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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

Number of results:

Number of results: 144

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Summer Pruning

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    This half day summer pruning course takes place at Bradbourne House this year as we are giving our trees a break from summer pruning. The course will introduce you to pruning apple trees and cover basic techniques and methods to start you pruning at…

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
  2. Wild Classroom: Best of Belmont Children's Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Join Wild Classroom at Belmont this summer for a special workshop showcasing the very best of our kitchen garden.

    Over the past five years, our family workshops have produced some truly delicious dishes, and this year we're bringing back a few of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  3. Sevenoaks 7

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Sevenoaks

    A challenging seven miles of exhilarating twists, turns and climbs through the stunning landscapes of Knole Park. Whether you're an affiliated runner racing under club colours, a team of family, friends or colleagues, or an unaffiliated lone ranger…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026
  4. Murder Mystery Evening

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    31 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
  5. Sheltered Lake Paddleboarding in Kent

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Romney Marsh

    Paddleboarding is a great fun activity for all the family (and dogs are welcome too). Head along to Lydd in Kent and try the Action Watersports paddleboarding experience package which includes tuition before you head out onto the water, handy tips…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    5 May 2026to30 June 2026
  6. 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
  7. Jousting at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    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 one-to-one combat,…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to31 Aug 2026
  8. Chateau Musar Wine Dinner at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Tunbridge Wells

    Join us for an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine with renown wine producer Chateau Musar and Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.
    Allow us to take you through a journey of delectable flavours, paired alongside the beautiful wines of Chateau Musar.…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30
  9. Guided Wine Tasting - Silverhand Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Gravesend

    Discover English wine at Silverhand Estate in Kent with a guided tasting experience featuring a selection of still and sparkling wines. Set within a historic vineyard, this experience combines expert guidance, award-winning wines and insights into…

    Venue

    Silverhand Estate, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 13:00 - 17:45
  10. Curious About Canterbury

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Sun Street, Canterbury

    Curious About Canterbury takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2027Open 09:00 - 16:00
  11. Family Activity: Kestrel Pellet Workshop at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks

    Have a go at dissecting a Kestrel pellet, learn about Kent's birds of prey, and see what your discoveries teach us about local populations.

    Join us for an exciting kestrel pellet dissection workshop, where we delve into locally collected pellets to…

    Dates

    From:
    27 July 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  12. Guided Walk: Summer Birds

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks

    Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is home to many bird species during the early summer months; spend some time observing them on this guided walk.

    Join us for a guided walk of Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, taking some time to observe the birds found there…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  13. RYA Jet Ski Course

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    RYA Personal Watercraft Course

    Turn your next day on the water into something bigger. Gain your RYA qualification, improve your skills, and enjoy a fantastic day riding a Jet Ski on our private lake. Bring your own Jet Ski or hire one of ours, with…

    Dates

    From:
    23 June 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  14. Cherry Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Faversham

    Enjoy picking your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards, tasting as many different varieties straight from the tree, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, food and drink, and free kids' orchard crafts and more! Find out more…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026to28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. 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
  16. Lavender Owl Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Faversham

    Join our Lavender Owl Making Workshop and create a charming, handcrafted owl that's more than just a decoration.

    Made with authentic Harris Tweed and filled with a fragrant lavender insert, your finished piece will naturally freshen drawers and…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  17. 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:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  18. 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…

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026
  19. 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:
    14 June 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    20 June 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    21 June 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    28 June 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    4 July 2026Open 14:00 - 18:30
    From:
    5 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    18 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    26 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    1 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    2 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    23 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    6 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  20. Jempson's Food & Drink Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Peasmarsh & Rye

    Back by popular demand, the Jempson's Festival returns this year, bigger, better, and bursting with even more to enjoy. From 25th to 27th June, both our Peasmarsh and Rye stores will transform into lively festival hubs packed with delicious food and…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026to27 June 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00