

Children under 16

We are Ramsgate

  • Click on menu icon (top left corner) to view Map index.


Active Ramsgate Week

Where to Stay in Ramsgate

Gallery Trail