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. Step back in time and experience the atmosphere and action of the 1940s at Dover Castle as the famous historical attraction will be holding a World War II Weekend (14th - 15th June 25), or the ten days of creativity, entertainment and music at the annual Deal Arts and Music Festival (3rd - 13th July 25) or the fantastic free Sandwich Festival which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend (23rd - 25th August 25) (F).
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: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Performing Arts
Maidstone
June the smell of rebellion is heading to The Hazlitt Theatre. M.T. Excellence proudly presents
Matilda JR.
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who…
Heritage & History
Broadstairs
Now in its 88th year, popular festival celebrating the life, times and works of Charles Dickens around Broadstairs
Sporting Events
Maidstone
Genesis Professional Wrestling returns to Maidstone for our next, huge, Ballin Nightclub Double Show Day on Sunday 13th July 2025.
Witness the Champions of Genesis Professional Wrestling, our home grown stars from our very own Gen Pro Academy in…
Tour
Rochester
Tour runs on Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at 6pm.
As night falls over Rochester's ancient High Street, step beyond the gas-lit charm and into the shadows, where history refuses to rest. The Rochester High Street Ghost Tour will take you on a…
Music
Deal
Enjoy this year's annual Deal Music and Arts Festival, which takes over the town of Deal in Kent for ten days this July.
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.
Walking
Goudhurst
Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies!
Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone's favourite dog and owner duo for company.
This…
Show / Display
Maidstone
Organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, the show attracts more than 80,000 visitors keen to enjoy one of the UK’s best countryside, farming and produce events.
Arts
Canterbury
Members of the Canterbury Society of Art will display numerous original artworks in a variety of media including watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, Lino cuts and mixed media.
The artists will be in attendance and happy to explain about their…
Exhibitions
Sandwich
- Preview: Friday, 20th June 2025, 6pm-8pm
- Exhibition Dates: Saturday, 21st - Sunday, 29th June 2025
- Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm
- Location: St Mary's Art Centre, Sandwich
Join us to celebrate a stunning collection of artwork by our…
Walking
Sun Street, Canterbury
Have fun (re-)discovering Canterbury, 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. Curious About Canterbury visits not just the obvious places, but…
Arts
Rye
Time & Location
02 Jul 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
Globe Inn Marsh, 10 Military Rd, Rye TN31 7NX, UK
About the Event
Everything you need to paint a masterpiece!
Join us for a relaxed evening of painting and socialising. You can purchase some nibbles and…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Ahoy Mateys! Our real-life pirate is visiting the farm this Father’s Day and he can’t wait to meet you and your family! He'll be adding extra, swash-buckling entertainment throughout the day.
Heritage & History
Westerham
Join us for a relaxed house opening; for anyone who appreciates a calmer visit.
Relaxed hours at Chartwell offer an alternative experience for people who prefer a tranquil environment. They are particularly well suited to people with sensory needs,…
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…
Festival
Birchington
Country, soul, blues and rock 'n' roll in a local, national and international line up of musicians, motorcycles and automobiles. A brand-new family friendly festival with high octane energy and plenty of heart comes to one of Kent's best loved…
Music
Whitstable Road, Canterbury
Space Cowboy - The Ultimate Tribute to Jamiroquai are heading to The Great Hall, Canterbury on 13th December 2025 at 19:30!
Space Cowboy - The Ultimate Tribute to Jamiroquai have been thrilling audiences all over the UK and Europe for more than a…
Festival
A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.
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.…
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…
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