22nd - 25th May 26, The Little Ships Come Home
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...
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.
>>> Search & Book Kent Accommodation
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.
Number of results: 84
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Sporting Events
Peasmarsh near Rye
This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…
Childrens Events
Maidstone
Enchanted Easter at Leeds Castle: The Crystal of Lost Spring
As the warmth of spring approaches, the mythical creatures of Leeds Castle awaken from their winter slumber. Yet this year, an ominous shadow lingers. The Spring Crystal, holding the…
Childrens Events
Faversham
Join Wild Classroom this Easter half-term for a half-day workshop where you and your family will cook over an open fire using fresh, seasonal produce from the Belmont Kitchen Garden.
On arrival, you'll head to the kitchen garden to gather the day's…
Childrens Events
Station Road, Tenterden
"May the Fourth Be With You"
Bank Holiday Monday • 4th May 2026
Join us aboard the EWOK EXPRESS for an out-of-this-world Star Wars adventure!
⭐ Highlights & Activities
Duelling Area – Are you Red or Blue Lightsaber?
Onboard Activity Booklet –…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Sporting Events
Ashford
A Friday evening race event with a heartwarming community vibe that all the family can enjoy. This race takes advantage of the lighter summer evenings and provides a spellbinding route through the pretty Kent village of Charing, exploring country…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, Maidstone
Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Cyanotype Sun Prints invites you to engage with the natural world in a mindful and creative way. Using simple tools, and nature as your inspiration, you'll feel the benefits of getting out into the great outdoors…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Hop on over to the Farm this Easter, from Friday 3rd April to Sunday 19th April, for fun filled activities the whole family will enjoy!
What's on Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April:
- Meet Noreen Carrots, Lavendar Lamb and Farrington T Fox
- See them…
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…
Childrens Events
Faversham
Join us for a fun, hands-on children's bath bomb workshop led by local Medical Herbalist Mandy Rickard.
In this exciting workshop, children will create their very own fizzy, colourful and beautifully scented bath bombs from scratch. They will…
Heritage & History
Ramsgate
The Ramsgate Tunnels are delighted to announce the return of our popular Local
History Day on Saturday 16 May, from 10:00 to 16:00.
This free, one-day event will feature displays from local museums and heritage sites
across Thanet and East Kent,…
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Have fun (re-)discovering Canterbury, 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. Curious About Canterbury visits not just the obvious places, but…
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
Enjoy a magical Easter at Hever Castle with The Great Dragon Egg Hunt, a family friendly adventure set within the historic Castle grounds. Children and their families are invited to take part in a daring quest to find dragon eggs hidden across the…
Walking
King Street, Maidstone
It's back! Get your walking boots ready for the next Heart of Kent Walking Festival coming this Spring!
Festival
Maidstone
Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent
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…
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