22nd - 25th May 26, The Little Ships Come Home
Kent’s coast, countryside and characterful towns are set to shine in 2026, with fresh experiences, landmark anniversaries and vibrant cultural highlights unfolding across the Garden of England. From big moments in art and history to family‑friendly adventures, the year promises memorable days out in every corner of the county.
In Margate, Turner Contemporary marks its 15th anniversary, hosting a major new David Hockney installation that transforms the Sunley Window from 1st April – 1st November 2026. Along the coast in Folkestone, visitors can 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. It even answers the question many visitors ask — why is there a little house in the middle of the harbour? The family-friendly coastal seaside resorts such as Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate have events calendars geared for keeping kids entertained whether it's during the holidays or for a weekend break. Historic Dover, medieval Sandwich and traditional Deal provide destinations ideal for a seaside getaway, a walking holiday or a cultural break by the sea.
At Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, families can step into a storybook world with the brand‑new Room on the Broom adventure trail, complete with themed challenges, forest facts and a £4 activity pack to help young explorers follow Witch’s quest. Spring brings colour in abundance as Leeds Castle bursts into bloom, with a new self-guided daffodil walk from mid‑March to late April. In Sandwich, the 2nd May marks the 800‑year anniversary of the town’s mayors, celebrated with a historic procession, school‑created artworks, reenactments and exhibitions across this remarkable medieval Cinque Port. Whilst Maidstone, the event's capital of Kent, makes for an ideal base for festival goers, adventure weekenders or for exploring this beautiful county.
Kent is the perfect place for a short break or longer escape - start planning your 2026 adventure today, your Kent experience is waiting.
To find out what's on in Kent today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. 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.
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Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Kent, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Kent Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Kent. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button or by scrolling through the events listing.
Number of results: 72
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Other
Sevenoaks
Join award winning and Kent based author, Adam Weymouth as he showcases his book 'Lone Wolf'.
In 2011, a young wolf named Slavc set out from Slovenia.
Tracked by GPS, he travelled a thousand miles through the Alps, arriving four months later on…
Childrens Events
Faversham
Join us for a fun, hands-on children's bath bomb workshop led by local Medical Herbalist Mandy Rickard.
In this exciting workshop, children will create their very own fizzy, colourful and beautifully scented bath bombs from scratch. They will…
Other
Faversham
Discover the wonderful world of glass fusing. This session will give you a great introduction to working with glass. Included in the price is enough specialist fusing glass to make two 10cm coasters/light catchers, a 10 x 5cm hanger and a small 4 x…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Celebrate the start of spring! Discover Japanese art & culture amidst the breathtaking blossoming orchards.
Thank you to our Sponsor, The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation.
Celebrate cherry blossom in Kent and discover traditions, tastes, arts and…
Other
Faversham
Take inspiration from the award-winning gardens at Belmont and join us for a day of screen printing outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of the gardens.
Your day begins with a garden tour led by our Head Gardener. As you explore the colours and…
Other
Faversham
Join us for a unique and creative workshop that blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with iconic Scottish textiles.
In this hands-on session, you will learn the art of Kanzashi, the delicate technique of folding fabric to create decorative…
Walking
Sevenoaks
Weekends are for fresh air and exploring! Come for a guided walk for families and see what seasonal wildlife we can spot around the lakes.
Gather the family and head down to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve to explore with a helping hand from Kent…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Have fun (re-)discovering Canterbury, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air. Curious About Canterbury visits not just the obvious places, but…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, Sturry
Forest Bathing in the Blean: Finding Healing in Nature for Grief Support offers a gentle, grounding space for anyone navigating loss. This event is offered on a donation basis, as we understand that accessing support during times of grief can feel…
Sporting Events
Ramsgate
Each year, the Coastbuster 10 Mile & 10k has attracted more runners - and for good reason. You'll enjoy glorious coastal views and feel the buzz of fantastic local support. Whether you're a beginner or experienced runner, both the 10 mile and 10k…
Sporting Events
Hawkhurst
We are excited to announce the return of this fabulous community race for its sixth year. Working alongside Highgate Hawkhurst WI to support existing and new community projects, you can expect the usual delights: a free half pint in The Eight Bells…
Mother's Day
Tonbridge
Take your special mum to Balfour Winery, Tonbridge, Kent on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th March for a delicious Mother's Day Afternoon Tea.
Free Event
Sevenoaks
Come and find out about the wonderful variety of habitats at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, and the wildlife you may spot here during the year.
As we open the newly refurbished Visitor Centre at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, it's the ideal time to…
Sporting Events
Folkestone
This event is an exhilarating, fast and flat race along the seafront. In recent years, we have included an elite wave to the race so that runners of all abilities can enjoy the wonderful race-day buzz of Folkestone Coastal. The chance of a fast time…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Hop on over to the Farm this Easter, from Friday 3rd April to Sunday 19th April, for fun filled activities the whole family will enjoy!
What's on Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April:
- Meet Noreen Carrots, Lavendar Lamb and Farrington T Fox
- See them…
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.
Gardens
Edenbridge
A celebration of the glories of the early spring season will be taking place at Hever Castle in February 2026.
'First Signs of Spring' is launching to coincide with Hever reopening its gates, following a short winter break, on Wednesday 11 February…
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…
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.
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