Discover one of Kent's best kept secrets
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: 95
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandling, Maidstone
Weekend Wellness: Mindful Walk and Cyanotype Sun Prints invites you to engage with the natural world in a mindful and creative way. Using simple tools, and nature as your inspiration, you'll feel the benefits of getting out into the great outdoors…
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
Ashford
A Friday evening race event with a heartwarming community vibe that all the family can enjoy. This race takes advantage of the lighter summer evenings and provides a spellbinding route through the pretty Kent village of Charing, exploring country…
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…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Join us for a baa rilliant weekend packed with sheep themed fun for all ages. Enjoy a lively programme of activities, including some exciting brand new sheepy surprises. Take part in the Great Sheep Escape Trail, cheer on competitors in the Lamb…
Festivals
Sandwhich
Established in 2010, Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival is a multi-arts festival that highlights traditional and contemporary folk-life and folk arts, in a beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.
Music
Maidstone
Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.
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,…
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…
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…
Shopping
Tonbridge
Wealden Times Midwinter Fair The Hop Farm - Thursday 19th to Saturday 21st November - Get ahead of Christmas with three magical days of festive shopping, abundant gifts, seasonal treats and handcrafted treasures in heated marquees.
Sporting Events
Ashford
This remarkable race sees runners take to the tarmac around the pretty country lanes surrounding Westwell and it's easy to see why this extraordinary 10k has captured the hearts of so many runners. From humble beginnings, the Pacific Ashford 10k has…
Sporting Events
Folkestone
This event is an exhilarating, fast and flat race along the seafront. In recent years, we have included an elite wave to the race so that runners of all abilities can enjoy the wonderful race-day buzz of Folkestone Coastal. The chance of a fast time…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Margate
Look for clues of marine life from our seas along the shore plus marine art
Sporting Events
Sevenoaks
A challenging seven miles of exhilarating twists, turns and climbs through the stunning landscapes of Knole Park. Whether you're an affiliated runner racing under club colours, a team of family, friends or colleagues, or an unaffiliated lone ranger…
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…
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