Sandwich Festival 2026

Sandwich Festival

28 - 31 August 2026

What's On in Kent

Share this with

x

  • Accommodation Search

  • Things to Do Search

  • What's On Search

  • Food & Drink Search

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

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 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: 106

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Summer Holiday Adventures at Go Ape Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Maidstone

    Searching for things to do in Kent and Maidstone this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Leeds Castle for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other. The perfect family day out with every visit to Go…

    Venue

    Go Ape Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026to1 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Folkestone

    This accurately-measured course starts outside The Grand on The Leas, passes through the coastal park before and an out and back to Hythe. The event has fantastic support from local community groups and has a friendly race day vibe. If you are new…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026
  3. Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Nature Mandala

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sevenoaks

    Enjoy a mindful walk collecting items to create a nature mandala offering a relaxed and creative way to connect to nature this autumn.

    Take time to slow down and walk mindfully on the beautiful Sevenoaks nature reserve soaking up the colours of…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  4. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Brett Lydd Half Marathon & 20 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd

    This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    4 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 14:30
  10. 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:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Deal Food and Drink Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Deal

    The event will feature a street food court, grocery and craft stalls, beach bar, live music stage, children’s entertainment and stand-up comedy. There will be plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
  14. Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Maidstone

    Experience this historic estate transformed into a breath-taking winter wonderland as the Leeds Castle Christmas Lights trail returns from the 20th November - 3rd January 2027 to the Kent countryside.  Enjoy exhilarating Water Fountains, the…

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027Open 16:30 - 20:00
  15. Summer Holiday Adventures at Go Ape Bedgebury

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Cranbrook

    Stop scrolling Go Ape! On a staycation in Kent and searching for nearby activities? We've got you covered, right in the heart of the stunning Bedgebury National Pinetum. Go Ape is one of the best outdoor activities in the area.

    Venue

    Go Ape Bedgebury, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026to1 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  16. 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
  17. Family Fun Day in Kent and Heli Hike

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Aylesford

    Support Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex by signing up for Heli Hike in Kent. Grab your friends, family, and even the dog, and embark on a hike through stunning countryside.
    This isn't just a walk – it's  your next adventure. Choose from our…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  18. Wine Tasting Masterclass at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Tonbridge

    Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  19. A Truly Magical Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Step into the magic of Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre and make memories to treasure all season long!

    Meet Father Christmas and his cheerful team of elves
    Our festive celebrations on the farm, begin on Saturday 28th November and run every…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  20. 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