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Maidstone, Kent

What's On in Kent

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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.

What's on along the Kent Coast?

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. 

What's on in the Kent Countryside?

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.

What's on in Kent today?

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.  

What's on in Kent?

Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...

Staying overnight?

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

Kent events near me

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.

What's on and events in the county of Kent

Number of results:

Number of results: 93

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    Sandwhich

    Established in 2010, Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival is a multi-arts festival that highlights traditional and contemporary folk-life and folk arts, in a beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026to5 July 2026
  2. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in Hothfield Heathlands

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Cades Road, 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:
    24 May 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  3. Great Eggcase and Scavenger Hunt

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Margate

    Look for clues of marine life from our seas along the shore plus marine art

    Dates

    From:
    26 May 2026Open 14:00 - 15:30
  4. 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…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026
  5. Pacific Ashford 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Hawkhurst 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hawkhurst

    We are excited to announce the return of this fabulous community race for its sixth year. Working alongside Highgate Hawkhurst WI to support existing and new community projects, you can expect the usual delights: a free half pint in The Eight Bells…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  9. Screen Printing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Faversham

    Take inspiration from the award-winning gardens at Belmont and join us for a day of screen printing outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of the gardens.

    Your day begins with a garden tour led by our Head Gardener. As you explore the colours and…

    Dates

    From:
    18 May 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  10. Weekend Wellness: Summer Solstice Forest Bathing in Hothfield Heathlands

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Cades Road, 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:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  11. RSPCA Leybourne Family Fun Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Leybourne, West Malling

    Get ready for a fun-filled day with something for everyone. Live music to keep the good vibes going. Fun Dog Show – does your pup have the waggiest tail or best trick? Children's entertainer to keep little ones smiling. Fun fair rides & games. A…

    Dates

    From:
    16 May 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  12. The Maypole Project Chislehurst HM

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Chislehurst

    The parks and commons of Chislehurst have a rich history and the village is located in one of the leafiest wards of Greater London. Our aim is to combine the two to showcase that history and proffer fresh breath from the green lungs of Chislehurst…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026
  13. Mystical Magical May

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Step into a world of mystical magic this May Half Term at the Rare Breeds Centre, where a spellbinding adventure awaits the whole family. Enjoy a truly magical day out filled with enchanting moments, themed fun and unforgettable surprises around…

    Dates

    From:
    25 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. Curious About Canterbury

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Sun Street, Canterbury

    Have fun (re-)discovering Canterbury, 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. Curious About Canterbury visits not just the obvious places, but…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 09:00 - 16:00
  15. Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Cranbrook

    Wealden Times Midsummer Fair 
Hole Park - Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th June
 - Our much‑loved summer celebration returns to the glorious gardens of Hole Park with over 220 stallholders showcasing fashion, homeware, artisan food, jewellery and more…

    Dates

    From:
    11 June 2026to13 June 2026Open 09:00 - 16:30
  16. Operation Dynamo, The Little Ships Come Home in 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Ramsgate

    Following the Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo in 2025, The Little Ships return to Ramsgate for a 4 day extravaganza including military vehicle displays, parades, workshops and more.

    Dates

    From:
    22 May 2026to25 May 2026
  17. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026
  18. Guided Walk: Summer Birds

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks

    Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is home to many bird species during the early summer months; spend some time observing them on this guided walk.

    Join us for a guided walk of Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, taking some time to observe the birds found there…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  19. £1 Entry for Kids

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Margate

    An immersive experience by the UK's best known hobby brands - Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix, Corgi and Pocher

    Dates

    From:
    29 May 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
  20. Margate Country Music Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Margate

    The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026