4 - 5 July 2026
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 145
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.…
Show / Display
Edenbridge
Head along to Hever Castle in Kent this June for the fantastic Cars at the Castle event - 13th & 14th June 2026.
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…
Free Event
A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.
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…
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…
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…
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside, pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle for one of the most picturesque family days out in Kent this autumn.
The Castle is arguably at its most…
Walking
Sevenoaks
Weekend Wellness: Solstice Sun Printing invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and explore the magic of sunlight as a creative medium. With simple materials and inspiration drawn from the reserve, you'll experience the wellbeing benefits of…
Food
Folkestone
Head to the free Sandgate Sea and Food Festival this August Bank Holiday weekend.
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…
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,…
Food
Tunbridge Wells
Join us for an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine with renown New Zealand wine producer Seifried Estate and Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.
Allow us to take you through a journey of delectable flavours, paired alongside the beautiful New Zealand…
Guided Walk
Northfleet, Gravesend
Join Christoph Bull for Northfleet's Secrets, a guided historical walk discovering some of Northfleet's fantastic hidden history.
Gardens
Faversham
Join local herbalist Mandy Rickard for a hands-on Distillation Workshop and discover the art of turning lavender into essential oil and hydrosol. During this workshop, you will learn how to harvest lavender, carefully bud the flowers from the stems…
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.
Free Event
Maidstone
The Creative Arts in Diversity Festival brings a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of Maidstone’s rich multicultural community to Coming to Brenchley Gardens in Maidstone, Kent this summer.
Countryside
Faversham
Come along to see Joe flying a variety of birds on the front lawn, you will be in for a real treat.
From seeing Hopper, their vulture, soar above the parkland, to delving into the depths of their intelligent Caracaras from the Falkland Islands, or…
Free Event
Deal
With lots of free fun activities from kite making and flying demonstrations, music workshops and face painting this year's Deal Children's festival will take over Walmer Green from 12 - 4pm on the 4th July 2026.
Childrens Events
Sevenoaks
Have a go at dissecting a Kestrel pellet, learn about Kent's birds of prey, and see what your discoveries teach us about local populations.
Join us for an exciting kestrel pellet dissection workshop, where we delve into locally collected pellets to…
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