Light Up Maidstone | 6th February 2026

Light Up Maidstone

6th February 2026

What's On in Kent

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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. 

What's on in Kent today?

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. 

What's on in Kent?

Take a look at our snapshot of events in Kent below, or head on down to the bottom of the page to see more...

Staying overnight?

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

Kent events near me

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.

Inspiration

  1. Light Up Maidstone 2025
    OneMaidstone BID are delighted to be working in…
    1. 6 Feb 2026
  2. Ramsgate Illuminations. Credit Tourism at Thanet District Council
    Enjoy some Christmas Illuminations with a…
    1. 1 Dec 202521 Dec 2025

Number of results:

Number of results: 46

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Nativity! The Musical

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Tunbridge Wells

    Get ready to sparkle and shine this December as the festive family favourite Nativity! The Musical bursts onto the Trinity stage.

    Based on the 2009 smash-hit holiday film, Nativity! The Musical will transport Tunbridge Wells into the mayhem of…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2025to27 Dec 2025Open 10:30 - 18:00
  2. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 16:30 - 20:00
  4. Light Festival - Gravesend

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    30 Jan 2026to31 Jan 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
  5. Christmas at Sissinghurst Castle Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Nr Cranbrook

    Tired of the Christmas crowds? Escape to Sissinghurst Castle Garden for a gentle festive atmosphere this winter.

    Immerse yourself in relaxed, natural decorations, Christmas trees, and wreaths.

    Pause under the Tower and enjoy the views, elevated …

    Dates

    From:
    24 Nov 2025to22 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
  6. Girlings Ashford & District 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Feb 2026
  7. The Festival Theatre at Hever Castle

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2026to31 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 22:00
  8. Romney Marsh 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026
  9. Dick Whittington

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Broadstairs

    Sarah Thorne's traditional pantomime, now in it's 14th year, returns. The full professional company includes live music and members of the Masque
    Theatre School.

    See website for show dates and times

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2025to31 Dec 2025
  10. Mission Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Chatham

    Mission Christmas – The Marvellous Elf Inventors

    Have you ever wondered why The Historic Dockyard Chatham closes its doors every Christmas? For more than 400 years, workers at the Dockyard have been keeping a closely guarded festive secret…

    Across…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 19:00
  11. East Peckham 10k &5k

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2026
  12. Ramsgate Winter Festival & Winter Lights Lantern Parade

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Dec 2025to25 Jan 2026
  13. Ashford Striders Charing 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Ashford

    A Friday evening race event with a heartwarming community vibe that all the family can enjoy. This race takes advantage of the lighter summer evenings and provides a spellbinding route through the pretty Kent village of Charing, exploring country…

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026
  14. A Truly Magical Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. Stick Man Activity Trail at Bedgebury

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Goudhurst

    The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Feb 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 04:30
  16. The Maypole Project Chislehurst HM

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Chislehurst

    The parks and commons of Chislehurst have a rich history and the village is located in one of the leafiest wards of Greater London. Our aim is to combine the two to showcase that history and proffer fresh breath from the green lungs of Chislehurst…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026
  17. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury!

    Dates

    From:
    1 Feb 2026
  18. Award-Winning Experience Christmas at Kent Life

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lock Ln, Maidstone

    A festive extravaganza awaits you at our Christmas Experience! Get ready to say “Ho Ho Ho!” as you embark on a magical journey. The highlight of your visit will be meeting Father Christmas himself in his enchanting grotto. Little ones will be…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025
  19. Folkestone Coastal 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026
  20. Santa's Grotto

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Dec 2025to21 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 15:00