Operation Dynamo, The Little Ships Come Home | 22nd - 25th May 26, Ramsgate

Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate

22nd - 25th May 26, The Little Ships Come Home

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: 116

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Howletts Cheetah 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Bekesbourne, Littlebourne, Canterbury

    Take part in a truly unique 5K at Howletts Wild Animal Park and support The Aspinall Foundation in their vital conservation work. This year's race edition will be celebrating and supporting the rewilding of Edie, the South African cheetah. Race…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026
  2. Pukka Putters at the Rare Breeds Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Pukka Putters is coming to the Rare Breeds Centre this August!
    Pukka Putters is the UK's only self-contained, walk in mini golf course built entirely inside a lorry! You don't just play mini golf you step into a themed jungle world on wheels!
    The…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Aug 2026to23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. Summer of Fun!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    A fun filled summer of events awaits at East Sussex and Kent Railway in Tenterden, from the Teddy Bear Express and Great Train Mystery, to Willow Weaving and Circus Skills workshops and of course, the return of our much loved Bricks on the Move!…

    Dates

    From:
    21 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  4. 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
  5. Pear Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Our first ever Pear Weekend! There are so many amazing varieties of pears and we can't wait to tell you about them! Enjoy picking your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards, fruit tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection,…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  6. 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
  7. 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
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    25 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
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    25 Sept 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
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    27 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
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    27 Nov 2026Open 13:30 - 16:00
    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  8. 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
  9. Oliver Fisher 10k, 5k & Family Run

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Sittingbourne

    The Oliver Fisher 10k & 5k returns to our racing calendars on Sunday 09 May 2027 to help raise valuable funds for this wonderful charity. The race continues to boast a delightful off-road route with wonderful views and starting at Milton Creek…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2027Open 09:00 -
  10. 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
    From:
    2 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
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    7 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
  11. Ramsgate Week

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Ramsgate

    Ramsgate's Royal Harbour plays host to the Royal Temple Yacht Club's annual regatta, with a full programme of sailing and racing. It is recognised as an alternative to Cowes Week and traditionally attracts competitors from France, Holland, Belgium…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026to24 July 2026
  12. Jousting at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to31 Aug 2026
  13. Maid of Stone Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Maidstone

    Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to19 July 2026
  14. Junior Bath Bomb Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Faversham

    In this exciting workshop at Belmont House and Gardens, Kent, children will create their very own fizzy, colourful and beautifully scented bath bombs from scratch. They will discover the magic behind these aromatic creations, experimenting with…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  15. The Paint Club painting party at Globe Inn Marsh Rye

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Rye

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  16. 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
  17. Falconry on the lawn

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Faversham

    Come along to see Joe flying a variety of birds on the front lawn at Belmont House and Gardens in Kent this summer, you will be in for a real treat.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 12:30 - 14:30
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 12:30 - 14:30
  18. 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
    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  19. 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
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  20. Surrey Sculpture Society at Riverhill Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Summer

    Sevenoaks

    Follow a loop around the lower level of Riverhill Himalayan Gardens and marvel at over 60 sculptures in an array of mediums. Open Wednesdays to Sundays and included in the standard garden admission tickets, the trail works in perfect harmony with…

    Venue

    Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks

    Dates

    From:
    12 May 2026to27 Sept 2026Various Opening Times