Maidstone, Kent
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.
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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: 46
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Christmas
Margate
This year for Christmas at the Caves we will be joining Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and the Darling children and flying to Neverland for a magical adventure.
Indoor
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.
Sporting Events
Chislehurst
The parks and commons of Chislehurst have a rich history and the village is located in one of the leafiest wards of Greater London. Our aim is to combine the two to showcase that history and proffer fresh breath from the green lungs of Chislehurst…
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…
Free Event
OneMaidstone BID are delighted to be working in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council and Cohesion Plus to deliver Light Up Maidstone. This free community event will welcome the light during the darkest months of the year with plenty of…
Sporting Events
Folkestone
This accurately-measured course starts outside The Grand on The Leas, passes through the coastal park before and an out and back to Hythe. The event has fantastic support from local community groups and has a friendly race day vibe. If you are new…
Free Event
Gravesend
The popular Gravesham Light Festival is back this January. This years theme is Light and Life and will illuminate our streets on Friday 30 & Saturday 31 January 2026.
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…
Christmas
Lamberhurst
Haven't you heard? The Cheer-O-Meter, the very measure of festive magic, is running low, and only the joy of families like yours can raise it high once more
Christmas
Ramsgate
Enjoy some Christmas Illuminations with a difference at the Ramsgate Royal Harbour. Pop along and enjoy the festive lights dressed on many of the boats in the harbour during December, and why not stop for dinner at one of the harbour restaurants and…
Christmas
Edenbridge
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Hever Castle this Christmas!
From 21 November 2025 – 2 January 2026, Hever Castle & Gardens is bringing the magic of Oz to life.
Begin your journey in Dorothy's Kansas farmhouse before being swept along the yellow…
Music
Maidstone
Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.
Sporting Events
New Romney
The Romney Marsh 10K is organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Romney Marsh Rotary Club. The course uses the flat tarmac country lanes around the pretty Kent town of New Romney. You won't be disappointed by the views as you explore this stunning…
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…
Christmas
Station Road, Tenterden
We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…
Christmas
Nr Cranbrook
Tired of the Christmas crowds? Escape to Sissinghurst Castle Garden for a gentle festive atmosphere this winter.
Immerse yourself in relaxed, natural decorations, Christmas trees, and wreaths.
Pause under the Tower and enjoy the views, elevated …
Christmas
Goudhurst,
Step into a winter wonderland like no other as Christmas at Bedgebury returns for 2025!
Immerse yourself in a new, reimagined trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, created by the award-winning light trail producers behind events such as…
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury!
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
Gardens
Edenbridge
A celebration of the glories of the early spring season will be taking place at Hever Castle in February 2026.
'First Signs of Spring' is launching to coincide with Hever reopening its gates, following a short winter break, on Wednesday 11 February…
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