Introduction
Planning a visit to the Kent County Show 2026 without a schedule means missing the best bits. With three days of packed programming across more than a dozen arenas, a little planning goes a long way. This guide gives you the full day-by-day schedule, ring timings, ticket details and insider tips. We are the Kent County Agricultural Society, the charity that organises the show, so everything you read here comes straight from the team running it.
When is the Kent County Show 2026?
The Kent County Show 2026 takes place on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2026 at the Kent Showground in Detling, Maidstone (ME14 3JF). This is the 95th Kent County Show and marks a return to the event’s agricultural roots. Gates open each morning for three full days of livestock, equine, food, heritage and family entertainment.
At a glance
- Dates: 3rd, 4th & 5th July 2026
- Venue: Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF
- Organiser: Kent County Agricultural Society
- Edition: 95th Kent County Show
- Expected attendance: Around 100,000 visitors across the weekend
- Exhibitors: Over 400 trade stands and exhibitors
Kent County Show 2026 Day-by-Day Schedule
The show runs across more than 20 distinct zones, from the John D Wood & Co. Astor Ring to the Living Land Village and the brand-new Countryside Village. Some highlights run daily, others are day-specific. The table below shows the headline structure. Full ring-by-ring timings for 2026 are released closer to the event on our Kent County Show page.
| Day | Headline Events | Family Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 3rd July | Livestock judging begins, equine classes, showjumping, Heritage Transport display | Living Land Village, Sheep Show, Kids Craft Workshops |
| Saturday 4th July | Grand Parade of Livestock, major showjumping finals, live music on the Village Green | Pony rides, Giant Aldabra Tortoises, Joseph’s Amazing Camels |
| Sunday 5th July | Championship finals, supreme champion judging, HOYS & London International qualifiers close | Working horses display, Saxon re-enactment, archery with Joe’s Bows |
Friday 3rd July: Day One Schedule
Friday is traditionally the quieter of the three days and a strong choice if you want space to explore every zone. Livestock judging starts early across the cattle, sheep and goat rings, so arrive by 9am if you want to see classes from the start. The John D Wood & Co. Astor Ring runs showjumping classes through the morning.
What to prioritise on Friday:
- Livestock judging in the main livestock area from the morning.
- Equine classes across the Equine Village rings.
- The Living Land Village for hands-on family activities.
- The Heritage Section for vintage tractors, cars and motorcycles.
- The Antiques & Vintage Village hosted by Love Fairs in the John Hendry building.
Friday is also the best day to tackle the trade stands across Falmouth Avenue, Churchill Avenue and Edward Hardy Avenue without weekend crowds.
Saturday 4th July: Day Two Schedule
Saturday is the biggest and busiest day of the Kent County Show. The Grand Parade of Livestock in the Astor Ring is the showpiece moment, where Supreme Champions from all livestock sections parade together. Showjumping classes peak, live music runs from the Village Green stage, and Joseph’s Amazing Camels make their headline appearance.
What to prioritise on Saturday:
- Grand Parade of Livestock in the Astor Ring (check programme for exact time).
- Showjumping classes in the Astor Ring.
- Kent Young Farmers’ Clubs competitions by Gate 1, celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2026.
- The Sheep Show in the Living Land Village.
- Live music on the Village Green stage.
Arrive before 10am if you want to park easily and claim a good spot at the Astor Ring Grand Stand.
Sunday 5th July: Day Three Schedule
Sunday brings the championship finals across livestock and equine, including the climax of the Horse of the Year Show and London International Horse Show qualifiers. The atmosphere is focused and competitive, with supreme champions crowned across every section.
What to prioritise on Sunday:
- Supreme Champion livestock judging.
- HOYS and London International Horse Show qualifier finals.
- Working horses display in the Woodland Area.
- Saxon re-enactment and archery with Joe’s Bows.
- Kent Youth Trials Club stunt display in the Heritage Section.
Sunday typically wraps up in the late afternoon, with prize-giving rounding off the 95th show.
Which Day Should You Visit the Kent County Show?
Not sure which day suits you best? Here is the simple answer, based on years of organising the event.
- Best for families with young children: Saturday, for the Grand Parade, camels and peak entertainment.
- Best for a quieter visit: Friday, easier parking and more space at the rings.
- Best for equine fans: Sunday, when HOYS and London International qualifiers reach their finals.
- Best for livestock: Friday for early judging, Sunday for supreme champions.
- Best for trade stands and shopping: Friday, before the weekend crowds arrive.
If you can only visit one day and you have children, make it Saturday. If you want to see serious competition, make it Sunday.
Kent County Show 2026 Tickets
Tickets for the Kent County Show 2026 are on sale now at the exclusive pre-booking rate. Advance tickets are cheaper than gate prices, so booking online before the event is the single easiest way to save money. Adult, child, family and concession options are all available, along with 1-Day and 3-Day passes.
Current ticket options include:
- Adult and child day tickets (pre-booking rate available online).
- Family tickets for combinations of adults and children.
- 3-Day passes for visitors attending all weekend.
- Members’ tickets, which include access to the exclusive Members’ Area, grand stand seating and the Members’ restaurant and bar.
Book your Kent County Show tickets here at the pre-booking rate before prices rise at the gate.
Is the Kent County Show Worth It?
Yes. The Kent County Show is the flagship annual event of the Kent County Agricultural Society, a registered charity that has been running since 1923. Profits from the show fund scholarships, awards and grants for Kent’s rural and farming community. You are not just buying a day out. You are supporting a 100-year-old charitable mission to champion Kent farming.
Getting to the Kent Showground and Parking
The Kent Showground is located at Detling, Maidstone, ME14 3JF, just off the A249 and a short drive from Junction 7 of the M20. On-site parking is provided and signposted from the main road. If you are using sat nav, enter the postcode ME14 3JF for direct routing to the show.
- By car: Exit the M20 at Junction 7 and follow signs for Detling and the Kent Showground.
- By public transport: Maidstone East and Bearsted are the nearest mainline stations, with taxi links to the Showground.
- Arrival time tip: Arrive before 10am on Saturday and Sunday to beat the main traffic and parking queues.
For traffic updates during the weekend, check live updates from National Highways before you set off.
Planning Your Visit: Insider Tips from the Organisers
After decades of running the show, here is what we wish every first-time visitor knew.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The showground is large and you will easily walk 8 to 10 miles in a day.
- Bring waterproofs, even in July. Kent weather is unpredictable and much of the show is outdoors.
- Visit the food hall mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Lunchtime queues at popular stands peak between 12pm and 2pm.
- Head to the Members’ Area at the Show Office if you want to upgrade on the day. Membership gives you access to exclusive seating at the Astor Ring.
- Dogs on leads are welcome in most areas, but not inside livestock rings. Water stations are provided.
- The show is cashless-friendly, but bringing some cash is sensible for smaller traders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Kent County Show 2026?
The Kent County Show 2026 takes place on Friday 3rd, Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July 2026 at the Kent Showground in Detling, Maidstone (ME14 3JF). This is the 95th show, organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society.
What time does the Kent County Show open?
Gates at the Kent County Show open each morning of the three-day event, with the main programme running through the day until late afternoon. Exact opening times are published on the official Kent County Agricultural Society website ahead of the show.
How much are Kent County Show tickets in 2026?
Ticket prices vary by age, day and whether you book online in advance or pay at the gate. Advance online tickets are cheaper than gate prices. Family tickets, 3-Day passes and concessions are also available. Book at the pre-booking rate on the tickets page.
Where is the Kent County Show held?
The Kent County Show is held at the Kent Showground in Detling, Maidstone, postcode ME14 3JF. The venue sits just off Junction 7 of the M20 and offers on-site parking for visitors across all three days of the show.
Are dogs allowed at the Kent County Show?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at the Kent County Show. Dogs are not permitted inside livestock rings or certain indoor exhibition areas. Water stations are provided across the showground. Please check the latest policy on our FAQs page before you travel.
Is there parking at the Kent County Show?
Yes, on-site parking is available at the Kent Showground and is signposted from the A249. Arrive early on Saturday and Sunday to avoid peak-time queues. Accessible parking is available for visitors with Blue Badges.
Book Your Kent County Show 2026 Tickets
The 95th Kent County Show on 3rd, 4th and 5th July 2026 is shaping up to be our most comprehensive programme yet. Three days, more than 400 exhibitors, over 100 equine classes and every corner of Kent farming life on display. Save money by booking online at the pre-booking rate and plan your day using the schedule above.
Book your Kent County Show 2026 tickets now and join us at the Kent Showground this July.
Which day will you be joining us? Tag us on social media so we can share your show photos.
