Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta this July

Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

4 - 5 July 2026

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: 115

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. 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:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  2. The High Weald Walking Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Flimwell

    Now in its 9th year, the High Weald Walking Festival is inviting you to get your boots on and explore the High Weald National Landscape, and discover local history and admire breath-taking views.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  3. The Mushroom Show Outdoor Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst

    Award winning Scratchworks Theatre Company brings together science, music and interactive fun for the whole family in this outdoor theatre performance. The Mushroom Show has toured all-round the UK and we can't wait to experience it at Bedgebury in…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 15:30
    From:
    1 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  4. Family Activity:Story time

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, Sevenoaks

    Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story or two at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.

    Bring your toddlers to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve on the first Wednesday of each month for a relaxed story telling session with Kent…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
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    2 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
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    7 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
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    4 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
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    2 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
  5. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
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    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
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    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
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    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  6. Cider Making Course

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    The cider-making day will start at Brogdale Farm with a history of cider-making in Kent. We will also cover the health and safety aspects of making cider. This is a great time for a bit of Q&A and to get your queries answered in the cider-making…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    9 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    22 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    23 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  7. 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
  8. 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:
    26 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  9. 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:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    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
  10. Hever in History

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Edenbridge

    Step back in time at Hever Castle this August bank holiday weekend and experience history brought to life. Across the grounds you will find fascinating living history encampments, with re-enactments ranging from the Middle Ages through to the 20th…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 18:00
  11. Wine Tasting Masterclass at Balfour Winery

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Tonbridge

    Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.

    Venue

    Balfour Winery, Tonbridge and Malling

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  12. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks

    About the event
    Our award winning Holiday Club will be returning to Oak Lodge, Sevenoaks, this summer!

    Immerse your child in nature
    Our Wilder Holiday Club offers days crammed full of activities designed to inspire and develop your child's love of…

    Dates

    From:
    29 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 July 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    19 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  13. Beastie Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Meet giant insects – Bug hunt – Outdoor craft – Bring a picnic – Enjoy a day at Brogdale Farm.

    Come and join us for a day of mini-beastie fun! A day of exploring Brogdale and discovering fantastic bugs & mini beasts.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Wealden Times Midwinter Fair

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026to21 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:30
  17. Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chatham

    Experience the ocean like never before at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, as it hosts the UK debut of the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition.

    Showcasing 116 award-winning photographs, this inspiring exhibition brings together the very best in…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. Halloween Half Term Fun at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Edenbridge

    Treat your little ones to a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle this Halloween Half Term as Spooktacular Science takes over the grounds from 17 October to 1 November 2026.

    Young visitors can embark on Hever's Mad Scientists Trail, wandering…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
  19. 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
  20. Heritage Open Days - Deal, Dover & Sandwich

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Deal, Dover and Sandwich

    The fantastic Heritage Open Days returns this September, with heritage sites, visitor attractions, and more being open for visitors to explore across Kent. This ten day celebration of history and culture offers visitors and residents alike the…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026