Sandwich Festival 2026

Sandwich Festival

28 - 31 August 2026

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: 142

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Wild Classroom: Best of Belmont Children's Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Join Wild Classroom at Belmont this summer for a special workshop showcasing the very best of our kitchen garden.

    Over the past five years, our family workshops have produced some truly delicious dishes, and this year we're bringing back a few of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  2. Maidstone River Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Maidstone

    This free community festival for all ages that celebrates the River Medway and its historical importance in the development of Maidstone as the county town.

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026Open 10:00 - 22:00
  3. 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
  4. Summer of Fun - Kids Travel Free!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    Make the most of summer with family-friendly days out at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Kent. With heritage train rides, interactive adventures, creative workshops and activities for all ages, it’s one of the best things to do in Kent during the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. Wild Classroom: Best of Belmont Children's Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Join Wild Classroom at Belmont this summer for a special workshop showcasing the very best of our kitchen garden.

    Over the past five years, our family workshops have produced some truly delicious dishes, and this year we're bringing back a few of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  6. 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
  7. Family Activity: Kestrel Pellet Workshop at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks

    Have a go at dissecting a Kestrel pellet, learn about Kent's birds of prey, and see what your discoveries teach us about local populations.

    Join us for an exciting kestrel pellet dissection workshop, where we delve into locally collected pellets to…

    Dates

    From:
    27 July 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  8. In Turner's Wake: Contemporary Visions by Jake Wood-Evans

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chatham

    For the first time, original works by J.M.W. Turner will be displayed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham alongside the evocative paintings of Jake Wood-Evans. This major new exhibition bridges the gap between the 19th century and the contemporary art…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026to15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  9. 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
  10. Ramsgate Week

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026to24 July 2026
  11. Yoga in the Vines at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Tonbridge

    Set across The Balfour Winery 400-acre estate, this gentle vinyasa flow session is designed to stretch the body, steady the breath, and quieten everything else for a while.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:45
    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:45
  12. Motors by the Moat at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Maidstone

    Back by demand, the immensely popular classic cars show, Motors by the Moat returns to Leeds Castle this August.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Edenbridge

    The Festival Theatre events run throughout the year in our gorgeous locations at: Hever Castle – including our flagship stunning theatre re-built in 2024, Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place & Gardens.

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00
  14. Plum weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Come and find out all about wonderful plums. We have fruit tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, plum displays and free kids' orchard crafts and more! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn about plums and gages and…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. 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:
    26 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  16. World Cup Dinner Series at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Tonbridge

    Celebrate the spirit of international football with an unforgettable evening of food, flavour, and friendly rivalry. Join the team at Balfour Winery in Kent for a specially curated three-course dinner, inspired by the nations England face in the…

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    23 June 2026Open 19:00 -
    From:
    27 June 2026Open 19:00 -
  17. Bison Ranger Experiences: A Morning at West Blean

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sturry

    The Bison Ranger Experience at West Blean & Thornden Woods in Kent offers a unique behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter with the Wilder Blean bison project. Guided by expert rangers, visitors can learn about rewilding, track free-roaming European…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    30 July 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    7 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    26 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  18. Fathers Day Vintage Car Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    Gravesend

    Father's Day at Silverhand Estate | Classic Cars, Fine Wine & Family Time
    Make this Father's Day one to remember at Silverhand Estate, a relaxed, feel-good day out filled with great food, exceptional wine, and a touch of vintage charm.
    Whether you…

    Venue

    Silverhand Estate, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  19. Lavender Distillation Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Faversham

    Join local herbalist Mandy Rickard for a hands-on Distillation Workshop and discover the art of turning lavender into essential oil and hydrosol. During this workshop, you will learn how to harvest lavender, carefully bud the flowers from the stems…

    Dates

    From:
    2 July 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  20. 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