3 - 10 October 26
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
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Health & Wellbeing
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?
Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…
Christmas
Maidstone
Experience this historic estate transformed into a breath-taking winter wonderland as the Leeds Castle Christmas Lights trail returns from the 20th November - 3rd January 2027 to the Kent countryside. Enjoy exhilarating Water Fountains, the…
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…
Fireworks
Maidstone
Experience the largest and most spectacular fireworks display in South East England, returning in 2026!
Sporting Events
Ashford
This remarkable race sees runners take to the tarmac around the pretty country lanes surrounding Westwell and it's easy to see why this extraordinary 10k has captured the hearts of so many runners. From humble beginnings, the Pacific Ashford 10k has…
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.
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
The cider-making day will start at Brogdale Farm with a history of cider-making in Kent. We will also cover the health and safety aspects of making cider. This is a great time for a bit of Q&A and to get your queries answered in the cider-making…
Markets
Woodchurch, Ashford
There's something truly special about a Christmas gift market, the twinkling lights and the cheerful buzz of shoppers hunting for that perfect gift. But this year, why not swap the high street for something a little more enchanting? Head to the Rare…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Pick your own fruit in Kent at our PYO Fruit Weekends! Enjoy a fun day out picking unusual varieties of cherries, plums, gages, apples and pears straight from the Brogdale Collections orchards. We have 100s of different varieties that are not…
Christmas
Dover
Head along to Pencester Gardens in Dover for the annual Winter Light Up Dover event on Saturday, 5th December. This festival brings light to the winter months and offers an enchanting range of activities for visitors and residents to enjoy.
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…
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
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.
Halloween
Maidstone
Dare to spend an evening inside one of Maidstone's museum buildings? Join this rare opportunity to explore the museum's historic spaces in the company of expert ghost hunters.
Childrens Events
Faversham
Come along to Brogdale during our apple harvesting season and walk through our heritage orchards. Pick some apples from our special heritage orchards and have a go at making freshly pressed juice!
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.
Special Events
Greenhithe
Friday 25 September 11am -12pm at John lewis Bluewater, discover the 11 golden rules to help you achieve a better night's sleep.
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…
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