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: 132

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Oliver Fisher 10k, 5k & Family Run

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2027Open 09:00 -
  5. Headcorn International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Pop Up Event

    Headcorn, Ashford

    Experience the excitement of the Headcorn International Airshow in Kent, where vintage warbirds and modern aircraft take to the skies over the historic Headcorn Aerodrome. With aerial displays, ground attractions and a lively atmosphere, it’s one of…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026to28 June 2026
  6. Christmas Carols at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Tunbridge Wells

    Join us for an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine with renown wine producer Chateau Musar and Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.
    Allow us to take you through a journey of delectable flavours, paired alongside the beautiful wines of Chateau Musar.…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  7. Hever in History

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  8. East Peckham 10k &5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    East Peckham

    This beautiful summer race offers a pacey, fast and flat 10k and 5k through the quiet lanes around East Peckham - a genuine pb event not to be missed! Delivered by the Paddock Wood & District Lions Club, this well-marshalled race will, once again,…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2026
  9. Romney Marsh 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    New Romney

    The Romney Marsh 10K is organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Romney Marsh Rotary Club. The course uses the flat tarmac country lanes around the pretty Kent town of New Romney. You won't be disappointed by the views as you explore this stunning…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026
  10. JAM on the Marsh 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Charing, Ashford

    From 8-12 July, setting the Romney Marsh ablaze, JAM on the Marsh 2026 brings an unmissable line-up including Alexander Armstrong performing the Roaring 20s, open-air Much Ado About Nothing with flamboyant Changeling Theatre and the outstanding…

    Dates

    From:
    8 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 17:00 - 18:00
  11. 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
  12. Heritage Open Days - Deal, Dover & Sandwich

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Deal, Dover and Sandwich

    The fantastic Heritage Open Days returns this September, with heritage sites, visitor attractions, and more being open for visitors to explore across Kent. This ten day celebration of history and culture offers visitors and residents alike the…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 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:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  14. Kids' Apple Juicing Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Come along to Brogdale during our apple harvesting season and walk through our orchards. Pick some apples from our special heritage orchards and have a go at making freshly pressed juice!

    Dates

    From:
    11 Aug 2026to12 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. Wassailing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    This ancient tradition is held to bless the orchards, ward off bad spirits, and encourage a bountiful apple and fruit harvest for the coming year. A wonderful and unique family experience.

    Our event will feature traditional Morris dancers, a…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Jan 2027Open 16:00 - 18:30
  16. 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
  17. Chiddingstone Castle Vintage Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Antiques

    Edenbridge, Edenbridge

    The Vintage Fair returns to Chiddingstone Castle for its Eleventh Anniversary and takes place on Sunday 28th June in the Castle grounds from 10.30am to 4.00pm.

    With an extensive array of fabulous French and English homewares, decorative vintage,…

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Pukka Putters at the Rare Breeds Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Pukka Putters is coming to the Rare Breeds Centre this August!
    Pukka Putters is the UK's only self-contained, walk in mini golf course built entirely inside a lorry! You don't just play mini golf you step into a themed jungle world on wheels!
    The…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Aug 2026to23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00