Try at tree top adventure with Go Ape at Leeds Castle

Go Ape at Leeds Castle

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.

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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: 120

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Steam into the New Year

    Type

    Type:

    New Year

    Tenterden

    Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027
  2. Linocut Printing Workshop: The Summer Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Faversham

    Step into the peaceful surroundings of Belmont House and take time to be inspired by the seasonal beauty for this linocut workshop.

    Your tutor, Rachel, will guide you through the linocut process with a live demonstration, followed by a walkthrough…

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026Open 10:00 - 13:30
  3. Sheltered Lake Paddleboarding in Kent

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Romney Marsh

    Paddleboarding is a great fun activity for all the family (and dogs are welcome too). Head along to Lydd in Kent and try the Action Watersports paddleboarding experience package which includes tuition before you head out onto the water, handy tips…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    5 May 2026to30 June 2026
  4. Summer Pruning

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    This half day summer pruning course takes place at Bradbourne House this year as we are giving our trees a break from summer pruning. The course will introduce you to pruning apple trees and cover basic techniques and methods to start you pruning at…

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
  5. Nature Tots

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone

    Nature Tots is based on Forest School, specifically for pre-school age children. It's a wonderful opportunity for little ones to explore, discover and learn from nature and gain a sense of achievement from a variety of nature, art and craft-based…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Apr 2026to19 May 2026Open 09:40 - 11:50
  6. Guided Walk: Spring Birds

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sevenoaks

    Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is home to many bird species during the spring; 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 during the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 May 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  7. Curious About Canterbury

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Sun Street, Canterbury

    Curious About Canterbury takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2027Open 09:00 - 16:00
  8. Home Education Stand Up Paddleboard Course

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Whether your child is a first-timer or an experienced paddler, our 3-week Home Ed SUP Programme is the perfect way to get out on the water, have fun, and develop new skills. All while gaining the BSUPA Ready to Ride certification, a recognised SUP…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Apr 2026to14 May 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
    From:
    1 June 2026to15 June 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  9. Brogdale Cider Festival

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. 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
  11. Open Air Theatre: The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Faversham

    Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter's best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny.

    Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor's…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00
  12. Sausage And Cider Fest - Thanet

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Birchington

    Sausage & Cider Festival returns to Quex Park on Isle of Thanet, Kent for 2026. The line up includes Mumford and Sons, Food Fighters and Kasier Chiefs tribute acts, street food vendors and now up to 30 different ciders available on site!

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026
  13. Wilder Kent Experience: An Evening with the Nightingales

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Malthouse Lane, Ashford

    Enjoy special access to this woodland to experience the beautiful music of nightingales.

    The song of the nightingale is iconic, often considered to be the most beautiful that can be heard here in the UK. For many, hearing the first nightingale of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  14. Paintalong: Symphony of Feathers

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Faversham

    Paintbrush in one hand, cuppa in the other, relax and enjoy. This step by step session guides you through creating a beautiful wall ready painting on canvas. Although there will be plenty of instruction, you are more than welcome to go off-piste.…

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
  15. Pick-Your-Own Fruit Weekends

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  16. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks

    About the event
    Our award winning Holiday Club will be returning to Oak Lodge, Sevenoaks, this summer!

    Immerse your child in nature
    Our Wilder Holiday Club offers days crammed full of activities designed to inspire and develop your child's love of…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    12 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    13 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    19 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  17. Ashford Striders Charing 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Ashford

    A Friday evening race event with a heartwarming community vibe that all the family can enjoy. This race takes advantage of the lighter summer evenings and provides a spellbinding route through the pretty Kent village of Charing, exploring country…

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026
  18. May Half-Term

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Pembury

    If you are looking for an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend time with family this May half-term, we would love to welcome you to the Bluebell Café and animal farm at Aspens. From Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May, we will be offering a brand-new…

    Dates

    From:
    26 May 2026to29 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  19. Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Cyanotype Sun Prints at Tyland Barn

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sandling, Maidstone

    Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Cyanotype Sun Prints invites you to engage with the natural world in a mindful and creative way. Using simple tools, and nature as your inspiration, you'll feel the benefits of getting out into the great outdoors…

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  20. 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