Maidstone, Kent
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. 2025 also see's the commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo in Ramsgate, this will include more than 60 'Little Ships' (16th - 26th May 25). 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).
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Maidstone
Join us at Leeds Castle for our medieval jousting event this May bank holiday for an exhilarating display of combat and action, elegant and unusual equestrian, and medieval living and feasting.
Childrens Events
Ashford
Pop the dates in your diary and head down to the farm for a sheep-load of fun during our much-loved Woolly Week!
If you enjoyed meeting our lambs over Easter, you'll be thrilled with what we've got in store. We're going full-on fluffy with a whole…
Festival
Knockholt, Sevenoaks
The Kent Food Fest is returning on May 17th!
Join us for an incredible lineup featuring gourmet food, award-winning drinks, a well-being village, the best of British unsigned music, top DJs, a funfair, water rides, kids' activities, a classic car…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Deal
Join us in the grounds of Walmer Castle for hands-on activities this May half term. Enjoy family fun and games in the fresh air!
Music
Maidstone
Where Rock'n'Roll Was Born - the Official Sun Records Concert Show
On July 18, 1953, Presley first walked through the doors of the Memphis Recording Service at the Sun Record Company, now commonly known as Sun Records, paid $3.98 and recorded a…
Antiques
Edenbridge
Vintage Fair at Chiddingstone Castle
Childrens Events
Ashford
Looking for something that'll keep the kids buzzing and make lovely family memories without breaking the bank? Join us this May Bank Holiday, Monday 5th May, for a day full of farmyard fun, fresh air, and free-range giggles!
We've got your usual…
Childrens Events
Edenbridge
Do you have a budding artist or photographer in the family? This May Half Term holiday children can have a go at painting or photography for creative fun during Art Week at Hever Castle & Gardens from Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June 2025.…
Indoor
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.
Heritage & History
Westerham
Discover the fascinating connections between the London Foundling Hospital and Westerham in a special new tour, midday on Fridays this spring at Quebec House.
Limited places. Pre-booking essential. Tickets £5 for National Trust members and…
Festival
A weekend of free entertainment in the town centre and on the Quay Green in Sandwich, 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…
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…
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.
Shopping
Faversham
This event is the perfect way to spend a spring day, browsing the variety of plants on sale and gathering great ideas for your garden for the coming season. It is also a great opportunity to get some advice on how to get the very best out of the…
Heritage & History
Ramsgate
Commemoration of the 85th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, Ramsgate takes place with a series of events from Friday 16 to Monday 26 May 2025.
In May 1940, a rescue operation was implemented by the Royal Navy to evacuate British, French and…
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.
Festival
Linton
Get ready for the biggest Blue Reef Festival yet as we mark our fifth anniversary with a weekend full of unforgettable live music, family-friendly activities, and those unmatched Blue Reef Festival vibes! Taking place on July 25th & 26th at…
Heritage & History
Spilling across the town of Margate, the start of the summer season and VE Day 80 anniversary event will see a vintage celebration weekend in Margate, Kent.
Running from the 2nd - 4th May 2025 this free-to-attend event will see music,…
Workshop
Tonbridge
Get creative at Balfour Winery in Kent this May with a fun Sip and Paint workshop.
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
