3 - 10 October 26
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.
Kent's 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 year below.
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 Deal Food and Drinks Festival will be taking over Marine Road with live music, a street food court and beach bar marquee - which is free to visit (26 August - 31 August). Whilst along the coast in Dover, Market Square hosts a programme of free live entertainment on selected dates throughout summer (Until Saturday 26th September).
If you've ever wanted to explore beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, the Grand Shaft Open Day offers a rare opportunity to discover this amazing example of Napoleonic engineering (20 September) whilst in October, the White Cliffs Walking Festival welcomes visitors for guided walks along the Kent coast and along King Charles III England's Coast Path (3 - 10 October). Further down the coast in Folkestone, the newly refurbished Lower Leas Coastal Park playground has just opened as one of the largest free adventure playgrounds in the South East - with rope ladders and swings, sand diggers and a nautical theme along with a dedicated play zone specially tailored for toddlers.
Heritage Open Days offer visitors to Kent the chance to discover some of the county's rich history and heritage for free (11 September - 20 September). Whether you're visiting Maidstone, Dover, Deal or Sandwich, Folkestone, Hythe or Dymchurch, this ten-day event offers will allow you to discover some fascinating facts, stories and places that you might not have visited before. From 29 August - 4 October, explore the stunning grounds of Leeds Castle near Maidstone, with its Wellbeing themed sculpture trail, showcasing the connection between art, nature and wellness. Perfect for families, art lovers and visitors wanting to spend time in the great outdoors.
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 and autumn, from military festivals and food experiences to seasonal harvest time events and craft fairs. From castles and vineyards to coastal festivals and family attractions, Kent offers events and experiences throughout the year, and 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 visitors arriving in the UK via the Channel ports, so events celebrating culture, food, and music are never far away.
If you're planning to attend an event in Kent, you'll find answers below to some common questions to help you make the most of your visit.
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.
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.
Yes. Kent hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, including outdoor adventure activities, festivals, wildlife experiences, heritage attractions and seasonal events. Browse the listings on this page or use the filters above to find family-friendly events taking place near you.
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.
Number of results: 93
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Music
11 The Precincts, Canterbury
Join Canterbury Choral Society and the London Mozart Players for an evening of celebratory masterpieces in the beauty of Canterbury Cathedral Nave.
Handel Coronation Anthems:
The King Shall Rejoice and Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened…
Christmas
Tenterden
Santa Specials with the Kent and East Sussex Railway - we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!
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…
Halloween
Maidstone
Dare to spend an evening inside one of Maidstone's museum buildings? Join this rare opportunity to explore the museum's historic spaces in the company of expert ghost hunters.
Sporting Event
Canterbury
With over 75 races across the weekend, enjoy wheel-to-wheel rallycross under floodlights, alongside funfair rides, live music, street food, performers and a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night.
Sporting Events
Sittingbourne
The Oliver Fisher 10k & 5k returns to our racing calendars on Sunday 09 May 2027 to help raise valuable funds for this wonderful charity. The race continues to boast a delightful off-road route with wonderful views and starting at Milton Creek…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sevenoaks
Enjoy a mindful walk collecting items to create a nature mandala offering a relaxed and creative way to connect to nature this autumn.
Take time to slow down and walk mindfully on the beautiful Sevenoaks nature reserve soaking up the colours of…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks
Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story or two 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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Maidstone
No kids. No distractions. Just you, your friends, and the treetops after dark at Leeds Castle Go Ape
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…
Fireworks
Maidstone
The biggest and best fireworks display in the South East of England returns for 2026 – the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular!
On the 7th and 8th November 2026, this incredibly popular event combines fireworks to make you 'oooh' and 'ahhh', and…
Special Events
Greenhithe
Discover the secrets to flawless, feel-good beauty at Clarins Beauty School. The beauty experts at John Lewis Bluewater will guide you through personalised techniques, pro tips, and effortless routines to enhance your natural glow – whatever your…
Tour
Chatham
Step into the shadows of The Historic Dockyard Chatham on an exclusive, torch-lit after-dark ghost tour. Led by experienced guides, these 90-minute walking experiences uncover chilling truths, verified historic accounts, and eerie supernatural…
Heritage & History
Dover
The Grand Shaft is a unique triple helix staircase built during Napoleonic times and open on selected dates for free visits
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sevenoaks
Bring the family along to Sevenoaks Wildlife Trust to make and decorate your own bat box to take home with you and hang outside for your local bats!
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?
Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Enjoy a half-day Floristry course at Brogdale Collections Charity. Forage fresh foliage from all over Brogdale Farm, in the course you'll learn everything you need to know to make and take home your very own seasonal wreath – perfect to hang on your…
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