Operation Dynamo, The Little Ships Come Home | 22nd - 25th May 26, Ramsgate

Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate

22nd - 25th May 26, The Little Ships Come Home

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: 144

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Jempson's Food & Drink Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Peasmarsh & Rye

    Back by popular demand, the Jempson's Festival returns this year, bigger, better, and bursting with even more to enjoy. From 25th to 27th June, both our Peasmarsh and Rye stores will transform into lively festival hubs packed with delicious food and…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026to27 June 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  2. Wild Classroom: Best of Belmont Children's Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  3. Tour & BBQ at Wildshark Vineyard

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Maidstone

    Experience a one to one and a half hour guided tour through the Wildshark Vineyard in Kent, followed by a seasonal BBQ cooked up by our chef in our Scandi-style watercress hut. During this guided walking tour of the vineyard where you’ll learn all…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026
    From:
    1 Aug 2026
    From:
    29 Aug 2026
    From:
    19 Sept 2026
    From:
    24 Oct 2026
  4. Original Stormtrooper Meet & Greet

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    Woodchurch, Ashford

    Get ready for a day full of fun as the Stormtroopers visit the Rare Breed Centre for special meet and greets at intervals throughout the day. It's the perfect chance to say hello to your favourite characters, take photos and make magical memories!

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. 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 -
  6. 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
  7. The Paint Club painting party at Globe Inn Marsh Rye

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Rye

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  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. Headcorn Southern Model Show

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Headcorn, Ashford

    This is a two day family event showing the very best displays of everything Remote Control. With air displays over the two days, a massive display of remote control trucks and boats with a man built lake. Hands on 'give it a go' experiences for many…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  10. Wassailing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    This ancient tradition is held to bless the orchards, ward off bad spirits, and encourage a bountiful apple and fruit harvest for the coming year. A wonderful and unique family experience.

    Our event will feature traditional Morris dancers, a…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Jan 2027Open 16:00 - 18:30
  11. Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Aug 2026to19 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  12. Meet the Head Gardener Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Faversham

    Join our Head Gardener, Alisa, for a guided tour of the gardens to see some of the many species of plants and trees we have at Belmont.

    Alisa will explain the seasonal tasks involved in maintaining the gardens, whilst sharing her gardening…

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  13. Autumn Colour at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Edenbridge

    As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside, pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle for one of the most picturesque family days out in Kent this autumn.

    The Castle is arguably at its most…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Sept 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
  14. Walk with a Warden: Summer at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Sevenoaks

    Enjoy the sights and sounds of summer at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on a guided walk with the Reserve Warden.

    During the summer a wonderful variety of plants, including several orchid species, can be seen growing at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.

    On…

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  15. Coastbuster 10 Mile & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026
  16. Wilder Kent Experience: Beavers, Nature's Engineers

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Cades Road, Worth

    Explore Ham Fen and see the evidence of beaver activity since their introduction to the reserve 20 years ago.

    Ham Fen is an exceptionally special reserve, home to the UK's first official beaver release project and Kent's last remaining fenland.…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 10:00 - 13:00
  17. Tonbridge Classic Car Show

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Tonbridge

    The Tonbridge Classic Car Show is back! Join us on Saturday 11th July 2026 at the stunning Tonbridge Castle for one of the town's favourite summer events.
    After last year's fantastic turnout, we're excited to bring you a show that's set to be even…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
  18. Margate Country Music Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Margate

    The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
  19. Jack and Nancy's Dockyard Adventure by Quentin Blake

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham

    For the first time this Spring, step into a real‑life storybook at The Historic Dockyard Chatham as Jack and Nancy leap from the pages of Sir Quentin Blake's much‑loved tale and into an unforgettable family adventure.

    Become the adventurer you've…

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to30 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. NAO Victoria

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Gravesend

    Replica of the last surviving Spanish vessel to complete the first circumnavigation of the world, visits Town Pier Gravesend this June.

    Dates

    From:
    17 June 2026to28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 20:00