Discover one of Kent's best kept secrets
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: 127
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Outdoor Event / Activities
Ashford
Engage with the natural world in a mindful way at Hothfield Heathlands as you take a wellness walk with elements of forest bathing.
Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice of…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Rediscover Rochester with two lively treasure‑hunt walks packed with clues, surprises and “I’ve never noticed that!” moments.
Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
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
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Whether your child is a first-timer or an experienced paddler, our 3-week Home Ed SUP Programme is the perfect way to get out on the water, have fun, and develop new skills. All while gaining the BSUPA Ready to Ride certification, a recognised SUP…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Headcorn, Ashford
This is a two day family event showing the very best displays of everything Remote Control. With air displays over the two days, a massive display of remote control trucks and boats with a man built lake. Hands on 'give it a go' experiences for…
Gardens
Thordenwood Road, Sturry
Get started creating a garden with nature at its heart in this summer workshop, based at the Heather Corrie Ranger Station at West Blean.
New to gardening or keen to refresh or build on your skills? This workshop introduces how to create a garden…
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.…
Food
Folkestone
Head to the free Sandgate Sea and Food Festival this August Bank Holiday weekend.
Water Based Activities
Romney Marsh
Paddleboarding is a great fun activity for all the family (and dogs are welcome too). Head along to Lydd in Kent and try the Action Watersports paddleboarding experience package which includes tuition before you head out onto the water, handy tips…
Exhibitions
Chatham
For the first time, original works by J.M.W. Turner will be displayed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham alongside the evocative paintings of Jake Wood-Evans. This major new exhibition bridges the gap between the 19th century and the contemporary art…
Childrens Events
Chatham
For the first time this Spring, step into a real‑life storybook at The Historic Dockyard Chatham as Jack and Nancy leap from the pages of Sir Quentin Blake's much‑loved tale and into an unforgettable family adventure.
Become the adventurer you've…
Guided Walk
Cobham
Join local historian Christoph Bull for a historical guided walk. The Cobham Village Tour is a follow up on Lord Darnley's Gravesend. Please meet Christoph at the War Memorial, Cobham.
Food
Faversham
Enjoy picking your own fruit from the Brogdale Collections orchards, tasting as many different varieties straight from the tree, guided tours of the National Fruit Collection, food and drink, and free kids' orchard crafts and more! Find out more…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ashford
Engage with the natural world in a mindful way at Hothfield Heathlands as you take a wellness walk with elements of forest bathing.
Soothe your body and mind on a guided, meditative walk through the woods, inspired by the Japanese practice 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…
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