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 2024 and get into the festival spirit with a visit to one of the many free events happening across the county.
Don't miss the free family-friendly Shaun and Sheep Art Trail (F) (29th June - 30th August 24) to raise a beer this Oktoberfest (28th September) in Maidstone. Enjoy the Ramsgate Festival of Sound (22nd - 25th August) or the new exhibition at the Turner Contemporary (F) (28th Sept - 12th January 2025) in Thanet. Heritage Open Days celebrate South East England's fascinating history in September, visit the Western Heights Drop Redoubt Fort & Grand Shaft, Dover (F) (14th - 15th September).
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 maritime 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: 71
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
We have lots of exciting woodland demonstrations taking place over the weekend including chainsaw carving, wood turning, furniture making, spoon carving, campfire cooking, horse logging, pole lathe turning as well as vintage tractors and a fantastic…
Theatre
Sevenoaks
Based on the classic children's novel by Edith Nesbit - with live music and puppetry throughout - children and adults alike will love this ever-popular story reimagined for the stage.
You are welcome to bring your own picnic blankets, picnics and…
Festival
Maidstone
Join us in the beer tent to sample up to 50 varieties of beer and cider or pay a visit to the gin bar. See the last coal fired Oast House in Britain and have a go at picking our hops by hand. Enjoy the 'festival' atmosphere with a variety of live…
Childrens Events
Goudhurst
Come along to meet the Gruffalo himself at our fun day!
The Gruffalo will be appearing at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of Gruffalo-themed activities on offer.
Appearance times
The Gruffalo will be appearing at 11am,…
Arts
Tenterden, Tenterden
K&ESR welcomes Mr Doodle !!!
Don't miss this amazing opportunity to watch Mr Doodle doodle a railway carriage on the 26th July.
The completed Doodle carriage will be joining our passenger service throughout the August Bank Holiday
Performing Arts
Maidstone
Genesis Professional Wrestling returns to Maidstone for our next, huge, Ballin Nightclub Double Show Day on Sunday 18th August 2024.
We continue our tournaments to crown our new Genesis Professional Wrestling World Champion and Genesis Professional…
Theatre
Faversham
Garry Essendine is a superstar actor and personality, gracing the front covers of all the most fashionable magazines. A charismatic playboy, he is the toast of the town on both sides of the pond.
About to embark on another world tour, Garry is…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lock Ln, Maidstone
Come along and join in with the family friendly Halloween events as Kent Life is transformed for the spooky season. There will be plenty for all to enjoy, from pumpkin carving, trick or treating, creepy bugs and fancy-dress competitions. Guests who…
Festival
Birchington
Sausage & Cider Festival arrives in Thanet for the first time in 2024! The line up is headed by Scouting For Girls, incredible tribute acts, street food vendors and now up to 30 different ciders available on site!
Arts
Sandwich
A week long exhibition of over 40 local artists in St Mary’s Arts Centre.
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
Celebrate the King's Coronation at the home of two former queens of England.
Bring along a picnic and revel in the royal atmosphere of the historic Castle and stunning gardens or purchase mouth-watering treats from the Moat Café.
Your little ones…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Bank Holiday Fun For All The Family on the lake at Action Watersports. From the Aqua Park Adventure to Paddleboarding, Flyboarding and much more there is something for all the water loving family. A warm welcome with a smile and warm lake is waiting…
Exhibitions
Canterbury
Born on the edge of Canterbury in Harbledown in 1640, Aphra Johnson, the daughter of a barber and a woman serving as a wetnurse, was to become the first professional woman writer in English, Aphra Behn.
As Aphra Behn, she became a spy and then a…
Food
Rye
A new two day wine and food fair in the beautiful medieval citadel of Rye - one of England's best preserved medieval towns.
Rye Harvest Wine and Food Fair is an opportunity to discover the incredible range of local produce from land and sea,…
Festival
Maidstone
Oktoberfest returns to Maidstone for another Bavarian extraordinaire!
Tour
Tonbridge
Balfour Winery knowledgeable tour guides will lead you in a fun and relaxed tasting of six, where you can learn the technique of wine tasting without the bravado.
Theatre
Chatham
Taking to the stage from Thursday 12 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025. Following the tremendous success of the smash hit, Aladdin, we're thrilled to present a LARGER-THAN-LIFE adventure!
Join Jack, Dame Trott, and the lovable Clarabelle the…
Heritage & History
Dover
Experience an all-action contest as teams of knights battle it out for victory in a gruelling test of strength and skill.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Join us for our first-ever cinema night! Watch Splash!
featuring Tom Hanks while enjoying a swim under the
stars. Swim and watch the film simultaneously for a
unique experience.
Tides Cafe will be open for refreshments or bring your
own picnic. You…
Run / Rally
Station Road, Tenterden
We are delighted to welcome back the Austin Counties Car Rally 2024!
A wide variety of these amazing classic cars will be parked across the Tenterden Town Station site and are well worth a visit.
Free entry with Train Tickets.
£1 Platform Tickets…