Rare Breeds, 24 October - 1 November 26
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.
Have you visited the newly refurbished Lower Leas Coastal Park playground yet? It has recently opened and is now 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. If you love firework displays the Folkestone's Alcaline Football Stadium will be lighting up the sky with its annual display (1 November). Along the coast in Dover you'll find Woodland Trail and Pumpkin Patch (24 October - 1 November) and Ghostly tales at Samphire Hoe (28 October) (F) to keep everyone entertained. Christmas celebrations kick off in Deal (21 November) (F), Sandwich (28 November) (F), and Dover (5 December) (F).
This October half term Monsters are taking over Maidstone with six giant inflatable installations and 16 creative characters to find as part of a free family-friendly trail (25 - 31 October) (F), or you can head up into the trees after dark with the Go Ape Sundown Adventures at Leeds Castle (16 October - 8 November). While in Ashford, its Farmyard Frights and Trick or Treat Delights (24 October - 1 November) or in Tonbridge Christmas Shopping Night at Balfour Winery (26 November).
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Scroll down to discover upcoming events across Kent, or use the search filters to find something near you. Explore our snapshot of events this autumn and winter, from free family-friendly outdoor trails to firework displays, creative workshops and seasonal events. Kent offers events and experiences throughout the year in its castles and vineyards, along its coastline and within its family attractions, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Known as the Gateway to England, Kent is easily accessible from London by both road and rail. High-speed trains from London St Pancras International connect with Ashford, Canterbury and the Kent coast, while services from London Victoria, Charing Cross, London Bridge and Cannon Street make it easy to visit destinations such as Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Dover and Folkestone. Whether you're planning a day by the sea, a countryside escape or a visit to one of Kent's many events, much of the county can be reached in around an hour from central London.
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: 97
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New Year
Tenterden
Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.
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…
Music
Tunbridge Wells
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells on 24th December with an evening of carols.
Free Event
Elham Valley Road, Barham, Canterbury
Join us for our FREE Halloween hunt again this year! Search the Vineyard Garden Centre for our spooky friends and crack the code to win a prize. If you're feeling crafty, get creative in our spooky Halloween activity (£3.50 each). Children can…
Workshop
Tonbridge
Join the Balfour x Atelier Chocolate Workshop for a hands-on chocolate-making experience featuring expert tuition, and a welcome glass of fizz. Taking place on 13 December, this indulgent event is perfect for food lovers looking for a unique festive…
Exhibitions
Canterbury
Visit the exhibition to discover artefacts, historical documents and interactive displays that bring to the life the story of Canterbury's notorious poet, playwright, and provocateur!
Special Events
Greenhithe, Dartford
Come and join us for various Christmas events at John Lewis Bluewater. From Christmas tree decorating to festive wreath-making workshops, setting the perfect Christmas table demonstrations to sip and paint sessions with friends.
Christmas
Hawkhurst, Cranbrook
Water Lane Walled Garden welcomes you this November for three days of Christmas shopping, seasonal food and festive atmosphere, set amongst our historic walled garden and Victorian glasshouses.
From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, the Christmas…
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…
Sporting Events
Chislehurst
2027 marks the 10th anniversary of this remarkable race, which explores and celebrates the green spaces of London and helps raise valuable funds for The Maypole Project.
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
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…
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!
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
Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks
Feeling artistic? Decorate a wooden, winter wildlife-inspired tealight holder for Christmas at the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Fireworks
Broadstairs
Head down to Viking Bay in Broadstairs to enjoy a fabulous firework display to see the sky above Broadstairs' Viking Bay come alive with colour on Thursday 5th of November
Christmas
Folkestone
Returning for its sixth year, Folkestone Harbour Arm Christmas Market brings festive cheer to the Kent coast.
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.
Christmas
Dover
Head along to Pencester Gardens in Dover for the annual Winter Light Up Dover event on Saturday, 5th December. This festival brings light to the winter months and offers an enchanting range of activities for visitors and residents to enjoy.
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…
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