Discover what's on in Kent including the annual classical music concert at Leeds Castle in Maidstone, with spectacular fireworks display.

Music Concert at Leeds Castle

11 July 26

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: 113

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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
  2. Cobham Village Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Cobham

    Discover the historic village of Cobham in Kent with a guided walk. Charles Dickens was a regular visitor to Cobham, it is home to the stunning Cobham Hall once the home of Lord Darnley.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  3. The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Edenbridge

    The Festival Theatre events run throughout the year in our gorgeous locations at: Hever Castle – including our flagship stunning theatre re-built in 2024, Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place & Gardens.

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00
  4. 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
  5. Chateau Musar Wine Dinner at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    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.…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30
  6. 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:
    18 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    26 July 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    1 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    2 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    8 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    9 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    15 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    16 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    22 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    23 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
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    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    6 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    13 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
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    19 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  7. Willow Weaving Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Our one day willow weaving courses introduce you to the traditional craft of working with willow & basket weaving. Get hands on practice and learn the skills you need to work with willow and make baskets. Perfect for those new to traditional willow…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    18 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    6 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  8. Jousting at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    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 a traditional form of…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  9. 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
  10. Maidstone River Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Maidstone

    This free community festival for all ages that celebrates the River Medway and its historical importance in the development of Maidstone as the county town.

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026Open 10:00 - 22:00
  11. Festival of Archaeology

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Birchington, Birchington

    Dig into history this summer as we join in with the annual Festival of Archaeology with family activities, expert talks and fascinating local discoveries.
    Excavate in our big dig pit, follow our archaeology passport trail through the museum, test…

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to2 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  12. Christmas Carols at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    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.…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  13. Wreath Making Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Enjoy a half-day Floristry course at Brogdale Collections Charity. Forage fresh foliage from all over Brogdale Farm, in the course you'll learn everything you need to know to make and take home your very own seasonal wreath – perfect to hang on your…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  14. 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
  15. 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:
    27 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    3 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    4 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    10 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    11 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    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
  16. Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Maidstone

    Experience this historic estate transformed into a breath-taking winter wonderland as the Leeds Castle Christmas Lights trail returns from the 20th November - 3rd January 2027 to the Kent countryside.  Enjoy exhilarating Water Fountains, the…

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027Open 16:30 - 20:00
  17. Belmont Woodfest & Country Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    We have lots of exciting woodland demonstrations taking place over the weekend, including wood turning, horse logging, spoon carving, willow weaving, campfire cooking, pole lathe turning, as well as vintage tractors and a fantastic display of…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. Sausage And Cider Fest - Thanet

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Birchington

    Sausage & Cider Festival returns to Quex Park on Isle of Thanet, Kent for 2026. The line up includes Mumford and Sons, Food Fighters and Kasier Chiefs tribute acts, street food vendors and now up to 30 different ciders available on site!

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026
  19. Murder Mystery Evening

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
  20. Heritage Open Days in Maidstone

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    The National Heritage Open Days happen all across South East England including in Maidstone, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026