John Lewis Bluewater, Greenhithe, Kent
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: 105
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
With exciting woodland demonstrations taking place over the weekend at Belmont House and Gardens, including wood turning, horse logging, spoon carving, willow weaving, campfire cooking, pole lathe turning, as well as vintage tractors and a fantastic…
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…
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…
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Step back in time at Hever Castle this August bank holiday weekend and experience history brought to life. Across the grounds you will find fascinating living history encampments, with re-enactments ranging from the Middle Ages through to the 20th…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Enjoy a half-day Floristry course at Brogdale Collections Charity. Forage fresh foliage from all over Brogdale Farm, in the course you'll learn everything you need to know to make and take home your very own seasonal wreath – perfect to hang on your…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sturry
The Bison Ranger Experience at West Blean & Thornden Woods in Kent offers a unique behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter with the Wilder Blean bison project. Guided by expert rangers, visitors can learn about rewilding, track free-roaming European…
Christmas
Deal
Start your Kent Christmas celebrations with a visit to the family-friendly Deal Annual Christmas Lights Switch On.
Head along to Deal town centre on Saturday 21st November, from 5.30pm including music, performances, a visit from Father Christmas,…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
The walk will take a circular route around the Kent countryside where you will learn to identify the wide variety of edible plants and fungi available in the wild. The walk will end back at the pub, giving you the opportunity to stop for lunch,…
Free Event
Folkestone
Don't miss the chance to explore some of the fantastic heritage attractions, historic sites, church's and chapels in Folkestone, Dymchurch and Hythe during the annual Heritage Opens Days festival.
Childrens Events
Ashford
Farmyard Summer Fun 2026
Get ready for a summer packed with hands-on fun, family games and farm adventures at our biggest Farmyard Summer Fun event yet. Running from 20 July to 31 August 2026, there's something different to enjoy every day…
Fireworks
Maidstone
The biggest and best fireworks display in the South East of England returns for 2026 – the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular!
On the 7th and 8th November 2026, this incredibly popular event combines fireworks to make you 'oooh' and 'ahhh', and…
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…
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…
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
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…
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Treat your little ones to a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle this Halloween Half Term as Spooktacular Science takes over the grounds from 17 October to 1 November 2026.
Young visitors can embark on Hever's Mad Scientists Trail, wandering…
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.
Special Events
Aylesford
Support Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex by signing up for Heli Hike in Kent. Grab your friends, family, and even the dog, and embark on a hike through stunning countryside.
This isn't just a walk – it's your next adventure. Choose from our…
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