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: 46
, 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…
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…
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.
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…
Other
Appledore
Welcome to the APPLEDORE CLASSIC CAR SHOW and VILLAGE FAIR 2025. This is our 40th Year and ARGMC are pleased to host once again. We're fast becoming one of the largest in the area with 5,000 visitors and 450 beautiful vehicles of all ages, shapes…
Festivals
Sandwhich
Established in 2010, Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival is a multi-arts festival that highlights traditional and contemporary folk-life and folk arts, in a beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.
Music
Earl Street, Maidston
All Holly's hits and classics from his rock 'n' roll pals are played live on stage by these five amazing young actor-musicians, who always delight crowds with their fabulous show. Featuring raw rock 'n' roll, beautifully haunting ballads, energetic…
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…
Festival
Maidstone
Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent
Based in the beautiful Mote Park, we are a small rock festival with a 5000 capacity that has outstanding facilities, all situated close together and is described by many…
Antiques
Edenbridge
Vintage Fair at Chiddingstone Castle
Exhibitions
Sandwich
- Preview: Friday, 20th June 2025, 6pm-8pm
- Exhibition Dates: Saturday, 21st - Sunday, 29th June 2025
- Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm
- Location: St Mary's Art Centre, Sandwich
Join us to celebrate a stunning collection of artwork by our…
Arts
Rye
Time & Location
02 Jul 2025, 19:00 – 21:00
Globe Inn Marsh, 10 Military Rd, Rye TN31 7NX, UK
About the Event
Everything you need to paint a masterpiece!
Join us for a relaxed evening of painting and socialising. You can purchase some nibbles and…
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…
Childrens Events
Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst
Come along to meet Stick Man himself at our fun day!
Stick Man will be appearing at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of Stick Man-themed activities on offer at Bedgebury.
Appearance times: Watch our Forestry England…
Fete / Fair
Dover
Dover's most popular and anticipated event will return to the seafront this July!
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
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…
Music
Margate
The Margate Country Music Festival charges into The Oval on Saturday, July 12th, from 12pm to 6pm! This event promises not only electrifying musical performances from
Festival
Smugglers Festival is a gathering on the last weekend of summer each year, on a beautiful woodland in East-Kent. It’s a small, intimate festival, rooted in community from the outset.
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…