Discover what's on in Kent including the annual classical music concert at Leeds Castle in Maidstone, with spectacular fireworks display.

Music Concert at Leeds Castle

11 July 26

What's On in Kent

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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.

Kents 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 summer below

What's on along the Kent Coast

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 Children's Festival will be taking over Walmer Green on 4 July with kite making and music workshops, kite flying and craft activities - all for free. Whilst along the coast in Dover, a new Dover Harbour Festival will fill the harbour, marina and waterfront with a mix of traditional regatta events and onshore family-friendly activities, plus award-winning food and drink. Taking place on the 4 - 5 July, it's the perfect time for a short break in Kent. Further down the coast in Folkestone, 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.

What’s on in the Kent countryside and towns

In Maidstone, the free River Festival celebrates the River Medway and all the businesses and activities that this supports.Taking place on the 25 July, the event includes the much-loved Raft Race along 650m of the river from High Level Bridge to Archbishops Palace, music from local bands, dance and a fireworks spectacular. Visiting at another time, you can still enjoy the River Medway with a boat trip on the Kentish Lady or head a little further out of town to Hollingbourne and enjoy a tour and tasting or Pizza Saturdays at Wildshark Vineyard, just a 15 minute drive away. Don't forget to pay a visit to Leeds Castle with its year-round event calendar there is plenty to see and do.

Events in Kent this summer

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, from coastal festivals and food experiences to family attractions and countryside events. 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 European travellers arriving in the UK by sea, so events celebrating culture, food, and music are never far away.  

Plan your visit to Kent

If you're planning to attend an event in Kent, find answers below to common questions to help you make the most of your visit?

Frequently asked questions about events in Kent

What’s on in Kent today or this weekend?

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.

How can I plan a short break around an event?

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.

What are the best things to do in Kent this weekend?

This weekend in Kent you can enjoy a wide range of things to do, including festivals, wine tasting, family-friendly events, garden tours or coastal experiences.  Browse the listings on this page or use the filters above to find something happening near you.

Kent events near me

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.
 
What's on and events in the county of Kent

Number of results:

Number of results: 118

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Summer Bandstand Concerts

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Folkestone

    The historic Leas Bandstand in Folkestone welcomes a series of summer bandstand concerts, ranging from tribute acts to brass bands, country and western to sea shanties. 

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    18 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    26 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    1 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    2 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    8 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    9 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    15 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    16 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    22 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    23 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
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    5 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    6 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    13 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    19 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  2. Wine Making Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Spend the day discovering how to make your own delicious hedgerow wine from foraged fruits and berries. Learn to make hedgerow wine to enjoy year after year. The course includes ingredients plus 2 demijohns, 2 bungs and air locks, a bucket and 2…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. Summer of Fun - Kids Travel Free!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    Make the most of summer with family-friendly days out at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Kent. With heritage train rides, interactive adventures, creative workshops and activities for all ages, it’s one of the best things to do in Kent during the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  4. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham Road, Maidstone

    Kent Wildlife Trust are the leading conservation charity in Kent and the experts when it comes to wildlife and outdoor learning. Join us this summer for our bespoke Holiday Club designed specifically for the next generation of nature lovers!

    About…

    Dates

    From:
    27 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    3 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    4 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    10 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    11 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    17 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    18 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    24 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    25 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  5. Wild Classroom: Best of Belmont Children's Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Join Wild Classroom at Belmont this summer for a special workshop showcasing the very best of our kitchen garden.

    Over the past five years, our family workshops have produced some truly delicious dishes, and this year we're bringing back a few of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  6. Jousting at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Edenbridge

    This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in a traditional form of…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  7. Beastie Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Meet giant insects – Bug hunt – Outdoor craft – Bring a picnic – Enjoy a day at Brogdale Farm.

    Come and join us for a day of mini-beastie fun! A day of exploring Brogdale and discovering fantastic bugs & mini beasts.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  8. East Peckham 10k &5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    East Peckham

    This beautiful summer race offers a pacey, fast and flat 10k and 5k through the quiet lanes around East Peckham - a genuine pb event not to be missed! Delivered by the Paddock Wood & District Lions Club, this well-marshalled race will, once again,…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2026
  9. Kids' Apple Juicing Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Come along to Brogdale during our apple harvesting season and walk through our orchards. Pick some apples from our special heritage orchards and have a go at making freshly pressed juice!

    Dates

    From:
    11 Aug 2026to12 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  10. Tonbridge Classic Car Show

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Tonbridge

    The Tonbridge Classic Car Show is back! Join us on Saturday 11th July 2026 at the stunning Tonbridge Castle for one of the town's favourite summer events.
    After last year's fantastic turnout, we're excited to bring you a show that's set to be even…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
  11. Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. 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.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
  13. Kent Wildlife Trust

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  14. 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
  15. Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Leaf Bashing (Hapa Zome)

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sevenoaks

    Engage with the natural world in a mindful and creative way at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. Embark a gentle walk to collect natural items to create vibrant leaf artwork using the beautiful technique of hapa zome!

    Weekend Wellness: Walk and Leaf…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  16. Wild Classroom: Best of Belmont Children's Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Join Wild Classroom at Belmont this summer for a special workshop showcasing the very best of our kitchen garden.

    Over the past five years, our family workshops have produced some truly delicious dishes, and this year we're bringing back a few of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  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. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -
  19. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in the Blean

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  20. Gravesend Regatta

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Gravesend

    Head to Gravesend in Kent this August to celebrate the 180th Gravesend Regatta!  Taking place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August, this is one of only a few remaining traditional Regatta's.  

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to2 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00