What's On in 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. 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).

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...

• 5th June 25, Painting party in Deal: Acordo Lounge, The Paint Club, Deal, Kent
• 13th - 15th June 25, Broadstairs Dickens Festival, Broadstairs, Kent (F)
• 14th  - 15th June 25, World War II Weekend at Dover Castle, Dover, Kent
• 15th June 25, Father's Day at The Rare Breed Centre, Ashford, Kent
• 21st - 22nd June 25, Western Heights Open Weekend 2025, Dover, Kent
• 22nd June - 2nd July 25, Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit, Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst, Kent
• 2nd July 25, Painting party in Rye: The Globe Inn, The Paint Club, Rye, Kent
• 4th July 25, The Kent County Show 2025, Maidstone, Kent
• 4th - 6th July 25, Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival, Sandwich, Kent (F)
• 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th & 21st July, Social Paddleboarding Morning, Action Watersport, Lydd, Kent
• 8th July - 8th August 24, Wine Tasting Masterclass, Balfour Winery, Tonbridge, Kent
• 15th July - 31st August 25, Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks, Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent
• 23rd - 25th August 25, Sandwich Festival 2025, Sandwich, Kent (F)
• 28th - 31st August 25, Smugglers Festival, Deal, Kent

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.