28 - 31 August 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. Discover what’s happening today, this weekend and throughout the summer below
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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: 113
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Comedy
Market Buildings, Maidstone
Four days of live, unscripted comedy descend on Maidstone. Workshops, shows, late-night jams — all of it made up on the spot, none of it to be missed.
The festival brings together local groups, visiting professional companies, and world-class…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Come and find out all about wonderful plums. We have fruit tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, plum displays and free kids' orchard crafts and more! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn about plums and gages and…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
The walk will take a circular route around the Kent countryside where you will learn to identify the wide variety of edible plants and fungi available in the wild. The walk will end back at the pub, giving you the opportunity to stop for lunch,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sturry
The Bison Ranger Experience at West Blean & Thornden Woods in Kent offers a unique behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter with the Wilder Blean bison project. Guided by expert rangers, visitors can learn about rewilding, track free-roaming European…
Countryside
Faversham
Come along to see Joe flying a variety of birds on the front lawn at Belmont House and Gardens in Kent this summer, you will be in for a real treat.
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.
Free Event
Dover
Keep your eye's peeled the dinosaurs are coming to Pencester Gardens in Dover. Dinosaurs will be visiting Dover and bringing some dino friends with them.
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…
Vineyard / Wine
Tonbridge
Set across The Balfour Winery 400-acre estate, this gentle vinyasa flow session is designed to stretch the body, steady the breath, and quieten everything else for a while.
Free Event
Gravesend
Head to Gravesend in Kent this August to celebrate the 180th Gravesend Regatta! Taking place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August, this is one of only a few remaining traditional Regatta's.
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…
Music
Margate
Babyshambles are getting together for a massive summer show on the Kent coast, with very special guests Big Special, Warmduscher, GANS and Pregoblin.
Set within the grounds of Dreamland, Margate, the show places live music inside one of Britain's…
Workshop
Faversham
This Kent workshop will introduce you to plants you can grow easily by exploring the herb beds within the Belmont Kitchen Garden. If growing isn't your thing you'll be able to learn how to form your own kitchen cupboard tea collection.
Antiques
Deal
Annual vintage and antiques market on Deal High Street.
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in a traditional form of…
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Treat your little ones to a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle this Halloween Half Term as Spooktacular Science takes over the grounds from 17 October to 1 November 2026.
Young visitors can embark on Hever's Mad Scientists Trail, wandering…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
The cider-making day will start at Brogdale Farm with a history of cider-making in Kent. We will also cover the health and safety aspects of making cider. This is a great time for a bit of Q&A and to get your queries answered in the cider-making…
Theatre
Station Road, Tenterden
Murder Mystery Evening
Step aboard for a thrilling night of intrigue and deception!
It's 1953 and a signalman has been found dead at Tenterden. DCI Thomas needs your help to uncover the truth before the killer escapes down the line.
As the train…
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…
Summer
Sevenoaks
Follow a loop around the lower level of Riverhill Himalayan Gardens and marvel at over 60 sculptures in an array of mediums. Open Wednesdays to Sundays and included in the standard garden admission tickets, the trail works in perfect harmony with…
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