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 2024 and get into the festival spirit with a visit to one of the many free events happening across the county.
Don't miss the free family-friendly Shaun and Sheep Art Trail (F) (29th June - 30th August 24) to raise a beer this Oktoberfest (28th September) in Maidstone. Enjoy the Ramsgate Festival of Sound (22nd - 25th August) or the new exhibition at the Turner Contemporary (F) (28th Sept - 12th January 2025) in Thanet. Heritage Open Days celebrate South East England's fascinating history in September, visit the Western Heights Drop Redoubt Fort & Grand Shaft, Dover (F) (14th - 15th September).
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 maritime 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: 44
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Theatre
Folkestone
Introducing a brand-new producer for this year's pantomime, Second Star Productions and Leas Cliff Hall are proud to present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Why go and see it?
Whether you're a lifelong fan of pantomime or experiencing this seasonal…
Christmas
Birchington
Back for 2024, Skate into Quex this Christmas is even bigger and better!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lock Ln, Maidstone
Come along and join in with the family friendly Halloween events as Kent Life is transformed for the spooky season. There will be plenty for all to enjoy, from pumpkin carving, trick or treating, creepy bugs and fancy-dress competitions. Guests who…
Christmas
Broadstairs
Join us this Christmas at Pierremont Hall on the 30th of November for Broadstairs and St Peter's Town Council Christmas Market.
The market will be open to the public from 11 am until 5 pm. Music from 11 am until 4 pm ending with community carol…
Christmas
Ashford
Looking for gift ideas? Visit the Rare Breeds Centre Christmas Market on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November! Explore locally crafted items, unique gifts, toys, sweets, and delicious edible treats in the festive Benson Barn. Enjoy free entry and…
Participatory Event
Maidstone
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2024!
Christmas
Tunbridge Wells
A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – an after-dark stroll through iconic conifers
The National Pinetum at Bedgebury is a place where new memories are made when over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun…
Childrens Events
Chatham
Gut-Wrenching Tales and Gruesome Fun
Naval history is filled with truly revolting tales, and this Halloween half-term, we challenge you to dive nose-first into a gruesome adventure. Brace yourself for sickening stories of historic diseases and the…
Fireworks
Maidstone
The biggest and best fireworks display in the South East of England returns for 2024 – the Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular!
On the 9th and 10th November 2024, this incredibly popular event combines fireworks to make you 'oooh' and 'ahhh',…
Christmas
Kent
A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – festive fun at historic and glamorous Leeds Castle
Created by award-winning international producers of light trails, Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle has everything you need for an unforgettable time with…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lock Ln, Maidstone
The highlight of the event will be visiting Father Christmas in his magical grotto where children can select a gift of choice from the well-stocked toy shop. You can also graduate from elf school, snuggle up in front of some Christmas films, visit…
Christmas
Edenbridge
This Christmas, spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy a seasonal experience that celebrates the past 10 years of festive joy at Hever Castle.
Immerse yourself in a magical Christmas in the Castle, witness enchanting reimaginations of classic…
Christmas
Margate
Saturday 14th, Sunday 15th, Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd December 2024
Christmas World returns, bringing festive fun and magical moments. Featuring a variety of attractions, activities, entertainment, food, drinks and…
School Holidays
Goudhurst
A magical trail with new lights for 2024 – an after-dark stroll through our world-leading collection of conifers
Theatre
Chatham
Taking to the stage from Thursday 12 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025. Following the tremendous success of the smash hit, Aladdin, we're thrilled to present a LARGER-THAN-LIFE adventure!
Join Jack, Dame Trott, and the lovable Clarabelle the…
Special Events
Maidstone
Embark on a Haunted Quest at
Leeds Castle This Halloween
This Halloween, prepare for a haunting adventure like no other at Leeds Castle, where history meets mystery on a spellbinding quest designed for the whole family.
From October 26th to…
Christmas
Lock Ln, Maidstone
There's still a whole host of festive fun, join in with games on the green, take a fun farm ride or get creative in the paint-a-pot studio. There's also indoor and outdoor play to enjoy or take the time to explore our range of historic buildings all…
Christmas
Deal
Join the Georgian gentlemen for a weekend of festive fun as they prepare for Christmas at Walmer Castle. Enjoy a delightful array of activities and entertainment this holiday season!