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: 80

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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
  2. 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.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
  3. Margate Country Music Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Margate

    The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
  4. Family Event: Owl Pellet Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks

    Join us for an exciting owl pellet dissection workshop, where we delve into locally collected pellets to get a better understanding of what our Kentish owls have been eating.

    You will learn more about what owls to expect in our county, how to tell…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    17 Apr 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
  5. Screen Printing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Faversham

    Take inspiration from the award-winning gardens at Belmont and join us for a day of screen printing outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of the gardens.

    Your day begins with a garden tour led by our Head Gardener. As you explore the colours and…

    Dates

    From:
    18 May 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  6. Mount Ephraim 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Faversham

    Described by RunABC as an 'absolute gem', this beautiful 10k course takes runners along the quiet contry lanes around the stunning estate at Mount Ephraim Gardens. The race has grown in notoriety and kudos in recent years, attracting both club…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026
  7. 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
  8. Enchanted Easter at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Maidstone

    Enchanted Easter at Leeds Castle: The Crystal of Lost Spring

    As the warmth of spring approaches, the mythical creatures of Leeds Castle awaken from their winter slumber. Yet this year, an ominous shadow lingers. The Spring Crystal, holding the…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Apr 2026to19 Apr 2026
  9. 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
  10. Smugglers Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Smugglers Festival is a gathering on the last weekend of summer each year, on a beautiful woodland in East-Kent. It’s a small, intimate festival, rooted in community from the outset.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026
  11. Blossom Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Join us for guided blossom tours for the most stunning spring scenes at Brogdale Farm.

    The National Fruit Collection holds over 400 cherry varieties alone. Along with the cherry trees there will be plenty of other blossoming fruit trees to see…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2026to19 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  12. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Folkestone

    This event is an exhilarating, fast and flat race along the seafront. In recent years, we have included an elite wave to the race so that runners of all abilities can enjoy the wonderful race-day buzz of Folkestone Coastal. The chance of a fast time…

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026
  13. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in Hothfield Heathlands

    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 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  14. Family Event: Easter Fun

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sevenoaks

    Explore Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve with our Education Team during a fun family activity session. You'll take part in a craft activity, guided walk, and will enjoy some toasted treats around the campfire in the heart of this beautiful nature reserve…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    10 Apr 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
  15. Spring Activity Trail: Symbiosis at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sevenoaks

    Dive into some spectacular science this spring and learn about 'symbiosis': the ways that different species work together to survive.

    From Saturday 7th March, join us at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve for some spectacular science. Explore the beautiful…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Mar 2026to19 Apr 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
    From:
    9 Mar 2026to17 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  16. Call The Midwife Official Location Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Chatham

    f you're a fan of the hit series and you've been wondering where Call the Midwife is filmed, put yourself in the picture and explore where the real drama happens with a Call the Midwife Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Oct 2026
  17. Bath Bomb Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Join us for a fun, hands-on children's bath bomb workshop led by local Medical Herbalist Mandy Rickard.

    In this exciting workshop, children will create their very own fizzy, colourful and beautifully scented bath bombs from scratch. They will…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Apr 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  18. Walk with a Warden: Spring at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sevenoaks

    Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on a guided walk with the Reserve Warden.

    As the weather warms and the sun shines new life merges on the reserve with birds singing, buds breaking and bulbs blooming. This walk…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  19. 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
  20. Operation Dynamo, The Little Ships Come Home in 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Ramsgate

    Following the Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo in 2025, The Little Ships return to Ramsgate for a 4 day extravaganza including military vehicle displays, parades, workshops and more.

    Dates

    From:
    22 May 2026to25 May 2026