Discover one of Kent's best kept secrets
Kent is known as the Garden of England, a county with a glorious natural landscape, stunning heritage coastline, award-winning attractions, offering an array of top-quality outdoor events all year round. Featuring a UNESCO World Heritage Site, numerous Blue Flag Beaches, historical, TV and film links and a whole host of seasonal events, ensures you'll find something different and something to love on every visit. Head to Kent in 2025 and get into the festival spirit with a visit to one of the many free events (F) happening across the county.
In 2025, Kent will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of JMW Turner and his connections to Margate. He came to live here when he was 11, a romantic painter, many of us see him everyday as he has featured on the British £20 note since 2020. A stunning peice of JMW Turner’s work called 'Waves Breaking on a Lee Shore at Margate' has just arrived at Turner Contemporary, on loan from the Tate, London and is expected to be on loan until April 2026.
To find out what's on in Kent today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. 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.
The family-friendly coastal seaside resorts such as Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate have events calendars geared for keeping kids entertained whether it's during the holidays or for a weekend break. Historic Dover, medieval Sandwich and traditional Deal provide destinations ideal for a seaside getaway, a walking holiday or a cultural break by the sea. Whilst Maidstone, the event's capital of Kent, makes for an ideal base for festival goers, adventure weekenders or for exploring this beautiful county.
Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Kent, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Kent Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Kent. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button or by scrolling through the events listing.
Number of results: 52
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Arts
Hollingbourne, Maidstone
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…
Childrens Events
Broadstairs
Sarah Thorne's traditional pantomime, now in it's 14th year, returns. The full professional company includes live music and members of the Masque
Theatre School.
See website for show dates and times
Christmas
Tunbridge Wells
Join us at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Tunbridge Wells West on the Spa Valley Railway for a magical Christmas adventure—book your tickets today!
Step into the beloved story as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ departs from Spa Valley Railway, bringing the film to life.…
Christmas
Faversham
Join talented paper artist Nicola Chatten for a festive, hands-on workshop where you'll craft a beautiful table centrepiece using lifelike paper flowers. During this session, you'll learn how to create elegant paper poinsettias and seasonal foliage,…
Arts
High Street, Deal
The Paint Club runs monthly workshops across Kent at The Carpenter's Arms near Tonbridge, Maidstone Mercure, Tunbridge Wells Mercure in Pembury and Accord Lounge in Deal.
Expert instruction from a professional artist will guide you step-by-step…
Sporting Events
Sittingbourne
The Oliver Fisher 10k & 5k returns to our racing calendars on Sunday 10 May 2026 to help raise valuable funds for this wonderful charity. After a brand new course last year, the race continues to boast a delightful off-road route with wonderful…
Shopping
Paddock Wood, Tonbridge
Join us for three fabulous days of stylish shopping at Wealden Times Midwinter Fair this 20th, 21st and 22nd November at The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood. There is no lovelier way to shop for original, handmade and desirable Christmas gifts than browsing…
Participatory Event
Maidstone
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2025 at Go Ape Leeds Castle
Theatre
Maidstone
Whitechapel. 1888. Between August and November a series of women are brutally murdered. The identity of the killer remains a mystery. Until now..?
It's the greatest unsolved case in criminal history. One that continues to confuse and confound.…
Sporting Events
Folkestone
This event is an exhilarating, fast and flat race along the seafront. In recent years, we have included an elite wave to the race so that runners of all abilities can enjoy the wonderful race-day buzz of Folkestone Coastal. The chance of a fast time…
Christmas
Aylesford
The team have been busy over the last few months gearing up for this years Rudolph Fun Run - a 2.5km family route or 5km chip-timed run around the stunning Leybourne Lakes.
The name says it all – an amazing day packed with festive fun, Christmas…
Sporting Events
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, covering the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Ashford in Kent plus a short section on the Pilgrims Way. Both races carry UKA licences and are accurately…
Participatory Event
Cranbrook
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2025 at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent!
Childrens Events
Ashford
Meet Father Christmas in our magical grotto Santa's Grotto will open on Saturday, November 22nd and will be welcoming visitors every weekend until Christmas. It will also be open on Monday, December 22nd through to Wednesday, December 24th, for…
Christmas
Chatham
Mission Christmas – The Marvellous Elf Inventors
Have you ever wondered why The Historic Dockyard Chatham closes its doors every Christmas? For more than 400 years, workers at the Dockyard have been keeping a closely guarded festive secret…
Across…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lock Ln, Maidstone
A festive extravaganza awaits you at our Christmas Experience! Get ready to say “Ho Ho Ho!” as you embark on a magical journey. The highlight of your visit will be meeting Father Christmas himself in his enchanting grotto. Little ones will be…
Exhibitions
Chatham
The internationally acclaimed exhibition, Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks, is making its UK debut at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Designed by Certified Professional Ryan "The Brickman" McNaught in partnership with the Australian National…
Fireworks
Broadstairs
Head down to Viking Bay in Broadstairs to enjoy a fabulous firework display to see the sky above Broadstairs' Viking Bay come alive with colour on Tuesday 5th of November
Sporting Events
Ashford
A Friday evening race event with a heartwarming community vibe that all the family can enjoy. This race takes advantage of the lighter summer evenings and provides a spellbinding route through the pretty Kent village of Charing, exploring country…
Sporting Events
Peasmarsh near Rye
This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…
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