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.

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.

Images from around the county of Kent

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 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) whilst in October, the White Cliffs Walking Festival welcomes visitors for guided walks along the Kent coast and along King Charles III England's Coast Path (3 - 10 October). Further down the coast in Folkestone, the newly refurbished Lower Leas Coastal Park playground 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.

What’s on in the Kent countryside and towns

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.

Book a self catering cottage breakaway to Kent with Classic Cottages

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 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.

Images from around the Kent landscape  

Plan your visit to Kent

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.

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.

Are there family-friendly events in Kent?

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.

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: 95

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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
  2. Headcorn Southern Model Show

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Headcorn, Ashford

    This is a two day family event showing the very best displays of everything Remote Control. With air displays over the two days, a massive display of remote control trucks and boats with a man built lake. Hands on 'give it a go' experiences for many…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  3. Sunset Tour, Tasting and Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Staplehurst, Tonbridge

    Join the Balfour Winery team for a Sunset Tour, Tasting & Dinner. Begin with a guided tour of this 400-acre Kent vineyard, apple orchards and ancient woodlands, as the light softens into that flattering golden-hour glow.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    16 Apr 2026to26 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  4. Pups on SUPs

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?

    Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  5. Sandwich Christmas Parade & Town Centre Light Switch On

    Type

    Type:

    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

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 18:30
  6. Market Square Live

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Dover

    Head along to the Market Square this summer holidays for free entertainment in the heart of Dover town.
    Taking place on selected dates, this is a great way to enjoy the summer vibes.

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026to26 Sept 2026
  7. Foraging Walks

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    The walk will take a circular route around the Kent countryside where you will learn to identify the wide variety of edible plants and fungi available in the wild. The walk will end back at the pub, giving you the opportunity to stop for lunch,…

    Venue

    Brogdale Collections, Swale

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    11 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  8. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in the Blean

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  9. Dover Light Up Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Dover

    Head along to Pencester Gardens in Dover for the annual Winter Light Up Dover event on Saturday, 5th December. This festival brings light to the winter months and offers an enchanting range of activities for visitors and residents to enjoy. 

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 19:30
  10. Willow Weaving Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Brogdale Collections, Swale

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Clarins Beauty School event

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Nov 2026Open 17:30 - 19:30
  12. Curious About Rochester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    High Street, Rochester

    Rediscover Rochester with two lively treasure‑hunt walks packed with clues, surprises and “I’ve never noticed that!” moments.
    Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
  13. 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…

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026
  14. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    From:
    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  15. Coastbuster 10 Mile & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Ramsgate

    Each year, the Coastbuster 10 Mile & 10k has attracted more runners - and for good reason. You'll enjoy glorious coastal views and feel the buzz of fantastic local support. Whether you're a beginner or experienced runner, both the 10 mile and 10k…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026
  16. Wreath Making Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Enjoy a half-day Floristry course at Brogdale Collections Charity. Forage fresh foliage from all over Brogdale Farm, in the course you'll learn everything you need to know to make and take home your very own seasonal wreath – perfect to hang on your…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  17. 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
  18. Family Activity:Story time

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks

    Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story or two at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.

    Bring your toddlers to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on the first Wednesday of each month for a relaxed story telling session with Kent…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
  19. Bedgebury HM & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  20. Film Location Tours

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Medway Towns

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026to27 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30