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: 54
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
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…
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
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…
Performing Arts
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
Connect, Discover and Experience Fresh Dance Work-In-Progress in a Chilled Atmosphere
Dance Performance / Artist Talk / Networking
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Admission: Pay-what-you-can (Suggestion £5 per person, donated directly to the artists)
Age:…
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…
Sporting Events
East Peckham
This beautiful summer race offers a pacey, fast and flat 10k and 5k through the quiet lanes around East Peckham - a genuine pb event not to be missed! Delivered by the Paddock Wood & District Lions Club, this well-marshalled race will, once again,…
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
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.
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…
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…
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…
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
Tunbridge Wells
Get ready to sparkle and shine this December as the festive family favourite Nativity! The Musical bursts onto the Trinity stage.
Based on the 2009 smash-hit holiday film, Nativity! The Musical will transport Tunbridge Wells into the mayhem of…
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
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…
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,…
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…
Tour
Chatham
f you're a fan of the hit series and you've been wondering where Call the Midwife is filmed, put yourself in the picture and explore where the real drama happens with a Call the Midwife Official Location Tour at The Historic Dockyard Chatham…
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…
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