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: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
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…
Christmas
Ramsgate
Visit Ramsgate in Kent this Christmas and New Year, and enjoy a series of festive events to bring brightness to the winter months, including the Light Up Ramsgate six-week trail and the fantastic New Year's Eve Lantern Parade.
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.…
Music
Maidstone
Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.
Free Event
Gravesend
The popular Gravesham Light Festival is back this January. This years theme is Light and Life and will illuminate our streets on Friday 30 & Saturday 31 January 2026.
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…
Christmas
Maidstone
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle Returns With New Breathtaking Water Fountains Show
This year, visitors will be treated to an exhilarating new highlight; a breathtaking Water Fountains Show that promises to dazzle audiences with its stunning…
Festival
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.
Free Event
OneMaidstone BID are delighted to be working in partnership with Maidstone Borough Council and Cohesion Plus to deliver Light Up Maidstone. This free community event will welcome the light during the darkest months of the year with plenty of…
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…
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…
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.…
Gardens
Edenbridge
A celebration of the glories of the early spring season will be taking place at Hever Castle in February 2026.
'First Signs of Spring' is launching to coincide with Hever reopening its gates, following a short winter break, on Wednesday 11 February…
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
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…
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…
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…
Gardens
Hever
Celebrate the beauty of early spring at Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent as the grounds emerge back into life for First Signs of Spring, opening on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
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