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Maidstone, Kent

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.

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. 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? 

From coastal art trails and castle gardens to cultural anniversaries and family‑friendly experiences, 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.  

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. Whilst Maidstone, the event's capital of Kent, makes for an ideal base for festival goers, adventure weekenders or for exploring this beautiful county. 

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.

>>> Search & Book Kent Accommodation

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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 62

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Mount Ephraim 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Faversham

    Described by RunABC as an 'absolute gem', this beautiful 10k course takes runners along the quiet contry lanes around the stunning estate at Mount Ephraim Gardens. The race has grown in notoriety and kudos in recent years, attracting both club…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026
  4. Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Tunbridge Wells

    This famous race is much loved for its scenic and challenging route. It is steeped in local history and thanks to meticulous organisation, value for money and friendly marshals, entries are highly coveted. It was voted the No.2 Half Marathon in the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Feb 2026
  5. Howletts Cheetah 5k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026
  6. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Folkestone

    This event is an exhilarating, fast and flat race along the seafront. In recent years, we have included an elite wave to the race so that runners of all abilities can enjoy the wonderful race-day buzz of Folkestone Coastal. The chance of a fast time…

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026
  7. Wine Tasting Masterclass at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Tonbridge

    Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  8. Romney Marsh 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    New Romney

    The Romney Marsh 10K is organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Romney Marsh Rotary Club. The course uses the flat tarmac country lanes around the pretty Kent town of New Romney. You won't be disappointed by the views as you explore this stunning…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026
  9. Mindful Stitching Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Faversham

    Join Ellen Barton, Textile Artist, in a relaxed and enjoyable textile art workshop at the wonderful setting of Belmont House. A chance for you to put aside the stress of daily life, develop new skills and immerse yourself in the creative process…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Mar 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
  10. Dazzling Daffodils at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Edenbridge

    Spring arrives at Hever Castle with Dazzling Daffodils, a week-long celebration of one of the season's most uplifting flowers. With close to 120,000 daffodils and 250,000 trumpet blooms flowering across the grounds, visitors can enjoy a spectacular…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Mar 2026to22 Mar 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
  11. Brett Lydd Half Marathon & 20 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd

    This long-established and highly coveted event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. It is the perfect opportunity to test your pace, hydration, and nutrition for…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 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. February Half Term – Dockyard Deckhands

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham

    This February half term, families are invited to The Historic Dockyard Chatham for Dockyard Deckhands, a hands-on adventure where children can step into the shoes of a real Dockyard worker.

    Young visitors can become apprentice deckhands for the…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to22 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Edenbridge

    The Festival Theatre events run throughout the year in our gorgeous locations at: Hever Castle – including our flagship stunning theatre re-built in 2024, Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place & Gardens.

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00
  15. Spring Fused Glass Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Faversham

    Discover the wonderful world of glass fusing. This session will give you a great introduction to working with glass. Included in the price is enough specialist fusing glass to make two 10cm coasters/light catchers, a 10 x 5cm hanger and a small 4 x…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Mar 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
  16. Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Mother's Day

    Tonbridge

    Take your special mum to Balfour Winery, Tonbridge, Kent on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March for a delicious Mother's Day Afternoon Tea. 

    Dates

    From:
    14 Mar 2026to15 Mar 2026
  17. Open Air Theatre: The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Faversham

    Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter's best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.

    Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor's…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00
  18. Leeds Castle Concert

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Maidstone

    Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
  19. 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:
    5 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    2 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    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
  20. Kids Go FREE! Be a Nature Detective this February Half Term 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    KIDS GO FREE this Half Term!
    Be a Nature Detective this February Half Term!
    Climb aboard our Steam and Diesel-hauled trains at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoy a memorable family adventure through the stunning Rother Valley National…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Feb 2026to15 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    17 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    21 Feb 2026to22 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00