Incoming: Margate Bookie, Dolly Parton tribute, wine tour and more

Dates for your diary

The Margate Bookie literary festival has announced the full programme for this year. Taking place on 17-18 October, there will be talks from authors Booker longlisted Rebecca Perry, broadcaster Gemma Cairney, music journalist Sylvia Patterson and Michael Sheen-backed Maya Jordan, plus workshops covering life writing, comedy, graphic novels and reinvigorating your creativity. See the full programme and book tickets.

Queer Cxntry is putting on a special night in tribute to Dolly Parton, following her death this week. Taking place at Olby’s in Margate on Thursday, September 17, there will be a cabaret singalong, Dolly lookalike competition, and live covers set from Pink Suits & The Northdown Rodeo. Tickets £12.50.

Offvine’s final Kent wine tour of the year setting off from Margate takes place on Sunday, September 19. Picking up from Margate station, you’ll spend the day visiting independent vineyards and tasting their still and sparkling wines. Places £125.

Kent’s best vineyards to visit for wine and tours

Britain’s growing wine industry is becoming ever more significant as the climate changes. With more than 150 vineyards in Kent, here are some of our favourites that you can visit

Strange TouristStrange Tourist

Finnish author Lottie Saahko will be celebrating the release of her first novel in English, Lumi and the Wolf, at the Best of Times bookshop in Broadstairs on Saturday, September 26. Taking inspiration from the diary kept by Lumi in the story, Lottie will lead children in a workshop to create their own forest diaries, using writing and craft. Suitable for ages 9+. Tickets £7. 

Thanet Alive is coming back for a second year, putting on an exhibition showcasing the district’s best emerging artists. Catch it at the Margate School of Art on September 23-25. 

Vaults Comedy returns to Ramsgate Arts Club on Thursday, October 8 with Patrick Monahan, Joe Bor, Father JC and Madeleine Brettingham. Tickets £18. 

Turner Contemporary in Margate has announced an evening of music, poetry, food and more, themed around Hulda Guzmán’s amazing 'Please awake – asked nature kindly at the gallery. Taking place on Thursday, September 10, the gallery will be open after hours with a programme of events going on until late. Free tickets.

Hulda Guzmán’s world of wonder and exploration at Turner Contemporary

Dominican artist Hulda Guzmán’s first European exhibition tracks her evolution across a decade work

Strange TouristAndy Malt

For Roald Dahl Day this year, Little Ravens in Ramsgate is putting on a magic potion making workshop on Saturday, September 12. Head down to make the BFG’s dream potions, Fizzy Lifting Drinks from Willy Wonker’s factory, and George’s Marvellous Medicine. Suitable for children 5+. Tickets £16. 

Classical open mic night Totally Classical is back at Rosslyn Court in Cliftonville on Wednesday, September 9. Grab an instrument and head down to perform (a piano is provided), or just sit in the audience and listen. Free Entry. 

The Little Brick House Lego building cafe in Ramsgate will be putting on an adults-only evening on Saturday, September 26. Delve into the venue’s vast selection of sets without any little people running around. Tickets £12. DM to book. 

The Shell Grotto in Cliftonville will be giving a behind-the-scenes tour of the conversation work taking place at the tourist attraction on Friday, September 11. Award-winning conservator Rob Smith will be giving live demonstrations and lead a workshop for attendees to create their own shell mosaics. Your entry fee includes the tour, materials and prosecco. Tickets £36.50.