Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta this July

Dover Harbour Festival and Regatta

4 - 5 July 2026

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: 112

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. Wild Classroom: Outdoor Cooking

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Join us this summer for some fun, food, and fire. Get outdoors and cook over the fire with Wild Classroom, using the very best local, seasonal, and foraged foods. This two-hour workshop will include a tour of Brogdale Collections stunning Heritage…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Aug 2026to19 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. Foraging Walks

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    The walk will take a circular route around the Kent countryside where you will learn to identify the wide variety of edible plants and fungi available in the wild. The walk will end back at the pub, giving you the opportunity to stop for lunch,…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    From:
    11 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Maidstone

    Experience the enchanting Sculpture Trail at Leeds Castle from Saturday 29th August to Saturday 4th October 2024, offering families a unique adventure through our magnificent grounds and gardens.

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  4. Summer Fun at The Bluebell Cafe

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Pembury

    Kids activities
    Now until Friday 28 August - Free activity trail - pick up your clue sheet at The Bluebell Cafe and take back when complete to receive a prize

    Monday 10 - Friday 28 August, Lucky Dip - £1 per go (no booking required)

    Wednesday 12…

    Dates

    From:
    27 July 2026to28 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -
  6. Maidstone Improv Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Market Buildings, Maidstone

    Four days of live, unscripted comedy descend on Maidstone. Workshops, shows, late-night jams — all of it made up on the spot, none of it to be missed.
    The festival brings together local groups, visiting professional companies, and world-class…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    18 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    19 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
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    19 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 17:00
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    19 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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    20 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  7. Pilgrimage of Love: Eleanor of Castile Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Leeds Castle, Maidstone

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to1 Nov 2026
  8. Go Wild with Wilder Holiday Club this summer!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chatham Road, Maidstone

    Kent Wildlife Trust are the leading conservation charity in Kent and the experts when it comes to wildlife and outdoor learning. Join us this summer for our bespoke Holiday Club designed specifically for the next generation of nature lovers!

    About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    11 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    17 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    18 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
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    24 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  9. Plum weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Come and find out all about wonderful plums. We have fruit tastings, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, plum displays and free kids' orchard crafts and more! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn about plums and gages and…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  10. 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:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  11. Curious About Canterbury

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Sun Street, Canterbury

    Curious About Canterbury takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2027Open 09:00 - 16:00
  12. Chateau Musar Wine Dinner at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    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.…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30
  13. 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
    From:
    7 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 11:00
  14. Summer Bandstand Concerts

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Folkestone

    The historic Leas Bandstand in Folkestone welcomes a series of summer bandstand concerts, ranging from tribute acts to brass bands, country and western to sea shanties. 

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    2 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    23 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 17:00
    From:
    29 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    6 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 14:30 - 16:30
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  15. Kent Christmas Cracker

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
  16. Pups on SUPs

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?

    Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  17. Guided Wine Tasting - Silverhand Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Gravesend

    Discover English wine at Silverhand Estate in Kent with a guided tasting experience featuring a selection of still and sparkling wines. Set within a historic vineyard, this experience combines expert guidance, award-winning wines and insights into…

    Venue

    Silverhand Estate, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 13:00 - 17:45
  18. 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
  19. Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Nature Mandala

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sevenoaks

    Enjoy a mindful walk collecting items to create a nature mandala offering a relaxed and creative way to connect to nature this autumn.

    Take time to slow down and walk mindfully on the beautiful Sevenoaks nature reserve soaking up the colours of…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  20. Folkestone Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Folkestone

    This accurately-measured course starts outside The Grand on The Leas, passes through the coastal park before and an out and back to Hythe. The event has fantastic support from local community groups and has a friendly race day vibe. If you are new…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026