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Go Ape at Leeds Castle

Maidstone, Kent

What's On in Kent

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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

What's on along the Kent Coast

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.

What’s on in the Kent countryside and towns

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.

Events in Kent this summer

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.  

Plan your visit to Kent

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?

Frequently asked questions about events in Kent

What’s on in Kent today or this weekend?

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.

How can I plan a short break around an event?

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.

What are the best things to do in Kent this weekend?

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.

Kent events near me

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.
 
What's on and events in the county of Kent

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Number of results: 136

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Bloco Fogo Summer Picnic at Whatman Park

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Maidstone

    Head to Whatman Park in Maidstone for an afternoon of samba vibes and summer sun.  

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 13:00 - 17:00
  2. Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Maidstone

    Experience the enchanting Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle from Saturday 29th August to Saturday 4th October 2024, offering families a unique adventure through our magnificent grounds and gardens.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. 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
  4. Autumn Craft Fair at Hever Castle & Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Edenbridge

    The Autumn Craft Fair returns to Hever Castle in Kent this September 2026.Hever Castle in Kent will host around 150 of the UK's finest professional craft makers and artists, at this popular event based in the heart of the Kent countryside. This…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  5. Hawkhurst 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  6. The High Weald Walking Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Flimwell

    Now in its 9th year, the High Weald Walking Festival is inviting you to get your boots on and explore the High Weald National Landscape, and discover local history and admire breath-taking views.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  7. Riverside Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Gravesend

    Returning on Saturday 4th July the fantastic free Riverside Festival is an unforgettable day of entertainment.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 11:00 - 20:00
  8. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
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    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
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    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
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    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
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    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  9. Sandgate Sea and Food Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Folkestone

    Head to the free Sandgate Sea and Food Festival this August Bank Holiday weekend.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
  10. Summer Bandstand Concerts

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Folkestone

    The historic Leas Bandstand in Folkestone welcomes a series of summer bandstand concerts, ranging from tribute acts to brass bands, country and western to sea shanties. 

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    14 June 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    20 June 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    21 June 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    28 June 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    4 July 2026Open 14:00 - 18:30
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    5 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    18 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    26 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    1 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    2 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    8 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    9 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    15 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    16 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    22 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    23 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
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    5 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    6 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    13 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    19 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  11. Brogdale Cider Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Faversham

    Enjoy local ciders, live music and family fun. Take advantage of the FREE shuttle bus to and from Faversham station. Savour the summer while you sample locally produced cider from Kent producers and listen to a great mix of music and bands in our…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. Bricktacular Adventures at The Powell-Cotton Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    Birchington

    The Powell-Cotton Museum's hugely popular LEGO® Brick Building Weekend is back for Father's Day weekend!

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026to21 June 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  13. Northfleet's Secrets

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Northfleet, Gravesend

    Join Christoph Bull for Northfleet's Secrets, a guided historical walk discovering some of Northfleet's fantastic hidden history.

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  14. Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

    Type

    Type:

    Fete / Fair

    Dover

    Dover's most popular and anticipated event will return to the seafront this July - the new look Dover Harbour Festival.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026
  15. Creative Arts in Diversity Festival

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
  16. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in the Blean

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sturry

    Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing- Shinrin Yoku.

    These forest bathing events encourage you to take your experience in nature to a new level. Inspired by the…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  17. Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Join us this summer for some fun, food, and fire. Get outdoors and cook over the fire with Wild Classroom, using the very best local, seasonal, and foraged foods. This two-hour workshop will include a tour of Brogdale Collections stunning Heritage…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Aug 2026to19 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  18. Sandwich Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026
  19. 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
  20. Margate Country Music Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Margate

    The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026