Balfour Winery, 13 November 26
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.
Have you visited the newly refurbished Lower Leas Coastal Park playground yet? It has recently opened and is now 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. If you love firework displays the Folkestone's Alcaline Football Stadium will be lighting up the sky with its annual display (1 November). Along the coast in Dover you'll find Woodland Trail and Pumpkin Patch (24 October - 1 November) and Ghostly tales at Samphire Hoe (28 October) (F) to keep everyone entertained. Christmas celebrations kick off in Deal (21 November) (F), Sandwich (28 November) (F), and Dover (5 December) (F).
This October half term Monsters are taking over Maidstone with six giant inflatable installations and 16 creative characters to find as part of a free family-friendly trail (25 - 31 October) (F), or you can head up into the trees after dark with the Go Ape Sundown Adventures at Leeds Castle (16 October - 8 November). While in Ashford, its Farmyard Frights and Trick or Treat Delights (24 October - 1 November) or in Tonbridge Christmas Shopping Night at Balfour Winery (26 November).
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Scroll down to discover upcoming events across Kent, or use the search filters to find something near you. Explore our snapshot of events this autumn and winter, from free family-friendly outdoor trails to firework displays, creative workshops and seasonal events. Kent offers events and experiences throughout the year in its castles and vineyards, along its coastline and within its family attractions, 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.
Yes. Known as the Gateway to England, Kent is easily accessible from London by both road and rail. High-speed trains from London St Pancras International connect with Ashford, Canterbury and the Kent coast, while services from London Victoria, Charing Cross, London Bridge and Cannon Street make it easy to visit destinations such as Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Dover and Folkestone. Whether you're planning a day by the sea, a countryside escape or a visit to one of Kent's many events, much of the county can be reached in around an hour from central London.
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: 79
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…
Christmas
Dover
Enjoy a festive day out in Dover and get together with friends and family and celebrate the start of the Christmas season at this years Maison Dieu Christmas market.
Christmas
Dover
Celebrate the festive season at the Solton Manor Christmas Market in East Langdon near Dover. Featuring more than 30 independent local traders, festive refreshments, free entry and fundraising for Kent Wildlife Trust, this charming Christmas market…
Christmas
Tenterden
Santa Specials with the Kent and East Sussex Railway - we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!
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
Hawkhurst, Cranbrook
Water Lane Walled Garden welcomes you this November for three days of Christmas shopping, seasonal food and festive atmosphere, set amongst our historic walled garden and Victorian glasshouses.
From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, the Christmas…
Childrens Events
Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks
Help look after our feathered friends this Christmas by making a Christmas wreath covered with lots of treats that will help birds through the cold winter period.
New Year
Tenterden
Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.
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…
Fireworks
Maidstone
Experience the largest and most spectacular fireworks display in South East England, returning in 2026!
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.
Christmas
Folkestone
Returning for its sixth year, Folkestone Harbour Arm Christmas Market brings festive cheer to the Kent coast.
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…
Arts
Hollingbourne, Maidstone
Paint your own masterpiece in Kent
Fireworks
Broadstairs
Head down to Viking Bay in Broadstairs to enjoy a fabulous firework display to see the sky above Broadstairs' Viking Bay come alive with colour on Thursday 5th of November
Sporting Events
Ashford
A Friday evening race event with a heart-warming community vibe that all the family can enjoy. This race takes advantage of the lighter summer evenings and provides a spellbinding route through the pretty Kent village of Charing.
Carnival
Sandwich
This Christmas head to Sandwich in Kent for the start of the festive season, with the town centre light parade and Christmas light switch on
Christmas
Gravesend
This spectacular day of FREE live music, street entertainment and holiday cheer is the perfect way to welcome the countdown to Christmas in Gravesend. Kickstart your Christmas shopping and grab a festive treat from a local café. Hop on-board the…
Special Events
Greenhithe
Discover the secrets to flawless, feel-good beauty at Clarins Beauty School. The beauty experts at John Lewis Bluewater will guide you through personalised techniques, pro tips, and effortless routines to enhance your natural glow – whatever your…
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