Wondering what’s on in Kent this weekend? You’re not the only one. Every week, thousands of people across the county search for something worth doing on a Saturday or Sunday.
Detling Showground is Kent’s largest event venue. It hosts over 30 public events every year, from antiques fairs and car shows to garden exhibitions and family days out. This page is your weekly guide to what’s happening on site, with times, ticket prices and practical visitor info.
Bookmark this page. We update it every Thursday so you always know what’s coming up.
What’s On at Detling Showground This Weekend
Detling Showground hosts the Antiques and Vintage Fair on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April 2026. With over 400 indoor and outdoor stalls, it’s Kent’s largest antiques fair. Entry starts from £5, parking is free, and dogs are welcome on a lead.
Event Listing Template (repeat for each event)
Antiques and Vintage Fair
Dates: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April 2026
Times: Saturday 8:30am to 4:30pm | Sunday 10:00am to 3:30pm
Tickets: Saturday early entry (8:30am) £7 | Saturday standard (10am) £6 | Sunday £5 | Under-16s free
Parking: Free
Family-friendly: Yes. Under-16s enter free with a paying adult.
Dogs: Welcome on a short lead
Run by Love Fairs, this two-day event fills our indoor halls and outdoor grounds with hundreds of traders. Expect vintage furniture, retro clothing, collectibles, vinyl records and plenty of curiosities you won’t find on the high street.
Insider tip: Saturday early entry gives you the best pick of the stalls before the crowds arrive. The indoor halls can get busy by 11am, so morning visits are worth the effort.
Food and drink vans are on site, but some stall holders are cash-only. Bring a mix of cash and card to be safe.
Upcoming Events at Kent Showground
Already planning ahead? Here’s what’s coming up at Detling Showground over the next few weeks.
| Event | Date | Type | Family-Friendly? |
| Kent Wedding Show | 26 April | Wedding fair | Adults only |
| BHP Performance Car Show | 3 May | Car show | Yes, kids’ zone |
| Militaria Fair | 10 May | Specialist show | Yes |
| The Labyrinth Challenge | 16 May | Inflatable obstacle course | Yes, all ages |
| Kent Garden Show | 23–25 May | Garden exhibition | Yes (no dogs) |
| Kent County Show | 3–5 July | County agricultural show | Yes |
The Kent County Show on 3, 4 and 5 July is the headline event of the year. Organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, it brings together livestock, vintage vehicles, live entertainment and hundreds of retail stands. Tickets go on sale in spring, so keep an eye on the full events calendar for updates.
What Is Detling Showground?
Detling Showground (officially Kent Event Centre) is a 200-acre event venue on the A249 near Maidstone, Kent. It features 12 indoor spaces and extensive outdoor grounds. The venue hosts over 30 public events each year, including the Kent County Show, antiques fairs, car shows and garden exhibitions. It is managed by the Kent County Agricultural Society, a registered charity.
Indoor spaces range from small meeting rooms to the 3,000m² Brachers Building, which can hold up to 3,000 visitors. That flexibility makes the showground suitable for everything from intimate craft fairs to large-scale trade exhibitions.
Beyond public events, the venue is also available for private hire, including conferences, weddings and corporate team-building days. But for most visitors, it’s the weekend public events that bring them back again and again.
Things to Do in Kent This Weekend Beyond Detling
Kent has no shortage of weekend activities. If you’re looking for things to do in Kent this weekend, Detling is a strong starting point, but there’s plenty more across the county.
Historic attractions like Leeds Castle, Hever Castle and Canterbury Cathedral are all within easy driving distance of the showground. Visit Kent, the county’s official tourism site, maintains a full calendar of events and activities if you want to explore further afield.
For families, the coastal towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Whitstable offer beaches, arcades and seafood. Combine a morning at Detling with an afternoon by the sea for a proper Kent day out.
How to Get to Detling Showground
Detling Showground is on the A249 between Maidstone and Sittingbourne. Getting there by car is straightforward, and parking is always free.
Sat nav postcode: ME14 3JF
- Set your sat nav to ME14 3JF.
- From the M20, exit at Junction 7 and follow signs for Sittingbourne/Sheerness (A249).
- The showground is clearly signed, about 2 miles from the junction.
- From the M2, exit at Junction 5 signposted Maidstone (A249). The showground is about 5 miles south.
- Follow on-site signs to the nearest car park for your event.
The site has capacity for over 20,000 vehicles, so you won’t struggle to find a space. Blue badge parking is available close to event entrances.
Public transport note: There is a limited bus service from Maidstone, but the nearest bus stop is roughly a 30-minute walk from the showground. For most visitors, driving or getting a taxi from Maidstone station (about 10 minutes) is the most practical option.
For detailed train and bus route planning, the National Rail journey planner can help you find the best connection to Maidstone.
Visitor Tips for Kent Showground Events
We’ve hosted hundreds of events at Detling Showground. Here are a few things that will make your visit smoother.
- Arrive early. Car parks fill up fastest between 10am and noon. Getting there for opening time means easier parking and shorter queues.
- Bring cash. While most ticket offices take card, some independent stall holders at fairs and markets are cash-only.
- Check the dog policy. Many events welcome dogs on leads, but some (like the Kent Garden Show) do not. Always check the specific event listing before bringing your pet.
- Dress for the weather. Parts of the showground are outdoors. Wellies in winter, sun cream in summer.
- Food is on site. Most events have catering vans selling hot food, coffee and snacks. Larger shows also have a dedicated food hall.
- Accessibility. Blue badge parking is available, and the main indoor halls have step-free access. Contact us before your visit if you have specific accessibility needs.
For more practical details about visiting, including a site map and contact information, see our visiting page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detling Showground
What events are on at Detling Showground this weekend?
Detling Showground hosts different events most weekends, from antiques fairs and car shows to garden exhibitions and family activities. This page is updated every Thursday with the latest weekend lineup, including times, ticket prices and visitor information. Scroll to the top for this week’s listings.
Is there free parking at Detling Showground?
Yes. Parking at Detling Showground is free for all public events. The site has space for over 20,000 vehicles. Follow on-site signs when you arrive to find the car park closest to your event entrance.
How do I get to Detling Showground?
The showground is on the A249 near Maidstone, Kent. From the M20, take Junction 7 and follow the A249 towards Sittingbourne. The venue is about 2 miles from the junction and clearly signed. The postcode for sat nav is ME14 3JF.
Are dogs allowed at Detling Showground events?
It depends on the event. Many events (including the Antiques and Vintage Fair) welcome dogs on a short lead. However, some shows do not allow dogs, such as the Kent Garden Show. Always check the specific event listing on this page or on our events calendar before visiting with a pet.
What is the Kent Showground used for?
Kent Showground (Kent Event Centre) is a 200-acre venue used for public events, trade exhibitions, conferences, weddings and private functions. It hosts over 30 public events annually, including the Kent County Show, antiques fairs, car shows, garden exhibitions and family entertainment. The venue is managed by the Kent County Agricultural Society.
Is there anything on at Detling this weekend?
Most weekends, yes. Detling Showground runs events year-round. Check the top of this page for the most up-to-date listing of what’s on this specific weekend. We update it every Thursday.
Plan Your Weekend at Detling Showground
Detling Showground is Kent’s go-to venue for weekend events, with something different on almost every week. Whether you’re hunting for vintage finds, admiring classic cars, or planning a family day out, this is the place to start.
Bookmark this page and check back each Thursday for the latest update. You can also browse all upcoming events or get in touch if you have questions about a specific event.
Planning a private event rather than attending one? Explore our venue spaces to see what we can offer for conferences, weddings and exhibitions.
