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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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.

What's on along the Kent Coast?

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. 

What's on in the Kent Countryside?

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.

What's on in Kent today?

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.  

What's on in Kent?

Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...

Staying overnight?

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.

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Kent events near me

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.

What's on and events in the county of Kent

Number of results:

Number of results: 84

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Open Cockpit Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Ramsgate

    Your chance to climb aboard and into the cockpit of one of the museums planes and helicopter to experience what it would have been like piloting them

    If that is not enough, find out what it is like to ride in a Fire Engine or Tank

    Dates

    From:
    11 Apr 2026to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. Spring Market at the Rare Breeds Centre

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Apr 2026to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. Family Event: Salt-Dough Wildlife Mosaics

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sandling, Maidstone

    Explore Tyland Barn Nature Park and Gardens and take part in a spring salt-dough mosaic workshop with our Education Team. Pop along from10:30am -12pm to join us for this natural craft session.

    During the session you will design and make your own…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  4. Coastbuster 10 Mile & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026
  5. 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…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026
  6. Spring Activity Trail: Symbiosis at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sevenoaks

    Dive into some spectacular science this spring and learn about 'symbiosis': the ways that different species work together to survive.

    From Saturday 7th March, join us at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve for some spectacular science. Explore the beautiful…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Mar 2026to19 Apr 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
    From:
    9 Mar 2026to17 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  7. Forest Bathing in the Blean: Finding Healing in Nature for Grief Support

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sandling, Sturry

    Forest Bathing in the Blean: Finding Healing in Nature for Grief Support offers a gentle, grounding space for anyone navigating loss. This event is offered on a donation basis, as we understand that accessing support during times of grief can feel…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  8. Le Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    Sandwich

    Get ready as Sandwich transforms into a hub of medieval spectacle, French charm, and high energy for Le Weekend! This local favourite offers something for the whole community to enjoy.

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026to14 June 2026
  9. East Peckham 10k &5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    East Peckham

    This beautiful summer race offers a pacey, fast and flat 10k and 5k through the quiet lanes around East Peckham - a genuine pb event not to be missed! Delivered by the Paddock Wood & District Lions Club, this well-marshalled race will, once again,…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2026
  10. Family Event: Salt-Dough Wildlife Mosaics at West Blean & Thornden Woods

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Canterbury

    Join us at West Blean & Thornden Woods for a spring salt-dough mosaic workshop. Make and decorate your biodegradable mosaic to take home!

    Explore West Blean and Thornden Woods and take part in a spring salt-dough mosaic workshop with our Education…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  11. 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
  12. Pacific Ashford 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
  13. Family Event: Owl Pellet Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks

    Join us for an exciting owl pellet dissection workshop, where we delve into locally collected pellets to get a better understanding of what our Kentish owls have been eating.

    You will learn more about what owls to expect in our county, how to tell…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    17 Apr 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
  14. Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. 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
  16. Weekend 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:
    21 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  17. Wealden Times Midwinter Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Tonbridge

    Wealden Times Midwinter Fair
 The Hop Farm - Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st November
 - Get ahead of Christmas with three magical days of festive shopping, abundant gifts, seasonal treats and handcrafted treasures in heated marquees.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026to21 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:30
  18. Linocut Printing Workshop: Spring Florals

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Faversham

    You'll begin the workshop in The Orangery, where your tutor, Rachel, will introduce you to the linocut process with a demonstration. Our Head Gardener will then talk through the foliage and flora she's carefully selected for the workshop.

    Guiding…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 13:30
  19. The Paint Club painting party at Globe Inn Marsh Rye

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Rye

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    3 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  20. Curious About Rochester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    High Street, Rochester

    Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026