Dover, 14th - 15th June 25
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: 45
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.
Food
Rye
Rye Harvest Wine and Food Fair is an opportunity to discover the incredible range of local produce from land and sea around us.
Antiques
Chatham
Held in the spectacular No. 5 Slip at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, the Medway Vintage, Antiques and Collectibles Fair is fast becoming a standout event on the Kent calendar. This vast covered Victorian slipway, rich in naval heritage and…
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…
Comedy
Langton Rd, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells
Joyful. Crazy. Fun! The unmissable international smash-hit comedy hypnosis show with 80s party vibes.
Laugh along, sing along, even star in the show. You choose! All-ages friendly, grab tickets now!
Don't miss the online global viral sensation with…
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…
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…
Carnival
Margate
Expect dancers, bands, youth and community groups, carnival vibes and much more... Save this date!
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,…
Free Event
Dover
Keep your eye's peeled the dinosaurs are coming to Pencester Gardens in Dover. Dinosaurs will be visiting Dover and bringing some dino friends with them.
Arts
Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst
Established in 2018 by Forestry England, the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and Parker Harris, Earth Photo is a world-leading international programme dedicated to engaging with still and moving image makers.
It's main objective is to reveal…
Festival
Maidstone
We are looking forward to the return of this fabulous, family friendly festival in 2025. Visitors can join in with the traditional hand-picking of hops, as well as meeting historical characters from Kent’s past.
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…
Food
Broadstairs
The Broadstairs Food Festival is a vibrant celebration of local flavours, bringing together passionate foodies, artisan producers, and top chefs.
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.
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…
Exhibitions
Canterbury
Migration has long played a major role in Britain's national life. It is the movement of people from one place to another, nationally or internationally, permanently or temporarily.
Lives in Motion features 51 stories dating from the 11th century…
Performing Arts
Edenbridge
The Festival Theatre events run throughout the year in our gorgeous locations at Hever Castle including our flagship stunning theatre re-built in 2024, Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place & Gardens.
We will not be playing in August at Hever…
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…
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
