Try at tree top adventure with Go Ape at Leeds Castle

Go Ape at Leeds Castle

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.

What's on along the Kent Coast?

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. 

What's on in the Kent Countryside?

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.

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.  

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.

What's on and events in the county of Kent

Number of results:

Number of results: 94

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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
  2. Curious About Rochester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    High Street, Rochester

    Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026to3 May 2027
  3. 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
  4. Pukka Putters at the Rare Breeds Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Pukka Putters is coming to the Rare Breeds Centre this August!
    Pukka Putters is the UK's only self-contained, walk in mini golf course built entirely inside a lorry! You don't just play mini golf you step into a themed jungle world on wheels!
    The…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Aug 2026to23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. 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
  6. Weekend Wellness: Summer Solstice Forest Bathing in Hothfield Heathlands

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Cades Road, 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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  7. Wilder Kent Experience: An Evening with the Nightingales

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Malthouse Lane, Ashford

    Enjoy special access to this woodland to experience the beautiful music of nightingales.

    The song of the nightingale is iconic, often considered to be the most beautiful that can be heard here in the UK. For many, hearing the first nightingale of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  8. 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:
    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
  9. £1 Entry for Kids

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Margate

    An immersive experience by the UK's best known hobby brands - Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Corgi and Pocher

    Dates

    From:
    29 May 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
  10. Great Eggcase and Scavenger Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Margate

    Look for clues of marine life from our seas along the shore plus marine art

    Dates

    From:
    26 May 2026Open 14:00 - 15:30
  11. Nature Tots Sevenoaks (Apr/May - Monday morning)

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks

    About the event
    Nature Tots is based on Forest School, specifically for pre-school age children. It's a wonderful opportunity for little ones to explore, discover and learn from nature and gain a sense of achievement from a variety of nature, art…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Apr 2026to18 May 2026Open 09:40 - 11:50
  12. 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.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  13. Star Wars Day

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Station Road, Tenterden

    "May the Fourth Be With You"

    Bank Holiday Monday • 4th May 2026

    Join us aboard the EWOK EXPRESS for an out-of-this-world Star Wars adventure!

    ⭐ Highlights & Activities

    Duelling Area – Are you Red or Blue Lightsaber?

    Onboard Activity Booklet –…

    Dates

    From:
    4 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chatham

    Experience the ocean like never before at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as it hosts the UK debut of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition.

    Showcasing 116 award-winning photographs, this inspiring exhibition brings together the very best in…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. Family Activity: Story Time at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Sevenoaks

    Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story 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…

    Dates

    From:
    6 May 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
  16. Coastbuster 10 Mile & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Ramsgate

    Each year, the Coastbuster 10 Mile & 10k has attracted more runners - and for good reason. You'll enjoy glorious coastal views and feel the buzz of fantastic local support. Whether you're a beginner or experienced runner, both the 10 mile and 10k…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026
  17. Nature Tots

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone

    Nature Tots is based on Forest School, specifically for pre-school age children. It's a wonderful opportunity for little ones to explore, discover and learn from nature and gain a sense of achievement from a variety of nature, art and craft-based…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Apr 2026to19 May 2026Open 09:40 - 11:50
  18. 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
  19. 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:
    29 May 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    31 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
  20. Ramsgate Tunnels Local History Day

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Ramsgate

    The Ramsgate Tunnels are delighted to announce the return of our popular Local
    History Day on Saturday 16 May, from 10:00 to 16:00.

    This free, one-day event will feature displays from local museums and heritage sites
    across Thanet and East Kent,…

    Dates

    From:
    16 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00