Discover what's on in Kent including the annual classical music concert at Leeds Castle in Maidstone, with spectacular fireworks display.

Music Concert at Leeds Castle

11 July 26

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 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.

How can I plan 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: 138

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. The Mushroom Show Outdoor Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst

    Award winning Scratchworks Theatre Company brings together science, music and interactive fun for the whole family in this outdoor theatre performance. The Mushroom Show has toured all-round the UK and we can't wait to experience it at Bedgebury in…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 15:30
    From:
    1 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  2. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    From:
    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  3. Sandgate Sea and Food Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Folkestone

    Head to the free Sandgate Sea and Food Festival this August Bank Holiday weekend.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
  4. Tonbridge Classic Car Show

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Tonbridge

    The Tonbridge Classic Car Show is back! Join us on Saturday 11th July 2026 at the stunning Tonbridge Castle for one of the town's favourite summer events.
    After last year's fantastic turnout, we're excited to bring you a show that's set to be even…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
  5. Kent Wildlife Trust

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Ashford

    Engage with the natural world in a mindful way at Hothfield Heathlands as you take a wellness walk with elements of forest bathing.

    Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of…

    Dates

    From:
    26 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  6. Le Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    Sandwich

    Get ready as Sandwich transforms into a hub of medieval spectacle, French charm, and high energy for Le Weekend! This local favourite offers something for the whole community to enjoy.

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026to14 June 2026
  7. Wild Classroom: Best of Belmont Children's Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Join Wild Classroom at Belmont this summer for a special workshop showcasing the very best of our kitchen garden.

    Over the past five years, our family workshops have produced some truly delicious dishes, and this year we're bringing back a few of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  8. Western Heights Open Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Dover

    Step back in time at the Dover Western Heights Open Weekend, a fascinating heritage event in Kent with access to the Drop Redoubt and Grand Shaft. Featuring Napoleonic re-enactors and historic settings usually closed to the public, it’s a unique and…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026to21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  9. Hawkhurst 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hawkhurst

    We are excited to announce the return of this fabulous community race for its sixth year. Working alongside Highgate Hawkhurst WI to support existing and new community projects, you can expect the usual delights: a free half pint in The Eight Bells…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  10. Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Join us this summer for some fun, food, and fire. Get outdoors and cook over the fire with Wild Classroom, using the very best local, seasonal, and foraged foods. This two-hour workshop will include a tour of Brogdale Collections stunning Heritage…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Aug 2026to7 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Margate Country Music Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Margate

    The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
  12. 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
  13. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in the Blean

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sturry

    Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing- Shinrin Yoku.

    These forest bathing events encourage you to take your experience in nature to a new level. Inspired by the…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  14. Heritage Open Days - Deal, Dover & Sandwich

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Deal, Dover and Sandwich

    The fantastic Heritage Open Days returns this September, with heritage sites, visitor attractions, and more being open for visitors to explore across Kent. This ten day celebration of history and culture offers visitors and residents alike the…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  15. Autumn Craft Fair at Hever Castle & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Edenbridge

    The Autumn Craft Fair returns to Hever Castle in Kent this September 2026.Hever Castle in Kent will host around 150 of the UK's finest professional craft makers and artists, at this popular event based in the heart of the Kent countryside. This…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  16. Pick-Your-Own Fruit Weekends

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Pick your own fruit in Kent at our PYO Fruit Weekends! Enjoy a fun day out picking unusual varieties of cherries, plums, gages, apples and pears straight from the Brogdale Collections orchards. We have 100s of different varieties that are not…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  17. Murder Mystery Evening

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Station Road, Tenterden

    Murder Mystery Evening

    Step aboard for a thrilling night of intrigue and deception!

    It's 1953 and a signalman has been found dead at Tenterden. DCI Thomas needs your help to uncover the truth before the killer escapes down the line.

    As the train…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    31 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
  18. Creative Arts in Diversity Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Maidstone

    The Creative Arts in Diversity Festival brings a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Maidstone’s rich multicultural community to Coming to Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone, Kent this summer.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
  19. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in the Blean

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sturry

    Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing- Shinrin Yoku.

    These forest bathing events encourage you to take your experience in nature to a new level. Inspired by the…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  20. Paint & Sip Workshop at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Tonbridge

    Get creative at Balfour Winery in Kent with a fun Sip and Paint workshop.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 19:00 - 20:30