Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta this July

Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

4 - 5 July 2026

What's On in Kent

Share this with

x

  • Accommodation Search

  • Things to Do Search

  • What's On Search

  • Food & Drink Search

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Find what's on in Kent, from coastal festivals, historic celebrations, creative art trails and fun family wildlife activities. Discover ideas for great days out or short breaks, with seasonal and free events to make the most of your visit to the Garden of England.

Kents coast, countryside and characterful towns will shine in 2026, with fresh experiences, landmark anniversaries and vibrant cultural highlights unfolding across the county. From big moments in art and history to family-friendly adventures, the year promises memorable days out whatever part of Kent you choose to visit. Discover what’s happening today, this weekend and throughout the summer below

What's on along the Kent Coast?

Kent’s coastline hosts a wide range of events, from family-friendly festivals and coastal celebrations to large-scale cultural experiences and art installations. In Deal, one of the UK's prettiest seaside towns, the Children's Festival will be taking over Walmer Green on 4 July with kite making and music workshops, kite flying and craft activities - all for free. Whilst along the coast in Dover, a new Dover Harbour Festival will fill the harbour, marina and waterfront with a mix of traditional regatta events and onshore family-friendly activities, plus award-winning food and drink. Taking place on the 4 - 5 July, it's the perfect time for a short break in Kent. Further down the coast in Folkestone, discover the UK's largest urban contemporary art exhibition, free and accessible, this outdoor collection features works by 46 leading artists, including Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Yoko Ono, placed in scenic and surprising locations across the town.

What’s on in the Kent countryside and towns

In Maidstone, the free River Festival celebrates the River Medway and all the businesses and activities that this supports.Taking place on the 25 July, the event includes the much-loved Raft Race along 650m of the river from High Level Bridge to Archbishops Palace, music from local bands, dance and a fireworks spectacular. Visiting at another time, you can still enjoy the River Medway with a boat trip on the Kentish Lady or head a little further out of town to Hollingbourne and enjoy a tour and tasting or Pizza Saturdays at Wildshark Vineyard, just a 15 minute drive away. Don't forget to pay a visit to Leeds Castle with its year-round event calendar there is plenty to see and do.

Events in Kent This Summer

Scroll down to discover upcoming events across Kent, or use the search filters to find something near you. Explore our snapshot of events this summer, from coastal festivals and food experiences to family attractions and countryside events. With something happening every week, there's always a new way to enjoy Kent.

Kent is a popular destination for day trips from London and for European travellers arriving in the UK by sea, so events celebrating culture, food, and music are never far away.  

Plan Your Visit to Kent

If you're planning to attend an event in Kent, find answers below to common questions below to help you make the most of your visit?

Frequently Asked Questions about Events in Kent

What’s on in Kent today or this weekend?

You can find a wide range of events taking place today and this weekend in Kent, including festivals, family-friendly activities and experiences to enjoy by the sea. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings on this page to find something happening near you.

Planning a short break around an event?

If you're travelling from outside the county, there are numerous hotels and accommodation choices available. Search & Book Kent Accommodation to plan your stay, whether you choose a coastal town like Dover, Folkestone or Deal, head inland to Maidstone, Sandwich or Hythe or enjoy a riverside stay in Gravesham.  All have their own unique character and local events calendars to keep you busy.

What are the best things to do in Kent this weekend?

This weekend in Kent you can enjoy a wide range of things to do, including festivals, wine tasting, family-friendly events, garden tours or coastal experiences.  Browse the listings on this page or use the filters above to find something happening near you.

Kent events near me

Whether you're a local resident, day visitor or on holiday, discover what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button or use the area button to find out what's happening nearby.  From coastal towns and historic sites to countryside locations and gardens, you’re never far from an event in Kent.

Kent is located in South East England, making it easy to visit for a day trip or short break from London and nearby counties including Sussex and Surrey.
 
What's on and events in the county of Kent

Number of results:

Number of results: 124

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Beastie Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Meet giant insects – Bug hunt – Outdoor craft – Bring a picnic – Enjoy a day at Brogdale Farm.

    Come and join us for a day of mini-beastie fun! A day of exploring Brogdale and discovering fantastic bugs & mini beasts.

    Dates

    From:
    27 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. Sevenoaks 7

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Sevenoaks

    A challenging seven miles of exhilarating twists, turns and climbs through the stunning landscapes of Knole Park. Whether you're an affiliated runner racing under club colours, a team of family, friends or colleagues, or an unaffiliated lone ranger…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026
  3. Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

    Type

    Type:

    Fete / Fair

    Dover

    Dover's most popular and anticipated event will return to the seafront this July - the new look Dover Harbour Festival.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026
  4. Sittingbourne 10 Mile & 10k Road Race

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Sittingbourne

    Celebrating 40 years of Striding! Our much-loved 10 Mile & 10k road race is back - and this year is extra special as we mark 40 years of Sittingbourne Striders! Join us for a course that winds through beautiful countryside, rolling hills and all the…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 -
  5. Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Cranbrook

    Wealden Times Midsummer Fair 
Hole Park - Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th June
 - Our much‑loved summer celebration returns to the glorious gardens of Hole Park with over 220 stallholders showcasing fashion, homeware, artisan food, jewellery and more…

    Dates

    From:
    11 June 2026to13 June 2026Open 09:00 - 16:30
  6. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Folkestone

    This accurately-measured course starts outside The Grand on The Leas, passes through the coastal park before and an out and back to Hythe. The event has fantastic support from local community groups and has a friendly race day vibe. If you are new…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026
  7. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham Road, Maidstone

    Kent Wildlife Trust are the leading conservation charity in Kent and the experts when it comes to wildlife and outdoor learning. Join us this summer for our bespoke Holiday Club designed specifically for the next generation of nature lovers!

    About…

    Dates

    From:
    27 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    3 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    11 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    18 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    24 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  8. May Half-Term

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Pembury

    If you are looking for an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend time with family this May half-term, we would love to welcome you to the Bluebell Café and animal farm at Aspens. From Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May, we will be offering a brand-new…

    Dates

    From:
    26 May 2026to29 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  9. Ramsgate Week

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Ramsgate

    Ramsgate's Royal Harbour plays host to the Royal Temple Yacht Club's annual regatta, with a full programme of sailing and racing. It is recognised as an alternative to Cowes Week and traditionally attracts competitors from France, Holland, Belgium…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026to24 July 2026
  10. One day. One amazing offer. Amazing splash-filled fun.

    Type

    Type:

    Extreme Sports

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    One day. One amazing offer. Endless splash-filled fun.
    Join us at Action Watersports on 1st June for our Aqua Park Adventure, just £17.50 per person including all equipment. Climb, jump, slide and splash your way around the lake in this brilliant…

    Dates

    From:
    1 June 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  11. Pacific Ashford 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Ashford

    This remarkable race sees runners take to the tarmac around the pretty country lanes surrounding Westwell and it's easy to see why this extraordinary 10k has captured the hearts of so many runners. From humble beginnings, the Pacific Ashford 10k has…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
  12. Smugglers Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Smugglers Festival is a gathering on the last weekend of summer each year, on a beautiful woodland in East-Kent. It’s a small, intimate festival, rooted in community from the outset.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026
  13. Hever in Bloom

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Edenbridge

    Hever in Bloom showcases the glorious award winning gardens at the height of their summer beauty. You will be able to enjoy one of the finest displays of more than 5,000 roses in Kent, the Garden of England.

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to5 July 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  14. Magic of Thailand Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Maidstone

    This may the Magic of Thailand Festival returns to Mote Park in Maidstone. This two day Thai festival brings the Thai culture, food and performances to the Kent countryside.  

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
  15. Wassailing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    This ancient tradition is held to bless the orchards, ward off bad spirits, and encourage a bountiful apple and fruit harvest for the coming year. A wonderful and unique family experience.

    Our event will feature traditional Morris dancers, a…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Jan 2027Open 16:00 - 18:30
  16. Weekend Wellness: Solstice Sun Prints

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Sevenoaks

    Weekend Wellness: Solstice Sun Printing invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and explore the magic of sunlight as a creative medium. With simple materials and inspiration drawn from the reserve, you'll experience the wellbeing benefits of…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  17. Falconry on the lawn

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Faversham

    Come along to see Joe flying a variety of birds on the front lawn, you will be in for a real treat.

    From seeing Hopper, their vulture, soar above the parkland, to delving into the depths of their intelligent Caracaras from the Falkland Islands, or…

    Dates

    From:
    28 May 2026Open 12:00 - 14:30
  18. Plum weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Come and find out all about wonderful plums. We have fruit tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, plum displays and free kids' orchard crafts and more! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn about plums and gages and…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  19. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Folkestone

    This event is an exhilarating, fast and flat race along the seafront. In recent years, we have included an elite wave to the race so that runners of all abilities can enjoy the wonderful race-day buzz of Folkestone Coastal. The chance of a fast time…

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026
  20. Motors by the Moat at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Maidstone

    Back by demand, the immensely popular classic cars show, Motors by the Moat returns to Leeds Castle this August.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00