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
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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…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks
Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story or two 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…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Our first ever Pear Weekend! There are so many amazing varieties of pears and we can't wait to tell you about them! Enjoy picking your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards, fruit tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection,…
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…
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside, pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle for one of the most picturesque family days out in Kent this autumn.
The Castle is arguably at its most…
Antiques
Deal
Annual vintage and antiques market on Deal High Street.
Childrens Events
Tenterden
This October half term, join us at Kent and East Sussex Railway on a spellbinding steam train adventure bursting with Halloween fun for little witches, wizards, and magical mischief-makers.
Walking
Meopham
Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature with a structured walk designed to support physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection. Heather provides a safe welcoming environment for adults, walks will be gentle with time for reflection…
Sporting Events
Lamberhurst
Whilst the mornings are still crisp and cold, come and celebrate your New Year beside the water at Bewl. With a clean slate and renewed energy for the year ahead, enjoy striking out along the Bewl Water trail, winding between the trees and taking in…
Sporting Events
Sholden
Come and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and superb racing combined in one very special event as you take on this fast and flat two lap, traffic-free course within Betteshanger Country Park. There will be plenty of festive cheer to help you on your…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Tenterden
On 5th & 6th September, the Kent and East Sussex Railway will be celebrating our hop picking history, artisan crafts, countryside activities and championing local businesses.
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!
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.
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
Sittingbourne
The Oliver Fisher 10k & 5k returns to our racing calendars on Sunday 09 May 2027 to help raise valuable funds for this wonderful charity. The race continues to boast a delightful off-road route with wonderful views and starting at Milton Creek…
Christmas
Tenterden
Santa Specials with the Kent and East Sussex Railway - we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!
Arts
Edenbridge
Head to Hever Castle in September for a contemporary autumn craft fair organised by Craft In Focus. Over the four days you will be able to purchase direct from over 180 of the UK's finest professional craft makers and artists at this craft fair…
Heritage & History
The National Heritage Open Days happen all across South East England including in Maidstone, Kent
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