11 - 20 September 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: 105
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Tour
Chatham
Think you know The Historic Dockyard Chatham? Think again. The Film Location Walking Tour lifts the lid on the secrets of the screen.
This tour offers a rare opportunity to find out how a world-famous pop star could have caused a riot, or how a…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
This ancient tradition is held to bless the orchards, ward off bad spirits, and encourage a bountiful apple and fruit harvest for the coming year. A wonderful and unique family experience.
Our event will feature traditional Morris dancers, a…
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in a traditional form of…
Antiques
Deal
Annual vintage and antiques market on Deal High Street.
Childrens Events
Ashford
Farmyard Summer Fun 2026
Get ready for a summer packed with hands-on fun, family games and farm adventures at our biggest Farmyard Summer Fun event yet. Running from 20 July to 31 August 2026, there's something different to enjoy every day…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Pick your own fruit in Kent at our PYO Fruit Weekends! Enjoy a fun day out picking unusual varieties of cherries, plums, gages, apples and pears straight from the Brogdale Collections orchards. We have 100s of different varieties that are not…
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.
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…
Carnival
Sandwich
This Christmas head to Sandwich in Kent for the start of the festive season, with the town centre light parade and Christmas light switch on
Sporting Events
Sittingbourne
Celebrating 40 years of Striding! Our much-loved 10 Mile & 10k road race is back - and this year is extra special as we mark 40 years of Sittingbourne Striders! Join us for a course that winds through beautiful countryside, rolling hills and all the…
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Step into the world of knights, legends and medieval adventure at Hever Castle from 22 July to 31 August 2026. Celebrating 40 years of jousting, the Castle's summer holiday programme offers one of Kent's most exciting family days out, packed with…
Vineyard / Wine
Staplehurst, Tonbridge
Head to Balfour Winery for the Harvest Celebration – a weekend dedicated to English wine in the heart of our beautiful vineyard estate
Exhibitions
Canterbury
Visit the exhibition to discover artefacts, historical documents and interactive displays that bring to the life the story of Canterbury's notorious poet, playwright, and provocateur!
Sporting Events
Lamberhurst
Whilst the mornings are still crisp and cold, come and celebrate your New Year beside the water at Bewl. With a clean slate and renewed energy for the year ahead, enjoy striking out along the Bewl Water trail, winding between the trees and taking in…
Free Event
Broadstairs
Broadstairs Autumn Food Festival returns to Victoria Gardens from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October 2026, bringing three days of food, drink and family-friendly entertainment to the Kent coast.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Our one day willow weaving courses introduce you to the traditional craft of working with willow & basket weaving. Get hands on practice and learn the skills you need to work with willow and make baskets. Perfect for those new to traditional willow…
Free Event
Folkestone
Don't miss the chance to explore some of the fantastic heritage attractions, historic sites, church's and chapels in Folkestone, Dymchurch and Hythe during the annual Heritage Opens Days festival.
Walking
White Cliffs Walking Festival returns this October to Kent, with a host of walks celebrating the opening of the King Charles III England's Coast Path.
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Step back in time at Hever Castle this August bank holiday weekend and experience history brought to life. Across the grounds you will find fascinating living history encampments, with re-enactments ranging from the Middle Ages through to the 20th…
Heritage & History
Dover
The Grand Shaft is a unique triple helix staircase built during Napoleonic times and open on selected dates for free visits
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