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.
Food
Rye
Rye Harvest Wine and Food Fair is an opportunity to discover the incredible range of local produce from land and sea around us.
Childrens Events
Ashford
To celebrate Canterbury Oast Trust's Ruby Jubilee, we're planning a weekend packed with fun and festivities!
On Friday 5th September will be hosting an exclusive private party for the people we support along with friends, family, staff and…
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
This summer the Knights of Royal England will be entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat,…
Festival
A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, Kent.
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…
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
Tonbridge
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…
Food
Broadstairs
The Broadstairs Food Festival is a vibrant celebration of local flavours, bringing together passionate foodies, artisan producers, and top chefs.
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…
Tour
Chatham
If 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…
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…
Festival
Maidstone
We are looking forward to the return of this fabulous, family friendly festival in 2025. Visitors can join in with the traditional hand-picking of hops, as well as meeting historical characters from Kent’s past.
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.…
Festival
Crockham Hill
Join us for our inaugural family farm festival celebrating local live music, artists and produce in the heart of Kent. Let's get Meri!
Carnival
Margate
Expect dancers, bands, youth and community groups, carnival vibes and much more... Save this date!
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.
Special Events
Chatham
Pack up your troubles and join The Historic Dockyard Chatham in one final Salute to the '40s. The festival will return to the Dockyard for one last time this September in a powerful celebration to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the end of the…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Would you like to paddle on the whole lake, having some "you time" and just chill with like minded people.
Monday & Thursday mornings 9:30am and 10:30am, is the best time to bring your own SUP or use one of ours as you enjoy the tranquillity of the…
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…
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.…