3 - 10 October 26
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.
Kent's 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 year 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 Deal Food and Drinks Festival will be taking over Marine Road with live music, a street food court and beach bar marquee - which is free to visit (26 August - 31 August). Whilst along the coast in Dover, Market Square hosts a programme of free live entertainment on selected dates throughout summer (Until Saturday 26th September).
If you've ever wanted to explore beneath the White Cliffs of Dover, the Grand Shaft Open Day offers a rare opportunity to discover this amazing example of Napoleonic engineering (20 September) whilst in October, the White Cliffs Walking Festival welcomes visitors for guided walks along the Kent coast and along King Charles III England's Coast Path (3 - 10 October). Further down the coast in Folkestone, the newly refurbished Lower Leas Coastal Park playground has just opened as one of the largest free adventure playgrounds in the South East - with rope ladders and swings, sand diggers and a nautical theme along with a dedicated play zone specially tailored for toddlers.
Heritage Open Days offer visitors to Kent the chance to discover some of the county's rich history and heritage for free (11 September - 20 September). Whether you're visiting Maidstone, Dover, Deal or Sandwich, Folkestone, Hythe or Dymchurch, this ten-day event offers will allow you to discover some fascinating facts, stories and places that you might not have visited before. From 29 August - 4 October, explore the stunning grounds of Leeds Castle near Maidstone, with its Wellbeing themed sculpture trail, showcasing the connection between art, nature and wellness. Perfect for families, art lovers and visitors wanting to spend time in the great outdoors.
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 and autumn, from military festivals and food experiences to seasonal harvest time events and craft fairs. From castles and vineyards to coastal festivals and family attractions, Kent offers events and experiences throughout the year, and 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 visitors arriving in the UK via the Channel ports, so events celebrating culture, food, and music are never far away.
If you're planning to attend an event in Kent, you'll find answers below to some 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.
Yes. Kent hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, including outdoor adventure activities, festivals, wildlife experiences, heritage attractions and seasonal events. Browse the listings on this page or use the filters above to find family-friendly events taking place 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: 92
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Markets
Woodchurch, Ashford
There's something truly special about a Christmas gift market, the twinkling lights and the cheerful buzz of shoppers hunting for that perfect gift. But this year, why not swap the high street for something a little more enchanting? Head to the Rare…
Christmas
Maidstone
Experience this historic estate transformed into a breath-taking winter wonderland as the Leeds Castle Christmas Lights trail returns from the 20th November - 3rd January 2027 to the Kent countryside. Enjoy exhilarating Water Fountains, the…
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…
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.
Theatre
Maidstone
It's time to jump aboard the Dolly Roger, scrub the deck and splice the mainbrace, as we prepare to set sail for some nautical nonsense on the seven seas with Dame Dolly Dollop! There's only one problem, the horrible Pirate Blackbeard has taken over…
Heritage & History
Dover
The Grand Shaft is a unique triple helix staircase built during Napoleonic times and open on selected dates for free visits
Childrens Events
Woodchurch, Ashford
Join us this Halloween at the Rare Breeds Centre for heaps of spooky fun, silly surprises and fang-tastic activities for all ages! Effel Fartwaffer is back once again, bringing plenty of Halloween fun and mischief to the farm for another…
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…
Food
Tonbridge
On Friday 13th November, the Balfour kitchen will be handed over to the seriously talented team at Sticks’n’Sushi for one very special evening of Japanese-inspired deliciousness, paired with our award-winning English wines.
Childrens Events
Tenterden
This October half term, join us at Kent and East Sussex Railway on a spellbinding steam train adventure bursting with Halloween fun for little witches, wizards, and magical mischief-makers.
Christmas
Gravesend
This spectacular day of FREE live music, street entertainment and holiday cheer is the perfect way to welcome the countdown to Christmas in Gravesend. Kickstart your Christmas shopping and grab a festive treat from a local café. Hop on-board the…
Tour
Chatham
Step into the shadows of The Historic Dockyard Chatham on an exclusive, torch-lit after-dark ghost tour. Led by experienced guides, these 90-minute walking experiences uncover chilling truths, verified historic accounts, and eerie supernatural…
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…
Halloween
Maidstone
Dare to spend an evening inside one of Maidstone's museum buildings? Join this rare opportunity to explore the museum's historic spaces in the company of expert ghost hunters.
Shopping
Tonbridge
Join us for a magical evening at the Balfour Winery Christmas Shopping Night on Thursday 26th November, from 6pm to 9pm.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sevenoaks
Bring the family along to Sevenoaks Wildlife Trust to make and decorate your own bat box to take home with you and hang outside for your local bats!
Christmas
Folkestone
Returning for its sixth year, Folkestone Harbour Arm Christmas Market brings festive cheer to the Kent coast.
Special Events
Greenhithe
Discover the secrets to flawless, feel-good beauty at Clarins Beauty School. The beauty experts at John Lewis Bluewater will guide you through personalised techniques, pro tips, and effortless routines to enhance your natural glow – whatever your…
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.
Sporting Event
Canterbury
With over 75 races across the weekend, enjoy wheel-to-wheel rallycross under floodlights, alongside funfair rides, live music, street food, performers and a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday night.
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