Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta this July

Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

4 - 5 July 2026

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

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Number of results: 115

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  1. 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
  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. 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
  4. Brett Lydd Half Marathon & 20 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd

    This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    4 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 14:30
  5. Wreath Making Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
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    4 Sept 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
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    25 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
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    25 Sept 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
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    27 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
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    27 Nov 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
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    4 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  6. Babyshambles 'What Did I Dream?' at Dreamland, Margate

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Margate

    Babyshambles are getting together for a massive summer show on the Kent coast, with very special guests Big Special, Warmduscher, GANS and Pregoblin.

    Set within the grounds of Dreamland, Margate, the show places live music inside one of Britain's…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 23:00
  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. Apple Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Come and find out all about apples at our apple fair and pick your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards during this special weekend in 2026.

    We have apple tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, guided tractor tours,…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  9. Sandwich Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026
  10. Jousting at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    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 one-to-one combat,…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to31 Aug 2026
  11. Headcorn Southern Model Show

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Headcorn, Ashford

    This is a two day family event showing the very best displays of everything Remote Control. With air displays over the two days, a massive display of remote control trucks and boats with a man built lake. Hands on 'give it a go' experiences for many…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  12. Lydd 20 Mile & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd, Romney Marsh

    This long-established and highly coveted 20 mile and half marathon event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. Runners of all standards are welcome to join this running…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2027Open 09:00 -
  13. 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
  14. Willow Weaving Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Our one day willow weaving courses introduce you to the traditional craft of working with willow & basket weaving. Get hands on practice and learn the skills you need to work with willow and make baskets. Perfect for those new to traditional willow…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    18 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    6 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. Wellness Walks with Heather Lawson

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  16. 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
  17. Halloween Half Term Fun at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
  18. Guided Wine Tasting - Silverhand Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Gravesend

    Discover English wine at Silverhand Estate in Kent with a guided tasting experience featuring a selection of still and sparkling wines. Set within a historic vineyard, this experience combines expert guidance, award-winning wines and insights into…

    Venue

    Silverhand Estate, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 13:00 - 17:45
  19. 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
  20. Open Air Theatre: The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Faversham

    Quantum Theatre are back at Belmont House and Gardens with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter's best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00