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.
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? 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.
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. Whilst Maidstone, the event's capital of Kent, makes for an ideal base for festival goers, adventure weekenders or for exploring this beautiful county.
Kent is the perfect place for a short break or longer escape - start planning your 2026 adventure today, your Kent experience is waiting.
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.
Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...
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.
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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: 79
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, Sturry
Forest Bathing in the Blean: Finding Healing in Nature for Grief Support offers a gentle, grounding space for anyone navigating loss. This event is offered on a donation basis, as we understand that accessing support during times of grief can feel…
Other
Ramsgate
Calling all Lego enthusiasts. Set amongst the museum's exhibits of aircraft and memorabilia hunt out Lego models, see stunning creations and collections. If you haven't visited the museum before this is the perfect opportunity to view its…
Other
Margate
Trade the frenzy for the calm coast! This winter, Margate's Turner Contemporary hosts an exclusive three-week program dedicated to well-being. Expect unique, immersive events, from Ayurvedic supper clubs to creative explorations around rest.…
Sporting Events
Chislehurst
The parks and commons of Chislehurst have a rich history and the village is located in one of the leafiest wards of Greater London. Our aim is to combine the two to showcase that history and proffer fresh breath from the green lungs of Chislehurst…
Free Event
Sevenoaks
Come and find out about the wonderful variety of habitats at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, and the wildlife you may spot here during the year.
As we open the newly refurbished Visitor Centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, it's the ideal time to…
Childrens Events
Maidstone
Join us from 14th to 22nd February 2026, as Leeds Castle opens its doors to families for an enchanting exploration of the Medieval court! This exciting event, included with your admission ticket, invites you to dive into the fascinating world of a…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, 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…
Other
Faversham
Paintbrush in one hand, cuppa in the other, relax and enjoy. This step-by-step session guides you through creating a beautifully finished wall-ready painting on canvas. Although there will be plenty of instruction, you are more than welcome to go…
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…
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…
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…
Sporting Events
Sittingbourne
The Oliver Fisher 10k & 5k returns to our racing calendars on Sunday 10 May 2026 to help raise valuable funds for this wonderful charity. After a brand new course last year, the race continues to boast a delightful off-road route with wonderful…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
For 3 days over Easter Brogdale Collections opens its beautiful orchards for visitors to enjoy a fun-filled Easter Trail, kids activities and food.
During the bank holiday Easter Weekend, families can take part in a trail through the orchards, have…
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…
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…
Childrens Events
Faversham
Join us for a fun, hands-on children's bath bomb workshop led by local Medical Herbalist Mandy Rickard.
In this exciting workshop, children will create their very own fizzy, colourful and beautifully scented bath bombs from scratch. They will…
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
Bugs, Boots and Backpacks at Hever Castle
14–22 February 2026 | Included with admission
Get hands-on with nature this February half-term! Children can build Bug Hotels, make clay bugs, and join the muddy Boot Parade at Hever Castle.
Explore the…