11 - 20 September 26
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.
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 playground 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 87
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
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…
Sporting Events
Lamberhurst
Whilst the mornings are still crisp and cold, come and celebrate your New Year beside the water at Bewl. With a clean slate and renewed energy for the year ahead, enjoy striking out along the Bewl Water trail, winding between the trees and taking in…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks
Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story or two at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Bring your toddlers to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on the first Wednesday of each month for a relaxed story telling session with Kent…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sturry
The Bison Ranger Experience at West Blean & Thornden Woods in Kent offers a unique behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter with the Wilder Blean bison project. Guided by expert rangers, visitors can learn about rewilding, track free-roaming European…
Water Based Activities
Lydd
Want to feel more confident on a paddleboard? The BSUPA Ready to Ride Course at Action Watersports, Kent is a practical two-hour session designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to enjoy paddleboarding safely and independently.
Childrens Events
Chatham Road, Sandling
Celebrate Halloween with us at Kent Wildlife Trust with an autumnal natural craft, a hot chocolate, and a toasted marshmallow around the campfire!
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…
Christmas
Maidstone
Wallace & Gromit are coming to Leeds Castle this Christmas, and where this lovable duo go, adventure is never far behind.
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.…
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.
Childrens Events
Tenterden
Join us for an evening of entertainment at Kent & East Sussex Railway from Drummers & a fire eater to a dazzling firework display at Northiam (subject to the weather)
Walking
White Cliffs Walking Festival returns this October to Kent, with a host of walks celebrating the opening of the King Charles III England's Coast Path.
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Treat your little ones to a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle this Halloween Half Term as Spooktacular Science takes over the grounds from 17 October to 1 November 2026.
Young visitors can embark on Hever's Mad Scientists Trail, wandering…
Heritage & History
Dover
The Grand Shaft is a unique triple helix staircase built during Napoleonic times and open on selected dates for free visits
Childrens Events
Sandling, Maidstone
Our award winning Holiday Club will be returning to Tyland Barn, Maidstone, this October half term!
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…
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…
Music
11 The Precincts, Canterbury
Join Canterbury Choral Society and the London Mozart Players for an evening of celebratory masterpieces in the beauty of Canterbury Cathedral Nave.
Handel Coronation Anthems:
The King Shall Rejoice and Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened…
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