What's On in Kent

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.

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.

What's on in Kent this May, June, and July?

Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below from the return of the famous Little Ships to Horrible History and tree top adventures, free music concerts and food festivals.

• Wilder Kent Experience: Beavers, Nature's Engineers
  17 and 31 May, 17 June | Kent Wildlife Trust, Worth, Kent
• Operation Dynamo - The Little Ships Come Home
  22 - 25 May | Ramsgate Royal Harbour, Ramsgate, Kent
• Tree Top Adventure
  23 May - 31 May | Go Ape, Bedgebury Pinetum, Cranbrook, Kent
• Horrible Histories: Queen Eleanor's Guide to Surviving 
  26 - 31 May | Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent
• Bandstand Summer Concerts
  6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 28 June | The Leas Bandstand, Folkestone, Kent
• Free Le Weekend 2026 
  13 - 14 June | Sandwich Town Centre, Sandwich, Kent
• Stormtrooper Meet & Greet
  21 June | Rare Breed Centre, Ashford, Kent
• Free Creative Arts in Diversity Festival
  4 July | Brenchley Gardens, Maidstone, Kent 
• Free Riverside Festival
  4 July | Gravesend Riverside Leisure Area, Gravesend, Kent
• Yoga in the Vines
  12 July | Balfour Winery, Staplehurst, 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.  

Planning your visit to events in Kent

If you're planning to attend an event in Kent, find answers below to frequently asked questions to help you plan your visit?

What’s on in Kent today or this weekend?

Use the search box above and filter by the date to narrow down your search, or scroll down the page to explore a full list of events across Kent.

Planning a short break around an event in Kent?

If you're travelling from outside the county, there are numerous hotels and accommodation choices options available.>>> Search & Book Kent Accommodation to plan your stay. Maidstone is a great choice for a stay, its location means its easy to visit anywhere in the county, plus as the 'event's capital of Kent' you won't have to travel far to find an event to suit 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.