Maidstone, Kent
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 113
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Sporting Events
Faversham
Described by RunABC as an 'absolute gem', this beautiful 10k course takes runners along the quiet contry lanes around the stunning estate at Mount Ephraim Gardens. The race has grown in notoriety and kudos in recent years, attracting both club…
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…
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…
Festival
Maidstone
Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Join us this summer for some fun, food, and fire. Get outdoors and cook over the fire with Wild Classroom, using the very best local, seasonal, and foraged foods. This two-hour workshop will include a tour of Brogdale Collections stunning Heritage…
Sporting Events
East Peckham
This beautiful summer race offers a pacey, fast and flat 10k and 5k through the quiet lanes around East Peckham - a genuine pb event not to be missed! Delivered by the Paddock Wood & District Lions Club, this well-marshalled race will, once again,…
Show / Display
Maidstone
Back by demand, the immensely popular classic cars show, Motors by the Moat returns to Leeds Castle this August.
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…
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.
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…
Childrens Events
Chatham
Calling all explorers! This summer, The Historic Dockyard Chatham has teamed up with legendary wildlife expert and adventurer, Steve Backshall, for an extraordinary journey beneath the waves. Explore the planet's coolest underwater habitats and…
Guided Walk
Cobham
Discover the historic village of Cobham in Kent with a guided walk. Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to Cobham, it is home to the stunning Cobham Hall once the home of Lord Darnley.
Childrens Events
Faversham
Join Wild Classroom at Belmont this summer for a special workshop showcasing the very best of our kitchen garden.
Over the past five years, our family workshops have produced some truly delicious dishes, and this year we're bringing back a few of…
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.
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!
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…
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…
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…
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…
Heritage & History
Birchington, Birchington
Dig into history this summer as we join in with the annual Festival of Archaeology with family activities, expert talks and fascinating local discoveries.
Excavate in our big dig pit, follow our archaeology passport trail through the museum, test…
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