May Bank Holiday Events in Kent

As Kent awakens in the gentle embrace of spring, May unveils a vibrant tapestry of events and experiences waiting to be discovered under the radiant sunshine. From family-friendly activities to lively festivals, here’s a glimpse of our favourite things to look forward to over the long May bank holiday weekends ahead.

Sweeps Festival, Rochester

Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May

Just in time for the early May Bank Holiday, Rochester opens its doors to hundreds of visitors for the Sweeps Festival. The well-known, 300-year-old folk festival is celebrated across the town with the streets coming to life with live music, performers and morris dancers. There’s also a charming fun-fair for the little ones to enjoy and a fantastic market offering the best of local artisan goods!

Visit their website for more details.

Weald of Kent Country Craft & Food Show 2026, Penshurst Place

Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May

Enjoy artisan shopping, delicious food, live entertainment, craft demos, music, children’s rides, and a joyful atmosphere at the Weald of Kent Country Craft & Food Show! There are to be over 185 independent stallholders, crafts, live music, demos, and delightful food and drink. Penshurst is also playing host to a range of other events – find out more about all of them here.

Spring Gardens, throughout Kent

All Weekend – Check Individual Opening Hours

While not an actual event per se, the glorious blooms throughout the Garden of England are well worth visiting over the bank holiday weekend. This vibrant ‘transition time’ in the world of horticulture is best for seeing late tulips, lilacs, peonies, bluebells, alliums, rhododendrons and azaleas, among many others. There are lots of beautiful gardens and estates that you can visit, such as Hever Castle (which is set to host Hever in Bloom a little later in the year) and the Great Comp Garden in Sevenoaks. You can browse more beautiful gardens in Kent in this directory.

Please note: if you intend to visit any of these sites with your dog, ensure that they are kept away from certain flower varieties such as tulips and azaleas, as these are highly toxic to dogs when ingested. Find out more about which plants are toxic to dogs here.

May Day Weekend, Hever Castle

Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May

Traditional May Day customs are coming to Hever Castle and Gardens this early May bank holiday – think Maypole dancing, a themed play on the castle forecourt and a great tug of war where the Summer King will hopefully win! Find out more about this event and castle opening hours here.

May Day Weekend Activities, Kent Life

Saturday 2nd – Monday 4th May

One of the county’s most beloved visitor attractions, Kent Life, is bursting with fun things to enjoy over the early May bank holiday. There will be Fun Farm Rides, Critter Corner visits, and an enchanting Owl Flying Demo. Little ones can also enjoy painting their own pot (charge applies), Maypole fun and live music. Be amazed by a magical show and finish the day dancing and laughing at the Disco or Disco Foam Party in the Playbarn Area.

Tickets & more info here.

Whitstable Castle Farmers Market

Sunday 3rd May, 10am – 2pm

Nothing says bank holiday weekend quite like a meander through a glorious farmers’ market teeming with tempting treats and fresh produce. Ran weekly and operated by the Artisan Food Trail, you’ll find the market at Whitstable Castle, Tower Hill, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 2BW.

More information

The Kent Food Fest, Knockholt, Sevenoaks

16th & 17th May

While not strictly a bank holiday event, The Kent Food Fest definitely warrants a mention in our line-up of May events! Set over a sprawling 250 acres of countryside, the festival was founded in 2014 and was once described as the ‘coolest UK festival’ by Conde Nast. Expect a wealth of seriously delicious food and drink stands, plenty of live music, a classic car pop-up show and an entire day (Sunday 17th) devoted to dogs. This is not one to miss!

Tickets & more info here.

The second May bank holiday falls on Monday 25th, making the second-to-last weekend in Kent a longer one. It’s also half-term from the 25th – 29th, making it a fantastic time to get away with family and friends. Here are some of the things you can enjoy throughout Kent over the late May bank holiday weekend:

Kent Tribute Festival, Quex Park

22nd – 24th May 2026

A new weekend-long music extravaganza heads to Quex Park in Birchington for the late May Bank Holiday, featuring 21 top European tribute acts across rock, pop, soul, and dance legends on two stages. Enjoy non-stop anthems, street food, licensed bars, family entertainment like kids’ tribute shows, inflatables, fairground rides, and camping for the full festival vibe.

Tickets & more details here.

The Queen’s Joust, Leeds Castle

23rd – 25th May 2026

Step back to medieval times at Leeds Castle with thrilling jousting as England, France, and Norway knights clash lances for the queen’s favour and a coveted cup—twice daily at 1pm and 3:30pm in the main arena. Watch foot combat, knight arming demos, 15th-century trades, medieval music, dance, and equestrian displays amid the castle’s stunning grounds.

More details here.

Star Wars Express, Kent & East Sussex Railway

Monday 4th May 2026

“May the Fourth be with you” on this Bank Holiday Monday as the heritage line becomes the Ewok Express from Tenterden Station; the perfect opportunity for dressing as Stormtroopers, Jedi, or fans in Star Wars gear. Meet UK Garrison characters, duel with lightsabers (Red or Blue?), complete activity booklets, make badges, pose with life-size characters, and win prizes for best costumes.

More details here.