Kent’s coast, countryside and characterful towns are set to shine in 2026, with fresh experiences, landmark anniversaries and vibrant cultural highlights unfolding across the Garden of England. From big moments in art and history to family‑friendly adventures, the year promises memorable days out in every corner of the county.
In Margate, Turner Contemporary marks its 15th anniversary, hosting a major new David Hockney installation that transforms the Sunley Window from 1st April – 1st November 2026. Along the coast in Folkestone, visitors can 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. It even answers the question many visitors ask — why is there a little house in the middle of the harbour? The family-friendly coastal seaside resorts such as Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate have events calendars geared for keeping kids entertained whether it's during the holidays or for a weekend break. Historic Dover, medieval Sandwich and traditional Deal provide destinations ideal for a seaside getaway, a walking holiday or a cultural break by the sea.
At Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, families can step into a storybook world with the brand‑new Room on the Broom adventure trail, complete with themed challenges, forest facts and a £4 activity pack to help young explorers follow Witch’s quest. Spring brings colour in abundance as Leeds Castle bursts into bloom, with a new self-guided daffodil walk from mid‑March to late April. In Sandwich, the 2nd May marks the 800‑year anniversary of the town’s mayors, celebrated with a historic procession, school‑created artworks, reenactments and exhibitions across this remarkable medieval Cinque Port. Whilst Maidstone, the event's capital of Kent, makes for an ideal base for festival goers, adventure weekenders or for exploring this beautiful county.
Kent is the perfect place for a short break or longer escape - start planning your 2026 adventure today, your Kent experience is waiting.
To find out what's on in Kent today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. 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.
Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Kent, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Kent Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Kent. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button or by scrolling through the events listing.

Number of results: 80
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
Enjoy a magical Easter at Hever Castle with The Great Dragon Egg Hunt, a family friendly adventure set within the historic Castle grounds. Children and their families are invited to take part in a daring quest to find dragon eggs hidden across the…
Food
Broadstairs
Enjoy a vibrant 3 day celebration of local food and drink with passionate foodies, artisan producers, and top chefs. Set on the clifftop above Broadstairs Viking Bay
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cades Road, 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…
Exhibitions
Maidstone
An Audience With Eleanor: Unveiling the World's First AI Queen Experience
Immerse yourself in the life of medieval England's most remarkable and misunderstood queen through a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the world's first interactive…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, Maidstone
Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Cyanotype Sun Prints invites you to engage with the natural world in a mindful and creative way. Using simple tools, and nature as your inspiration, you'll feel the benefits of getting out into the great outdoors…
Sporting Events
Sholden
Come and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and superb racing combined in one very special event as you take on this fast and flat two lap, traffic-free course within Betteshanger Country Park. There will be plenty of festive cheer to help you on your…
Arts
Sidcup
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Sporting Events
Ashford
A Friday evening race event with a heartwarming community vibe that all the family can enjoy. This race takes advantage of the lighter summer evenings and provides a spellbinding route through the pretty Kent village of Charing, exploring country…
Sporting Events
Peasmarsh near Rye
This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…
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…
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…
Sporting Events
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, covering the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Ashford in Kent plus a short section on the Pilgrims Way. Both races carry UKA licences and are accurately…
Childrens Events
Chatham
This Easter, families are invited to take part in The Great Ocean Egg-sploration at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
A powerful current has swept through the Dockyard, scattering precious ocean eggs belonging to sea creatures featured in the Ocean…
Markets
Ashford
Join us on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April for our Spring Market!
We're gearing up for a fantastic weekend filled with talented stallholders and plenty of seasonal delights. You'll be able to browse a wonderful selection of handmade and artisan…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Join us at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve for a £5 drop-in craft session where we'll be making Easter-themed nature crowns!
Join Kent Wildlife Trust's Education team for this drop-in craft session at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. Come and see our new…
Free Event
Sevenoaks
Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Bring your toddlers to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on the first Wednesday of each month for a relaxed story telling session with Kent…
Festival
Maidstone
Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent
Sporting Events
Ramsgate
Each year, the Coastbuster 10 Mile & 10k has attracted more runners - and for good reason. You'll enjoy glorious coastal views and feel the buzz of fantastic local support. Whether you're a beginner or experienced runner, both the 10 mile and 10k…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Come and have a go at pond dipping at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Kent Wildlife Trust's Education team will show you the best techniques for dipping, making sure we don't disturb any of the pond's residents, before you have a go yourself. What will…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Goudhurst
Looking for an exciting activity this Easter? We've got something the whole family will enjoy with our brand-new Egg-venture experience at Go Ape Bedgebury. It's all the fun of our brilliant wobbly high ropes crossings and super zips, all while…