Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta this July

Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

4 - 5 July 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: 131

, 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. 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
  4. Sittingbourne 10 Mile & 10k Road Race

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Sittingbourne

    Celebrating 40 years of Striding! Our much-loved 10 Mile & 10k road race is back - and this year is extra special as we mark 40 years of Sittingbourne Striders! Join us for a course that winds through beautiful countryside, rolling hills and all the…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 -
  5. Jousting at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Edenbridge

    This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat,…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to31 Aug 2026
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Chateau Musar Wine Dinner at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    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:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30
  9. 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
  10. Broadstairs Food Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Broadstairs

    Enjoy a vibrant 3 day celebration of local food and drink with passionate foodies, artisan producers, and top chefs. Set on the clifftop above Broadstairs Viking Bay

    Dates

    From:
    2 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. A Knight's Tale at Hever Castle - Summer Holidays

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  12. 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…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    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
  13. Apple Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Come and find out all about apples at our apple fair and pick your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards during this special weekend in 2026.

    We have apple tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, guided tractor tours,…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. Wine Making Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. 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
  16. Guided Walk: Summer Birds

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks

    Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is home to many bird species during the early summer months; 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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  17. Surrey Sculpture Society at Riverhill Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks

    Dates

    From:
    12 May 2026to27 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  18. 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
  19. Much A Do About Nothing

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Faversham

    Shakespeare’s famous romcom gets a gothic makeover at Belmont House and Gardens in Kent this summer.

    Glitz, glamour and scandal hit Messina in Changeling’s revival of Much Ado About Nothing. 

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:00
  20. Autumn Craft Fair at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 09:30 - 17:30