4 - 5 July 2026
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.
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.
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.
Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below from the return of the famous Little Ships to Horrible History and tree top adventures, free music concerts and food festivals.
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.
If you're planning to attend an event in Kent, find answers below to frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit?
Use the search box above and filter by the date to narrow down your search, or scroll down the page to explore a full list of events across Kent.
If you're travelling from outside the county, there are numerous hotels and accommodation choices options available.>>> Search & Book Kent Accommodation to plan your stay. Maidstone is a great choice for a stay, its location means its easy to visit anywhere in the county, plus as the 'event's capital of Kent' you won't have to travel far to find an event to suit 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: 124
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
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…
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…
Fete / Fair
Dover
Dover's most popular and anticipated event will return to the seafront this July - the new look Dover Harbour Festival.
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.
Childrens Events
Pembury
If you are looking for an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend time with family this May half-term, we would love to welcome you to the Bluebell Café and animal farm at Aspens. From Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May, we will be offering a brand-new…
Walking
Cades Road, Ashford
Join Hothfield's warden for an evening exploration of this special reserve, searching for bats and amphibians.
Hothfield is one of the last remaining heathlands in Kent. It's a wide, open landscape of heather, gorse and, during the spring months, a…
Free Event
A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.
Countryside
Cades Road, Worth
Explore Ham Fen and see the evidence of beaver activity since their introduction to the reserve 20 years ago.
Ham Fen is an exceptionally special reserve, home to the UK's first official beaver release project and Kent's last remaining fenland.…
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
Chatham
Experience the ocean like never before at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as it hosts the UK debut of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition.
Showcasing 116 award-winning photographs, this inspiring exhibition brings together the very best in…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Whether your child is a first-timer or an experienced paddler, our 3-week Home Ed SUP Programme is the perfect way to get out on the water, have fun, and develop new skills. All while gaining the BSUPA Ready to Ride certification, a recognised SUP…
Father's Day
Birchington
The Powell-Cotton Museum's hugely popular LEGO® Brick Building Weekend is back for Father's Day weekend!
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…
Show / Display
Edenbridge
Head along to Hever Castle in Kent this June for the fantastic Cars at the Castle event - 13th & 14th June 2026.
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…
Sporting Events
Chislehurst
The parks and commons of Chislehurst have a rich history and the village is located in one of the leafiest wards of Greater London. Our aim is to combine the two to showcase that history and proffer fresh breath from the green lungs of Chislehurst…
Sporting Events
Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury
Take part in a truly unique 5K at Howletts Wild Animal Park and support The Aspinall Foundation in their vital conservation work. This year's race edition will be celebrating and supporting the rewilding of Edie, the South African cheetah. Race…
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
Walking
Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is home to many bird species during the early summer months; spend some time observing them on this guided walk.
Join us for a guided walk of Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, taking some time to observe the birds found there…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Pukka Putters is coming to the Rare Breeds Centre this May!
Pukka Putters is the UK's only self-contained, walk in mini golf course built entirely inside a lorry! You don't just play mini golf you step into a themed jungle world on wheels!
The…
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