Operation Dynamo, The Little Ships Come Home | 22nd - 25th May 26, Ramsgate

Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate

22nd - 25th May 26, The Little Ships Come Home

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: 127

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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
  2. Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026
  3. Sunset Tour, Tasting and Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Staplehurst, Tonbridge

    Join the Balfour Winery team for a Sunset Tour, Tasting & Dinner. Begin with a guided tour of this 400-acre Kent vineyard, apple orchards and ancient woodlands, as the light softens into that flattering golden-hour glow.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    16 Apr 2026to26 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  4. Falconry on the lawn

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Faversham

    Come along to see Joe flying a variety of birds on the front lawn, you will be in for a real treat.

    From seeing Hopper, their vulture, soar above the parkland, to delving into the depths of their intelligent Caracaras from the Falkland Islands, or…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 12:30 - 14:30
  5. Kids' Apple Juicing Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    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!

    Dates

    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    26 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  6. Deal Music and Arts Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Deal

    Enjoy this year's annual Deal Music and Arts Festival, which takes over the town of Deal in Kent for ten days this July.

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026to12 July 2026
  7. 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:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  8. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026
  9. Maidstone Improv Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Market Buildings, Maidstone

    Four days of live, unscripted comedy descend on Maidstone. Workshops, shows, late-night jams — all of it made up on the spot, none of it to be missed.
    The festival brings together local groups, visiting professional companies, and world-class…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    18 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 17:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  10. Motors by the Moat at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Maidstone

    Back by demand, the immensely popular classic cars show, Motors by the Moat returns to Leeds Castle this August.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  11. Military Odyssey

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Detling, Maidstone

    Packed full of living history displays bringing 2000 years of history into one place - The Military Odyssey is a three-day multi period living history event held on the August Bank Holiday weekend at the Kent Event Centre in Maidstone.  

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
  12. Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Join us this summer for some fun, food, and fire. Get outdoors and cook over the fire with Wild Classroom, using the very best local, seasonal, and foraged foods. This two-hour workshop will include a tour of Brogdale Collections stunning Heritage…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Aug 2026to19 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  13. 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
  14. A Knight's Tale at Hever Castle - Summer Holidays

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Edenbridge

    Step into the world of knights, legends and medieval adventure at Hever Castle from 22 July to 31 August 2026. Celebrating 40 years of jousting, the Castle's summer holiday programme offers one of Kent's most exciting family days out, packed with…

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  15. 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
  16. The Making of Marlowe: Poet, Playwright, Provocateur

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Canterbury

    Visit the exhibition to discover artefacts, historical documents and interactive displays that bring to the life the story of Canterbury's notorious poet, playwright, and provocateur!

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 17:00
  17. Cider Making Course

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    9 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    23 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  18. 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:
    4 July 2026Open 14:00 - 18:30
    From:
    5 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    12 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    18 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    26 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    1 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    2 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    23 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    6 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  19. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks

    About the event
    Our award winning Holiday Club will be returning to Oak Lodge, Sevenoaks, this summer!

    Immerse your child in nature
    Our Wilder Holiday Club offers days crammed full of activities designed to inspire and develop your child's love of…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  20. Howletts Cheetah 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury

    Take part in a truly unique 5K at Howletts Wild Animal Park and support The Aspinall Foundation in their vital conservation work. This year's race edition will be celebrating and supporting the rewilding of Edie, the South African cheetah. Race…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026