Family friendly sculpture trail around Leeds Castle in Maidstone, Kent

Sculpture Trail

Leeds Castle, Maidstone 29 August - 4 October

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.

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.

Images from around the county of Kent

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 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.

What’s on in the Kent countryside and towns

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.

Book a self catering cottage breakaway to Kent with Classic Cottages

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 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.

Images from around the Kent landscape  

Plan your visit to Kent

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.

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.

Are there family-friendly events in Kent?

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.

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: 93

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Maidstone

    Experience the largest and most spectacular fireworks display in South East England, returning in 2026!

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026to8 Nov 2026Open 13:00 - 20:00
  2. Kids' Apple Juicing Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    Come along to Brogdale during our apple harvesting season and walk through our heritage orchards. Pick some apples from our special heritage orchards and have a go at making freshly pressed juice!

    Venue

    Brogdale Collections, Swale

    Dates

    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Sandwich Christmas Parade & Town Centre Light Switch On

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Sandwich

    This Christmas head to Sandwich in Kent for the start of the festive season, with the town centre light parade and Christmas light switch on

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 18:30
  6. Apple Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Come and find out all about apples at our apple fair and pick your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards during this special weekend in 2026.

    We have apple tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, guided tractor tours,…

    Venue

    Brogdale Collections, Swale

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  7. Autumn Craft Fair at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Edenbridge

    Head to Hever Castle in September for a contemporary autumn craft fair organised by Craft In Focus. Over the four days you will be able to purchase direct from over 180 of the UK's finest professional craft makers and artists at this craft fair…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 09:30 - 17:30
  8. Yoga in the Vines at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Tonbridge

    Set across The Balfour Winery 400-acre estate, this gentle vinyasa flow session is designed to stretch the body, steady the breath, and quieten everything else for a while.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:45
  9. Weekend Wellness: Forest Bathing in Hothfield Heathlands

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Ashford

    Engage with the natural world in a mindful way at Hothfield Heathlands as you take a wellness walk with elements of forest bathing.

    Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  10. Ashford Striders Charing 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Ashford

    A Friday evening race event with a heart-warming community vibe that all the family can enjoy. This race takes advantage of the lighter summer evenings and provides a spellbinding route through the pretty Kent village of Charing.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    11 June 2027Open 18:10 - 21:00
  11. Grand Shaft Open Day

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Dover

    The Grand Shaft is a unique triple helix staircase built during Napoleonic times and open on selected dates for free visits

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  12. Wassailing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Join us on 16 January 2027 at Brogdale Farm in Kent for our special Wassailing celebration!

    Dates

    From:
    16 Jan 2027Open 16:00 - 18:30
  13. 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:
    19 Sept 2026
    From:
    24 Oct 2026
  14. 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…

    Venue

    Brogdale Collections, Swale

    Dates

    From:
    16 Jan 2027Open 16:00 - 18:30
  15. Summer Bandstand Concerts

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Folkestone

    The historic Leas Bandstand in Folkestone welcomes a series of summer bandstand concerts, ranging from tribute acts to brass bands, country and western to sea shanties. 

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  16. Clarins Beauty School event

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Greenhithe

    Discover the secrets to flawless, feel-good beauty at Clarins Beauty School. The beauty experts at John Lewis Bluewater will guide you through personalised techniques, pro tips, and effortless routines to enhance your natural glow – whatever your…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Nov 2026Open 17:30 - 19:30
  17. Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Nature Mandala

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  18. Bewl New Year 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Jan 2027Open 09:30 - 12:00
  19. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -
  20. Sunset Tour, Tasting and Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Staplehurst, Tonbridge

    Join the Balfour Winery team for a Sunset Tour, Tasting & Dinner. Begin with a guided tour of this 400-acre Kent vineyard, apple orchards and ancient woodlands, as the light softens into that flattering golden-hour glow.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    16 Apr 2026to26 Sept 2026Various Opening Times