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.
.jpg)
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: 92
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Father's Day
Birchington
The Powell-Cotton Museum's hugely popular LEGO® Brick Building Weekend is back for Father's Day weekend!
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!
Special Events
Gravesend
MAY RUN FOR WINE
Saturday 23rd May
Time to assemble the A Team…
Whether you're pacing for a personal best or strolling between sips, the atmosphere is relaxed, scenic, and celebratory, making this an ideal group activity to enjoy together.
At the…
Sporting Events
Faversham
Described by RunABC as an 'absolute gem', this beautiful 10k course takes runners along the quiet contry lanes around the stunning estate at Mount Ephraim Gardens. The race has grown in notoriety and kudos in recent years, attracting both club…
Antiques
Edenbridge, Edenbridge
The Vintage Fair returns to Chiddingstone Castle for its Eleventh Anniversary and takes place on Sunday 28th June in the Castle grounds from 10.30am to 4.00pm.
With an extensive array of fabulous French and English homewares, decorative vintage,…
Performance
Faversham
Shakespeare’s famous romcom gets a gothic makeover at Belmont House and Gardens in Kent this summer.
Glitz, glamour and scandal hit Messina in Changeling’s revival of Much Ado About Nothing.
Childrens Events
Ashford
As part of our May Half Term events, we are welcoming Stuart Barnes and his highly popular Dog and Duck show, to the Rare Breeds Centre!
In the show, talented rescue dogs team up as a coordinated pack, showcasing their incredible communication…
Sporting Events
Chislehurst
The parks and commons of Chislehurst have a rich history and the village is located in one of the leafiest wards of Greater London. Our aim is to combine the two to showcase that history and proffer fresh breath from the green lungs of Chislehurst…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Nature Tots is Forest School tailored specifically for little ones, and can inspire a love of nature that lasts a lifetime.
Nature Tots is based on Forest School, specifically for pre-school age children. It's a wonderful opportunity for little…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Pukka Putters is coming to the Rare Breeds Centre this May!
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…
Heritage & History
Maidstone
Join us at Leeds Castle for our medieval jousting event this May bank holiday 2026 for an exhilarating display of combat and action, elegant and unusual equestrian, and medieval living and feasting.
Gasp as lances crash, cheer for your champion,…
Countryside
Cades Road, Worth
Explore Ham Fen and see the evidence of beaver activity since their introduction to the reserve 20 years ago.
Ham Fen is an exceptionally special reserve, home to the UK's first official beaver release project and Kent's last remaining fenland.…
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.
Gardens
Sevenoaks
Get started creating a garden with nature at its heart in this spring gardening workshop in Sevenoaks.
New to gardening or keen to refresh or build on your skills? This workshop introduces how to create a garden that is both beautiful and provides…
Sporting Events
East Peckham
This beautiful summer race offers a pacey, fast and flat 10k and 5k through the quiet lanes around East Peckham - a genuine pb event not to be missed! Delivered by the Paddock Wood & District Lions Club, this well-marshalled race will, once again,…
Festivals
Sandwich
Get ready as Sandwich transforms into a hub of medieval spectacle, French charm, and high energy for Le Weekend! This local favourite offers something for the whole community to enjoy.
Sporting Events
Sholden
Come and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and superb racing combined in one very special event as you take on this fast and flat two lap, traffic-free course within Betteshanger Country Park. There will be plenty of festive cheer to help you on your…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
About the event
Nature Tots is based on Forest School, specifically for pre-school age children. It's a wonderful opportunity for little ones to explore, discover and learn from nature and gain a sense of achievement from a variety of nature, art…
Heritage & History
Ramsgate
The Ramsgate Tunnels are delighted to announce the return of our popular Local
History Day on Saturday 16 May, from 10:00 to 16:00.
This free, one-day event will feature displays from local museums and heritage sites
across Thanet and East Kent,…
Vineyard / Wine
Staplehurst, Tonbridge
Join the Balfour Winery team for a Sunset Tour, Tasting & Dinner. Begin with a guided tour of this 400-acre Kent vineyard, apple orchards and ancient woodlands, as the light softens into that flattering golden-hour glow.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
