Try at tree top adventure with Go Ape at Leeds Castle

Go Ape at Leeds Castle

Maidstone, Kent

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: 145

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Open Air Theatre: The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Faversham

    Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter's best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.

    Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor's…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00
  2. 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
  3. Riverside Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Gravesend

    Returning on Saturday 4th July the fantastic free Riverside Festival is an unforgettable day of entertainment.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 11:00 - 20:00
  4. Tour & BBQ at Wildshark Vineyard

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Maidstone

    Experience a one to one and a half hour guided tour through the Wildshark Vineyard in Kent, followed by a seasonal BBQ cooked up by our chef in our Scandi-style watercress hut. During this guided walking tour of the vineyard where you’ll learn all…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026
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    1 Aug 2026
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    29 Aug 2026
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    19 Sept 2026
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    24 Oct 2026
  5. Belmont Woodfest & Country Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    We have lots of exciting woodland demonstrations taking place over the weekend, including wood turning, horse logging, spoon carving, willow weaving, campfire cooking, pole lathe turning, as well as vintage tractors and a fantastic display of…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. Steam into the New Year

    Type

    Type:

    New Year

    Tenterden

    Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027
  7. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks

    About the event
    Our award winning Holiday Club will be returning to Oak Lodge, Sevenoaks, this summer!

    Immerse your child in nature
    Our Wilder Holiday Club offers days crammed full of activities designed to inspire and develop your child's love of…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    30 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    5 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    6 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    12 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    13 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    19 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    20 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  8. 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
  9. JAM on the Marsh 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Charing, Ashford

    From 8-12 July, setting the Romney Marsh ablaze, JAM on the Marsh 2026 brings an unmissable line-up including Alexander Armstrong performing the Roaring 20s, open-air Much Ado About Nothing with flamboyant Changeling Theatre and the outstanding…

    Dates

    From:
    8 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 17:00 - 18:00
  10. 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:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  11. Bloco Fogo Summer Picnic at Whatman Park

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Maidstone

    Head to Whatman Park in Maidstone for an afternoon of samba vibes and summer sun.  

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 13:00 - 17:00
  12. Father's Day at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Maidstone

    Celebrate Father's Day with an unforgettable day out at Leeds Castle.

    Treat Dad to a memorable experience filled with adventure, relaxation, and great food. Enjoy a full day of activities, including a visit to the Birds of Prey Centre, a delicious…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
  13. 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
  14. 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
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    3 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    4 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    10 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    11 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    17 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    18 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    24 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    25 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  15. Dadventure at Go Ape Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    Maidstone

    Skip the socks. Send him up a tree!
    Looking for things to do this Father's Day in Kent? Head to Go Ape Leeds Castle for Dadventure – Dad's go free*
    Take someone special to conquer the Treetop Challenge high ropes course where you'll experience…

    Venue

    Go Ape Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  16. Riverside Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Gravesend

    The popular, family friendly Riverside Festival is back for 2026!

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 11:00 - 20:00
  17. 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
  18. Wine Tasting Masterclass at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Tonbridge

    Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  19. Wilder Gardens Workshop: Introduction to Wildlife Gardening

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Thordenwood Road, Sturry

    Get started creating a garden with nature at its heart in this summer workshop, based at the Heather Corrie Ranger Station at West Blean.

    New to gardening or keen to refresh or build on your skills? This workshop introduces how to create a garden…

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  20. 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 -