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Maidstone, Kent

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: 105

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Steve Backshall's Awesome Oceans Family Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Medway Towns

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  2. Lydd 20 Mile & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd, Romney Marsh

    This long-established and highly coveted 20 mile and half marathon event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. Runners of all standards are welcome to join this running…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2027Open 09:00 -
  3. Howletts Cheetah 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury

    Take part in a truly unique 5K at Howletts Wild Animal Park and support The Aspinall Foundation in their vital conservation work. This year's race edition will be celebrating and supporting the rewilding of Edie, the South African cheetah. Race…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026
  4. Guided Wine Tasting - Silverhand Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Gravesend

    Discover English wine at Silverhand Estate in Kent with a guided tasting experience featuring a selection of still and sparkling wines. Set within a historic vineyard, this experience combines expert guidance, award-winning wines and insights into…

    Venue

    Silverhand Estate, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 13:00 - 17:45
  5. Pups on SUPs

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  6. Halloween Half Term Fun at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
  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. 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
  9. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham Road, Maidstone

    Kent Wildlife Trust are the leading conservation charity in Kent and the experts when it comes to wildlife and outdoor learning. Join us this summer for our bespoke Holiday Club designed specifically for the next generation of nature lovers!

    About…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    18 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    24 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  10. Summer of Fun!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    A fun filled summer of events awaits at East Sussex and Kent Railway in Tenterden, from the Teddy Bear Express and Great Train Mystery, to Willow Weaving and Circus Skills workshops and of course, the return of our much loved Bricks on the Move!…

    Dates

    From:
    21 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  11. Falconry on the lawn

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Faversham

    Come along to see Joe flying a variety of birds on the front lawn at Belmont House and Gardens in Kent this summer, you will be in for a real treat.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 12:30 - 14:30
  12. Wealden Times Midwinter Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Tonbridge

    Wealden Times Midwinter Fair
 The Hop Farm - Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st November
 - Get ahead of Christmas with three magical days of festive shopping, abundant gifts, seasonal treats and handcrafted treasures in heated marquees.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026to21 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:30
  13. Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Maidstone Improv Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Market Buildings, Maidstone

    Four days of live, unscripted comedy descend on Maidstone. Workshops, shows, late-night jams — all of it made up on the spot, none of it to be missed.
    The festival brings together local groups, visiting professional companies, and world-class…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    18 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 17:00
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  17. Film Location Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Chatham

    Think you know The Historic Dockyard Chatham? Think again. The Film Location Walking Tour lifts the lid on the secrets of the screen.

    This tour offers a rare opportunity to find out how a world-famous pop star could have caused a riot, or how a…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026to27 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  18. 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:
    17 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  19. 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 -
  20. Military Odyssey

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Detling, Maidstone

    Packed full of living history displays bringing 2000 years of history into one place - The Military Odyssey is a three-day multi period living history event held on the August Bank Holiday weekend at the Kent Event Centre in Maidstone.  

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00