Visit Gravesham, Discover one of Kent's best kept secrets

Visit Gravesham

Discover one of Kent's best kept secrets

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: 135

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Open Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Sandling, Maidstone

    Join us for our annual open garden at the headquarters of Kent Wildlife Trust!

    Join us for our Open Garden at our head office, Tyland Barn Nature Park & Gardens. A fantastic and easy way to experience the wonders of our Kentish countryside. The…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  2. 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
  3. Dover Dinosaur Day

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Dover

    Keep your eye's peeled the dinosaurs are coming to Pencester Gardens in Dover. Dinosaurs will be visiting Dover and bringing some dino friends with them.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  4. Gravesend Regatta

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Gravesend

    Head to Gravesend in Kent this August to celebrate the 180th Gravesend Regatta!  Taking place on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August, this is one of only a few remaining traditional Regatta's.  

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to2 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
  5. 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:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  6. Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Cider Making Course

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    The cider-making day will start at Brogdale Farm with a history of cider-making in Kent. We will also cover the health and safety aspects of making cider. This is a great time for a bit of Q&A and to get your queries answered in the cider-making…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    9 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    23 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  10. Howletts Cheetah 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury

    Take part in a truly unique 5K at Howletts Wild Animal Park and support The Aspinall Foundation in their vital conservation work. This year's race edition will be celebrating and supporting the rewilding of Edie, the South African cheetah. Race…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026
  11. The Mushroom Show Outdoor Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 15:30
    From:
    1 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  12. 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
  13. Headcorn International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Pop Up Event

    Headcorn, Ashford

    Experience the excitement of the Headcorn International Airshow in Kent, where vintage warbirds and modern aircraft take to the skies over the historic Headcorn Aerodrome. With aerial displays, ground attractions and a lively atmosphere, it’s one of…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026to28 June 2026
  14. Stand Up Paddle Board BSUPA Ready to Ride Course

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Paddleboarding is easy to try, but even better when you know what you are doing. The BSUPA Ready to Ride Course at Action Watersports is a fun, confidence-building stand up paddleboarding course for beginners and improving paddlers.

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    6 July 2026Open 17:30 - 19:30
  15. Sandwich Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026
  16. The Paint Club painting party at Sarto Lounge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Sidcup

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    2 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  17. Tour & BBQ at Wildshark Vineyard

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Maidstone

    Experience a one to one and a half hour guided tour through the Wildshark Vineyard in Kent, followed by a seasonal BBQ cooked up by our chef in our Scandi-style watercress hut. During this guided walking tour of the vineyard where you’ll learn all…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026
    From:
    1 Aug 2026
    From:
    29 Aug 2026
    From:
    19 Sept 2026
    From:
    24 Oct 2026
  18. 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
  19. Wealden Times Midwinter Fair

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026to21 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:30
  20. Romney Marsh 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    New Romney

    The Romney Marsh 10K is organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Romney Marsh Rotary Club. The course uses the flat tarmac country lanes around the pretty Kent town of New Romney. You won't be disappointed by the views as you explore this stunning…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026