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. 2025 also see's the commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo in Ramsgate, this will include more than 60 'Little Ships' (16th - 26th May 25). 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).
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: 40
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.…
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…
Workshop
Tonbridge
Get creative at Balfour Winery in Kent this May with a fun Sip and Paint workshop.
Music
Maidstone
Where Rock'n'Roll Was Born - the Official Sun Records Concert Show
On July 18, 1953, Presley first walked through the doors of the Memphis Recording Service at the Sun Record Company, now commonly known as Sun Records, paid $3.98 and recorded a…
Music
Earl Street, Maidston
All Holly's hits and classics from his rock 'n' roll pals are played live on stage by these five amazing young actor-musicians, who always delight crowds with their fabulous show. Featuring raw rock 'n' roll, beautifully haunting ballads, energetic…
Childrens Events
Maidstone
Raver Tots, the UK's award-winning family-friendly rave, is back with its biggest festival tour yet. Kicking off a summer of fun starting at Mote Park, Maidstone, on 26th May 2025 (Bank Holiday Monday).
The family-friendly day out like no other…
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…
Childrens Events
Chatham
Plunge into May Half Term for an epic adventure on the high seas. Dive into the world of shipwrecks, pirates, and deep-sea adventures. Build your own adventure with interactive storytelling, get hands-on with shipbuilding, and navigate survival…
Food
Broadstairs
Popular three day fair with over 100 food and drink producers, promoting the best of the county's produce. Look out chef theatres, special offers and the chance to browse stalls of food, drink and cookware
Outdoor Event / Activities
Dover
Join us in the grounds of Dover Castle for hands-on activities this May half term. Enjoy family fun and games in the fresh air!
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…
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…
Heritage & History
Ramsgate
Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate takes place with a series of events from Friday 16 to Monday 26 May 2025.
In May 1940, a rescue operation was implemented by the Royal Navy to evacuate British, French and…
Tour
Chatham
If 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…
Festival
Smugglers Festival is a gathering on the last weekend of summer each year, on a beautiful woodland in East-Kent. It’s a small, intimate festival, rooted in community from the outset.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Deal
Join us in the grounds of Walmer Castle for hands-on activities this May half term. Enjoy family fun and games in the fresh air!
Antiques
Chatham
Held in the spectacular No. 5 Slip at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, the Medway Vintage, Antiques and Collectibles Fair is set to be a standout event on the Kent calendar. This vast covered Victorian slipway, rich in naval heritage and architectural…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Pop the dates in your diary and head down to the farm for a sheep-load of fun during our much-loved Woolly Week!
If you enjoyed meeting our lambs over Easter, you'll be thrilled with what we've got in store. We're going full-on fluffy with a whole…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Would you like to paddle on the whole lake, having some "you time" and just chill with like minded people.
Monday & Thursday mornings 9:30am and 10:30am, is the best time to bring your own SUP or use one of ours as you enjoy the tranquillity of the…
Childrens Events
Goudhurst
The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…