20th - 29th March 26
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: 93
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
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
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…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Malthouse Lane, Ashford
Enjoy special access to this woodland to experience the beautiful music of nightingales.
The song of the nightingale is iconic, often considered to be the most beautiful that can be heard here in the UK. For many, hearing the first nightingale of…
Sporting Events
Peasmarsh near Rye
This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…
Shopping
Cranbrook
Wealden Times Midsummer Fair Hole Park - Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th June - Our much‑loved summer celebration returns to the glorious gardens of Hole Park with over 220 stallholders showcasing fashion, homeware, artisan food, jewellery and more…
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,…
Walking
Cades Road, Ashford
Join Hothfield's warden for an evening exploration of this special reserve, searching for bats and amphibians.
Hothfield is one of the last remaining heathlands in Kent. It's a wide, open landscape of heather, gorse and, during the spring months, a…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is home to many bird species during the spring; spend some time observing them on this guided walk.
Join us for a guided walk of Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, taking some time to observe the birds found there during the…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
RYA Personal Watercraft Course
Turn your next day on the water into something bigger. Gain your RYA qualification, improve your skills, and enjoy a fantastic day riding a Jet Ski on our private lake. Bring your own Jet Ski or hire one of ours, with…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cades Road, 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…
Sporting Events
New Romney
The Romney Marsh 10K is organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Romney Marsh Rotary Club. The course uses the flat tarmac country lanes around the pretty Kent town of New Romney. You won't be disappointed by the views as you explore this stunning…
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…
Exhibitions
Maidstone
An Audience With Eleanor: Unveiling the World's First AI Queen Experience
Immerse yourself in the life of medieval England's most remarkable and misunderstood queen through a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the world's first interactive…
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.…
Music
Margate
The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.
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…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Enjoy a change of scenery as we entertain your toddlers with a seasonal story 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…
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Come and join us at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and discover what's living in the pond!
Come and have a go at pond dipping at Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve.
Kent Wildlife Trust's Education team will show you the best techniques for dipping, making…
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