Kent’s coast, countryside and characterful towns are set to shine in 2026, with fresh experiences, landmark anniversaries and vibrant cultural highlights unfolding across the Garden of England. From big moments in art and history to family‑friendly adventures, the year promises memorable days out in every corner of the county.
In Margate, Turner Contemporary marks its 15th anniversary, hosting a major new David Hockney installation that transforms the Sunley Window from 1st April – 1st November 2026. Along the coast in Folkestone, visitors can 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. It even answers the question many visitors ask — why is there a little house in the middle of the harbour? The family-friendly coastal seaside resorts such as Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate have events calendars geared for keeping kids entertained whether it's during the holidays or for a weekend break. Historic Dover, medieval Sandwich and traditional Deal provide destinations ideal for a seaside getaway, a walking holiday or a cultural break by the sea.
At Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, families can step into a storybook world with the brand‑new Room on the Broom adventure trail, complete with themed challenges, forest facts and a £4 activity pack to help young explorers follow Witch’s quest. Spring brings colour in abundance as Leeds Castle bursts into bloom, with a new self-guided daffodil walk from mid‑March to late April. In Sandwich, the 2nd May marks the 800‑year anniversary of the town’s mayors, celebrated with a historic procession, school‑created artworks, reenactments and exhibitions across this remarkable medieval Cinque Port. Whilst Maidstone, the event's capital of Kent, makes for an ideal base for festival goers, adventure weekenders or for exploring this beautiful county.
Kent is the perfect place for a short break or longer escape - start planning your 2026 adventure today, your Kent experience is waiting.
To find out what's on in Kent today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. 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.
Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Kent, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
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The guide below shows our calendar of events in Kent. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button or by scrolling through the events listing.

Number of results: 84
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
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,…
Heritage & History
Ramsgate
Following the Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo in 2025, The Little Ships return to Ramsgate for a 4 day extravaganza including military vehicle displays, parades, workshops and more.
Theatre
Station Road, Tenterden
Murder Mystery Evening
Step aboard for a thrilling night of intrigue and deception!
It's 1953 and a signalman has been found dead at Tenterden. DCI Thomas needs your help to uncover the truth before the killer escapes down the line.
As the train…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sevenoaks
Explore Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve with our Education Team during a fun family activity session. You'll take part in a craft activity, guided walk, and will enjoy some toasted treats around the campfire in the heart of this beautiful nature reserve…
Childrens Events
Faversham
Join us for a fun, hands-on children's bath bomb workshop led by local Medical Herbalist Mandy Rickard.
In this exciting workshop, children will create their very own fizzy, colourful and beautifully scented bath bombs from scratch. They will…
Gardens
Edenbridge
Spring arrives at Hever Castle with Dazzling Daffodils, a week-long celebration of one of the season's most uplifting flowers. With close to 120,000 daffodils and 250,000 trumpet blooms flowering across the grounds, visitors can enjoy a spectacular…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
For 3 days over Easter Brogdale Collections opens its beautiful orchards for visitors to enjoy a fun-filled Easter Trail, kids activities and food.
During the bank holiday Easter Weekend, families can take part in a trail through the orchards, have…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Hop on over to the Farm this Easter, from Friday 3rd April to Sunday 19th April, for fun filled activities the whole family will enjoy!
What's on Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April:
- Meet Noreen Carrots, Lavendar Lamb and Farrington T Fox
- See them…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Come and join us at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and discover what's living in the pond!
Come and have a go at pond dipping at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Kent Wildlife Trust's Education team will show you the best techniques for dipping, making…
Sporting Events
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, covering the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Ashford in Kent plus a short section on the Pilgrims Way. Both races carry UKA licences and are accurately…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, Sturry
Forest Bathing in the Blean: Finding Healing in Nature for Grief Support offers a gentle, grounding space for anyone navigating loss. This event is offered on a donation basis, as we understand that accessing support during times of grief can feel…
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…
Sporting Events
Sholden
Come and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and superb racing combined in one very special event as you take on this fast and flat two lap, traffic-free course within Betteshanger Country Park. There will be plenty of festive cheer to help you on your…
Festival
Maidstone
Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent
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…
Other
Faversham
Take inspiration from the award-winning gardens at Belmont and join us for a day of screen printing outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of the gardens.
Your day begins with a garden tour led by our Head Gardener. As you explore the colours and…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…
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…