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.
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: 58
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Talks
Ramsgate
Our lead Historian, has once again been sequestered in the archives and has emerged with another captivating talk, taking place on Saturday, 22nd November, at 18:30.
During the First World War, Ramsgate found itself in the firing line as the new…
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.
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, 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, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…
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
Maidstone
Kick off your Christmas with a visit to the popular Maidstone Christmas Light Switch-on. This event will be taking place at Jubilee Square from 4.30pm - 7pm on the 20th November.
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
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…
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.
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…
Christmas
Aylesford
The team have been busy over the last few months gearing up for this years Rudolph Fun Run - a 2.5km family route or 5km chip-timed run around the stunning Leybourne Lakes.
The name says it all – an amazing day packed with festive fun, Christmas…
Christmas
Broadstairs
Join us this Christmas at Pierremont Hall on the 30th of November for Broadstairs and St Peter's Town Council Christmas Market.
The market will be open to the public from 11 am until 5 pm. Music from 11 am until 4 pm ending with community carol…
Sporting Events
Kennington, Ashford
This exciting new race invites runners to take to the tarmac around the charming country lanes surrounding the village of Westwell. Offering a flawless fusion of rolling hills, open countryside and fast tarmac stretches, this February fixture is…
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
Music
Maidstone
Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.
Music
Whitstable Road, Canterbury
Space Cowboy - The Ultimate Tribute to Jamiroquai are heading to The Great Hall, Canterbury on 13th December 2025 at 19:30!
Space Cowboy - The Ultimate Tribute to Jamiroquai have been thrilling audiences all over the UK and Europe for more than a…
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…
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…
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
Dover
Head along to Pencester Gardens in Dover for the annual Winter Light Up Dover event on Saturday, 6th December. This festival brings light to the winter months and offers an enchanting range of activities for visitors and residents to enjoy.