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.
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: 51
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Theatre
Maidstone
Whitechapel. 1888. Between August and November a series of women are brutally murdered. The identity of the killer remains a mystery. Until now..?
It's the greatest unsolved case in criminal history. One that continues to confuse and confound.…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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
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…
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…
Christmas
Maidstone
Take the second to the right, and straight on to Leeds Castle! In collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity), this Christmas, discover the magic of the holiday season with our enchanting new festive experience included in…
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…
Arts
Hollingbourne, Maidstone
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
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
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
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:…
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!
Arts
High Street, Deal
The Paint Club runs monthly workshops across Kent at The Carpenter's Arms near Tonbridge, Maidstone Mercure, Tunbridge Wells Mercure in Pembury and Accord Lounge in Deal.
Expert instruction from a professional artist will guide you step-by-step…
Markets
Dover
Mark your calendars! The Farthingloe Christmas Market will be on 6 and 7 December this festive season.
Christmas
Faversham
Santa's Grotto at Brogdale Farm
Come and meet Santa in his gingerbread grotto in the Tiddly Pomme shop at Brogdale Farm on selected dates across 3 weekends before Christmas. On Saturday 29 November in addition to the grotto you can see Santa arrive…
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…
Music
Maidstone
Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.
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