Light Up Maidstone | 6th February 2026

Light Up Maidstone

6th February 2026

What's On in Kent

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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. 

What's on in Kent today?

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. 

What's on in Kent?

Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...

Staying overnight?

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

Kent events near me

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.

Inspiration

  1. Light Up Maidstone 2025
    OneMaidstone BID are delighted to be working in…
    1. 6 Feb 2026
  2. Ramsgate Illuminations. Credit Tourism at Thanet District Council
    Enjoy some Christmas Illuminations with a…
    1. 1 Dec 202521 Dec 2025

Number of results:

Number of results: 47

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Oliver Fisher 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    10 May 2026
  2. Ramsgate Royal Harbour Christmas Illuminations

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Dec 2025to21 Dec 2025
  3. The Maypole Project Chislehurst HM

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026
  4. Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Tunbridge Wells

    This famous race is much loved for its scenic and challenging route. It is steeped in local history and thanks to meticulous organisation, value for money and friendly marshals, entries are highly coveted. It was voted the No.2 Half Marathon in the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Feb 2026
  5. Leeds Castle Concert

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Maidstone

    Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026
  6. Dick Whittington

    Type

    Type:

    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

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025to31 Dec 2025
  7. Curious About Canterbury

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  8. Skate into Quex this Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Birchington

    Back for 2025, our even bigger and better Real Ice Rink is back to let you skate your way into the Christmas spirit!

    Dates

    From:
    1 Dec 2025to31 Dec 2025
  9. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
  10. Romney Marsh 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026
  11. Wassailing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Faversham

    Join us on 17 January at Brogdale Farm for our first-ever Wassailing celebration! This ancient tradition is held to bless the orchards, ward off bad spirits, and encourage a bountiful apple and fruit harvest for the coming year. A wonderful and…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Jan 2026Open 16:00 - 18:30
  12. Christmas at the Caves

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2025to23 Dec 2025
  13. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026
  14. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026
  15. Girlings Ashford & District 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Kennington, Ashford

    This exciting new race invites runners to take to the tarmac around the charming country lanes surrounding the village of Westwell. Offering a flawless fusion of rolling hills, open countryside and fast tarmac stretches, this February fixture is…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Feb 2026
  16. Mount Ephraim 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Faversham

    Described by RunABC as an 'absolute gem', this beautiful 10k course takes runners along the quiet contry lanes around the stunning estate at Mount Ephraim Gardens. The race has grown in notoriety and kudos in recent years, attracting both club…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026
  17. Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Apr 2026
  18. Ashford Striders Charing 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026
  19. Brett Lydd Half Marathon & 20 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd

    This long-established and highly coveted event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. It is the perfect opportunity to test your pace, hydration, and nutrition for…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2026
  20. Christmas at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

    Type

    Type:

    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 …

    Dates

    From:
    24 Nov 2025to22 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00