Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta this July

Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

4 - 5 July 2026

What's On in Kent

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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: 103

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Call The Midwife Official Location Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Chatham

    f you're a fan of the hit series and you've been wondering where Call the Midwife is filmed, put yourself in the picture and explore where the real drama happens with a Call the Midwife Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Oct 2026
  2. Farmyard Summer Fun

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Farmyard Summer Fun 2026
    Get ready for a summer packed with hands-on fun, family games and farm adventures at our biggest Farmyard Summer Fun event yet. Running from 20 July to 31 August 2026, there's something different to enjoy every day…

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  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. Surrey Sculpture Society at Riverhill Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Summer

    Sevenoaks

    Follow a loop around the lower level of Riverhill Himalayan Gardens and marvel at over 60 sculptures in an array of mediums. Open Wednesdays to Sundays and included in the standard garden admission tickets, the trail works in perfect harmony with…

    Venue

    Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks

    Dates

    From:
    12 May 2026to27 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  5. Autumn Craft Fair at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Edenbridge

    Head to Hever Castle in September for a contemporary autumn craft fair organised by Craft In Focus. Over the four days you will be able to purchase direct from over 180 of the UK's finest professional craft makers and artists at this craft fair…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 09:30 - 17:30
  6. 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
  7. Tea Blending Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Faversham

    This Kent workshop will introduce you to plants you can grow easily by exploring the herb beds within the Belmont Kitchen Garden. If growing isn't your thing you'll be able to learn how to form your own kitchen cupboard tea collection.

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  8. Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026
  9. Sandwich Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026
  10. 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 -
  11. Kent Christmas Cracker

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
  12. Broadstairs Food Festival

    Type

    Type:

    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

    Dates

    From:
    2 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  13. Orchard Orienteering

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Book your orienteering workshop time and then spend the rest of the day exploring the orchards!

    Learn to: use a compass – read a simple map – use natural navigation – use basic orienteering skills – use your skills to complete challenges!

    Bring a…

    Venue

    Brogdale Collections, Swale

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  14. Film Location Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Chatham

    Think you know The Historic Dockyard Chatham? Think again. The Film Location Walking Tour lifts the lid on the secrets of the screen.

    This tour offers a rare opportunity to find out how a world-famous pop star could have caused a riot, or how a…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026to27 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  15. Apple Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Come and find out all about apples at our apple fair and pick your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards during this special weekend in 2026.

    We have apple tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, guided tractor tours,…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  16. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in Hothfield Heathlands

    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:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  17. Junior Lip Care Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Join us at Belmont House and Gardens in Kent for a fun, hands-on children's herbal lip care workshop with Medical Herbalist Mandy Rickard.

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 13:30 - 15:00
  18. Maidstone Improv Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Market Buildings, Maidstone

    Four days of live, unscripted comedy descend on Maidstone. Workshops, shows, late-night jams — all of it made up on the spot, none of it to be missed.
    The festival brings together local groups, visiting professional companies, and world-class…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    18 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 17:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  19. Jousting at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Edenbridge

    This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in a traditional form of…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  20. 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