Maidstone, Kent
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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: 144
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
This half day summer pruning course takes place at Bradbourne House this year as we are giving our trees a break from summer pruning. The course will introduce you to pruning apple trees and cover basic techniques and methods to start you pruning at…
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…
Sporting Events
Sevenoaks
A challenging seven miles of exhilarating twists, turns and climbs through the stunning landscapes of Knole Park. Whether you're an affiliated runner racing under club colours, a team of family, friends or colleagues, or an unaffiliated lone ranger…
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…
Water Based Activities
Romney Marsh
Paddleboarding is a great fun activity for all the family (and dogs are welcome too). Head along to Lydd in Kent and try the Action Watersports paddleboarding experience package which includes tuition before you head out onto the water, handy tips…
Shopping
Edenbridge
The Autumn Craft Fair returns to Hever Castle in Kent this September 2026.Hever Castle in Kent will host around 150 of the UK's finest professional craft makers and artists, at this popular event based in the heart of the Kent countryside. This…
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,…
Food
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.…
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…
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Curious About Canterbury takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Have a go at dissecting a Kestrel pellet, learn about Kent's birds of prey, and see what your discoveries teach us about local populations.
Join us for an exciting kestrel pellet dissection workshop, where we delve into locally collected pellets to…
Walking
Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is home to many bird species during the early summer months; spend some time observing them on this guided walk.
Join us for a guided walk of Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, taking some time to observe the birds found there…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
RYA Personal Watercraft Course
Turn your next day on the water into something bigger. Gain your RYA qualification, improve your skills, and enjoy a fantastic day riding a Jet Ski on our private lake. Bring your own Jet Ski or hire one of ours, with…
Food
Faversham
Enjoy picking your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards, tasting as many different varieties straight from the tree, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, food and drink, and free kids' orchard crafts and more! Find out more…
Food
Folkestone
Head to the free Sandgate Sea and Food Festival this August Bank Holiday weekend.
Other
Faversham
Join our Lavender Owl Making Workshop and create a charming, handcrafted owl that's more than just a decoration.
Made with authentic Harris Tweed and filled with a fragrant lavender insert, your finished piece will naturally freshen drawers and…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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