Discover one of Kent's best kept secrets
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.
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 Deal Food and Drinks Festival will be taking over Marine Road with live music, a street food court and beach bar marquee - which is free to visit (26 August - 31 August). Whilst along the coast in Dover, Market Square hosts a programme of free live entertainment on selected dates throughout summer (Until Saturday 26th September).
If you've ever wanted to explore beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, the Grand Shaft Open Day offers a rare opportunity to discover this amazing example of Napoleonic engineering (20 September). Further down the coast in Folkestone, the newly refurbished Lower Leas Coastal Park has just opened as 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.
Heritage Open Days offer visitors to Kent the chance to discover some of the county's rich history and heritage for free (11 September - 20 September). Whether you're visiting Maidstone, Dover, Deal or Sandwich, Folkestone, Hythe or Dymchurch, this ten-day event offers will allow you to discover some fascinating facts, stories and places that you might not have visited before. From 29 August - 4 October, explore the stunning grounds of Leeds Castle near Maidstone, with its Wellbeing themed sculpture trail, showcasing the connection between art, nature and wellness. Perfect for families, art lovers and visitors wanting to spend time in the great outdoors.
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 and autumn, from military festivals and food experiences to seasonal harvest time events and craft fairs. From castles and vineyards to coastal festivals and family attractions, Kent offers events and experiences throughout the year, 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.
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: 104
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Arts
Maidstone
Experience the enchanting Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle from Saturday 29th August to Saturday 4th October 2024, offering families a unique adventure through our magnificent grounds and gardens.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sevenoaks
Enjoy a mindful walk collecting items to create a nature mandala offering a relaxed and creative way to connect to nature this autumn.
Take time to slow down and walk mindfully on the beautiful Sevenoaks nature reserve soaking up the colours of…
Food
Deal
The event will feature a street food court, grocery and craft stalls, beach bar, live music stage, children’s entertainment and stand-up comedy. There will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Childrens Events
Chatham
Calling all explorers! This summer, The Historic Dockyard Chatham has teamed up with legendary wildlife expert and adventurer, Steve Backshall, for an extraordinary journey beneath the waves. Explore the planet's coolest underwater habitats and…
Theatre
Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst
Award winning Scratchworks Theatre Company brings together science, music and interactive fun for the whole family in this outdoor theatre performance. The Mushroom Show has toured all-round the UK and we can't wait to experience it at Bedgebury in…
Sporting Events
Lamberhurst
Whilst the mornings are still crisp and cold, come and celebrate your New Year beside the water at Bewl. With a clean slate and renewed energy for the year ahead, enjoy striking out along the Bewl Water trail, winding between the trees and taking in…
Festival
Faversham
Enjoy local ciders, live music and family fun. Take advantage of the FREE shuttle bus to and from Faversham station. Savour the summer while you sample locally produced cider from Kent producers and listen to a great mix of music and bands in our…
Shopping
Tonbridge
Wealden Times Midwinter Fair The Hop Farm - Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st November - Get ahead of Christmas with three magical days of festive shopping, abundant gifts, seasonal treats and handcrafted treasures in heated marquees.
Special Events
Aylesford
Support Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex by signing up for Heli Hike in Kent. Grab your friends, family, and even the dog, and embark on a hike through stunning countryside.
This isn't just a walk – it's your next adventure. Choose from our…
Summer
Sevenoaks
Follow a loop around the lower level of Riverhill Himalayan Gardens and marvel at over 60 sculptures in an array of mediums. Open Wednesdays to Sundays and included in the standard garden admission tickets, the trail works in perfect harmony with…
Tour
Chatham
Think you know The Historic Dockyard Chatham? Think again. The Film Location Walking Tour lifts the lid on the secrets of the screen.
This tour offers a rare opportunity to find out how a world-famous pop star could have caused a riot, or how a…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Pick your own fruit in Kent at our PYO Fruit Weekends! Enjoy a fun day out picking unusual varieties of cherries, plums, gages, apples and pears straight from the Brogdale Collections orchards. We have 100s of different varieties that are not…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Step into the magic of Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre and make memories to treasure all season long!
Meet Father Christmas and his cheerful team of elves
Our festive celebrations on the farm, begin on Saturday 28th November and run every…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cranbrook
Stop scrolling Go Ape! On a staycation in Kent and searching for nearby activities? We've got you covered, right in the heart of the stunning Bedgebury National Pinetum. Go Ape is one of the best outdoor activities in the area.
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Step into the world of knights, legends and medieval adventure at Hever Castle from 22 July to 31 August 2026. Celebrating 40 years of jousting, the Castle's summer holiday programme offers one of Kent's most exciting family days out, packed with…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
With exciting woodland demonstrations taking place over the weekend at Belmont House and Gardens, including wood turning, horse logging, spoon carving, willow weaving, campfire cooking, pole lathe turning, as well as vintage tractors and a fantastic…
Indoor
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.
Arts
Edenbridge
Head to Hever Castle in September for a contemporary autumn craft fair organised by Craft In Focus. Over the four days you will be able to purchase direct from over 180 of the UK's finest professional craft makers and artists at this craft fair…
Sporting Events
Folkestone
This accurately-measured course starts outside The Grand on The Leas, passes through the coastal park before and an out and back to Hythe. The event has fantastic support from local community groups and has a friendly race day vibe. If you are new…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Spend the day discovering how to make your own delicious hedgerow wine from foraged fruits and berries. Learn to make hedgerow wine to enjoy year after year. The course includes ingredients plus 2 demijohns, 2 bungs and air locks, a bucket and 2…
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