Maidstone, Kent
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...
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
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.
Number of results: 66
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
Bugs, Boots and Backpacks at Hever Castle
14–22 February 2026 | Included with admission
Get hands-on with nature this February half-term! Children can build Bug Hotels, make clay bugs, and join the muddy Boot Parade at Hever Castle.
Explore the…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sturry
Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing- Shinrin Yoku.
These forest bathing events encourage you to take your experience in nature to a new level. Inspired by the…
Music
Maidstone
Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.
Other
Faversham
Discover the wonderful world of glass fusing. This session will give you a great introduction to working with glass. Included in the price is enough specialist fusing glass to make two 10cm coasters/light catchers, a 10 x 5cm hanger and a small 4 x…
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…
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,…
Childrens Events
Tenterden
KIDS GO FREE this Half Term!
Be a Nature Detective this February Half Term!
Climb aboard our Steam and Diesel-hauled trains at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoy a memorable family adventure through the stunning Rother Valley National…
Other
Faversham
Join us for a relaxed and inspiring workshop to design a lampshade to match your upholstery, curtains, wallpaper or any room theme.
Using a professional kit, you will make a 30cm Drum Lampshade from the covering of your choice, which can be used as…
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. It is the perfect opportunity to test your pace, hydration, and nutrition for…
Other
Faversham
Join Ellen Barton, Textile Artist, in a relaxed and enjoyable textile art workshop at the wonderful setting of Belmont House. A chance for you to put aside the stress of daily life, develop new skills and immerse yourself in the creative process…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…
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…
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
Enjoy a magical Easter at Hever Castle with The Great Dragon Egg Hunt, a family friendly adventure set within the historic Castle grounds. Children and their families are invited to take part in a daring quest to find dragon eggs hidden across the…
Other
Faversham
You'll begin the workshop in The Orangery, where your tutor, Rachel, will introduce you to the linocut process with a demonstration. Our Head Gardener will then talk through the foliage and flora she's carefully selected for the workshop.
Guiding…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, Sturry
Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of Forest Bathing- Shinrin Yoku.
These forest bathing events encourage you to take your experience in nature to a new level. Inspired by the…
Other
Faversham
Paintbrush in one hand, cuppa in the other, relax and enjoy. This step-by-step session guides you through creating a beautifully finished wall-ready painting on canvas. Although there will be plenty of instruction, you are more than welcome to go…
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…
Water Based Activities
Ramsgate
Ramsgate's Royal Harbour plays host to the Royal Temple Yacht Club's annual regatta, with a full programme of sailing and racing. It is recognised as an alternative to Cowes Week and traditionally attracts competitors from France, Holland, Belgium…
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…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Make this Mother's Day truly special with a memorable visit to the Rare Breeds Centre. On Sunday, 15th March 2026, we're delighted to offer one complimentary parent or carer day ticket for every group booking with at least one paid adult or child…
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