Maidstone Walking Festival kicks of the season in March 26

Heart of Kent Walking Festival

20th - 29th March 26

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: 80

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. The Great Dragon Easter Egg Hunt at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to19 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
  2. 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
  3. Weekend Wellness: Summer Solstice Forest Bathing in Hothfield Heathlands

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  4. 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
  5. Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Cyanotype Sun Prints at Tyland Barn

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  6. Kent Christmas Cracker

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Sholden

    Come and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and superb racing combined in one very special event as you take on this fast and flat two lap, traffic-free course within Betteshanger Country Park. There will be plenty of festive cheer to help you on your…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
  7. The Paint Club painting party at Sarto Lounge

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    7 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    4 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    2 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  8. Ashford Striders Charing 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026
  9. Rye 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026
  10. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Folkestone

    This accurately-measured course starts outside The Grand on The Leas, passes through the coastal park before and an out and back to Hythe. The event has fantastic support from local community groups and has a friendly race day vibe. If you are new…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026
  11. Bedgebury HM & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  12. Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Ashford

    This popular Kent Spring race sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, covering the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Ashford in Kent plus a short section on the Pilgrims Way. Both races carry UKA licences and are accurately…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Apr 2026
  13. The Great Ocean Egg-sploration

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham

    This Easter, families are invited to take part in The Great Ocean Egg-sploration at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

    A powerful current has swept through the Dockyard, scattering precious ocean eggs belonging to sea creatures featured in the Ocean…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to19 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. 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
  15. Family Activity: Easter Bunny Nature Crowns

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks

    Join us at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve for a £5 drop-in craft session where we'll be making Easter-themed nature crowns!

    Join Kent Wildlife Trust's Education team for this drop-in craft session at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. Come and see our new…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
  16. Family Activity: Story Time at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    6 May 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
  17. Maid of Stone Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Maidstone

    Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to19 July 2026
  18. 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
  19. Family Event: Pond Dipping at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks

    Come and have a go at pond dipping at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.

    Kent Wildlife Trust's Education team will show you the best techniques for dipping, making sure we don't disturb any of the pond's residents, before you have a go yourself. What will…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  20. Easter Holidays at Go Ape

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Goudhurst

    Looking for an exciting activity this Easter? We've got something the whole family will enjoy with our brand-new Egg-venture experience at Go Ape Bedgebury. It's all the fun of our brilliant wobbly high ropes crossings and super zips, all while…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to20 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00