Discover one of Kent's best kept secrets
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.
Kent's 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 year 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 Deal Food and Drinks Festival will be taking over Marine Road with live music, a street food court and beach bar marquee - which is free to visit (26 August - 31 August). Whilst along the coast in Dover, Market Square hosts a programme of free live entertainment on selected dates throughout summer (Until Saturday 26th September).
If you've ever wanted to explore beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, the Grand Shaft Open Day offers a rare opportunity to discover this amazing example of Napoleonic engineering (20 September) whilst in October, the White Cliffs Walking Festival welcomes visitors for guided walks along the Kent coast and along King Charles III England's Coast Path (3 - 10 October). Further down the coast in Folkestone, the newly refurbished Lower Leas Coastal Park playground has just opened as one of the largest free adventure playgrounds in the South East - with rope ladders and swings, sand diggers and a nautical theme along with a dedicated play zone specially tailored for toddlers.
Heritage Open Days offer visitors to Kent the chance to discover some of the county's rich history and heritage for free (11 September - 20 September). Whether you're visiting Maidstone, Dover, Deal or Sandwich, Folkestone, Hythe or Dymchurch, this ten-day event offers will allow you to discover some fascinating facts, stories and places that you might not have visited before. From 29 August - 4 October, explore the stunning grounds of Leeds Castle near Maidstone, with its Wellbeing themed sculpture trail, showcasing the connection between art, nature and wellness. Perfect for families, art lovers and visitors wanting to spend time in the great outdoors.
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 and autumn, from military festivals and food experiences to seasonal harvest time events and craft fairs. From castles and vineyards to coastal festivals and family attractions, Kent offers events and experiences throughout the year, and 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 visitors arriving in the UK via the Channel ports, so events celebrating culture, food, and music are never far away.
If you're planning to attend an event in Kent, you'll find answers below to some 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.
Yes. Kent hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, including outdoor adventure activities, festivals, wildlife experiences, heritage attractions and seasonal events. Browse the listings on this page or use the filters above to find family-friendly events taking place 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: 94
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Shopping
Tonbridge
Wealden Times Midwinter Fair The Hop Farm - Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st November - Get ahead of Christmas with three magical days of festive shopping, abundant gifts, seasonal treats and handcrafted treasures in heated marquees.
Sporting Event
Canterbury
With over 75 races across the weekend, enjoy wheel-to-wheel rallycross under floodlights, alongside funfair rides, live music, street food, performers and a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night.
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside, pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle for one of the most picturesque family days out in Kent this autumn.
The Castle is arguably at its most…
Childrens Events
Woodchurch, Ashford
Join us this Halloween at the Rare Breeds Centre for heaps of spooky fun, silly surprises and fang-tastic activities for all ages! Effel Fartwaffer is back once again, bringing plenty of Halloween fun and mischief to the farm for another…
Water Based Activities
Lydd
Summer holidays might be over, but the Aqua Park fun definitely isn't. Even better, pre-book a session for 5 or more people and enjoy the Aqua Park for just £19.99pp!
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…
Fireworks
Broadstairs
Head down to Viking Bay in Broadstairs to enjoy a fabulous firework display to see the sky above Broadstairs' Viking Bay come alive with colour on Thursday 5th of November
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.
Halloween
Maidstone
This October half term, Horrible Histories is once again invading Leeds Castle – bringing all of history’s nastiest, ghostliest secrets with it.
Fireworks
Sandling, Maidstone
Be amazed at our annual spectacular musical firework display at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, marking the end of our season and the beginning of our winter festivities.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Our one day willow weaving courses introduce you to the traditional craft of working with willow & basket weaving. Get hands on practice and learn the skills you need to work with willow and make baskets. Perfect for those new to traditional willow…
Special Events
Lydd
Six hours of dedicated Jet Ski time with exclusive use of the lake for Jet Skis at Action Watersports in Kent
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Come and find out all about apples at our apple fair and pick your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards during this special weekend in 2026.
We have apple tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, guided tractor tours,…
Water Based Activities
Lydd
Three hours of dedicated Jet Ski time with exclusive use of the lake for Jet Skis at Action Watersports in Kent.
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…
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.
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…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks
Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story or two 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…
Special Events
Lydd
A rare opportunity to bring your own Jet Ski and ride on our private freshwater lake in the South of England.
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