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.
Free Event
Dover
Celebrating VE Day 80 with a party in Pencester Gardens as The Royal British Legion Dover White Cliffs remembers
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…
Show / Display
Maidstone
Organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, the show attracts more than 80,000 visitors keen to enjoy one of the UK’s best countryside, farming and produce events.
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…
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.…
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…
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…
Free Event
Gravesend
Come and celebrate VE Day 80th Weekend at Fort Gardens, in Gravesend, on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May from 10am - 5pm.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Canterbury
Pride Canterbury is a spectacular celebration of LGBTQ+ identity for the whole family. Featuring a parade through Canterbury High Street, followed by a diverse artist line-up, entertainment, marketplace, food, drink + much more! Join tens of…
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…
Heritage & History
Broadstairs
Now in its 88th year, popular festival celebrating the life, times and works of Charles Dickens around Broadstairs
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…
Performing Arts
Maidstone
June the smell of rebellion is heading to The Hazlitt Theatre. M.T. Excellence proudly presents
Matilda JR.
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who…
Shopping
Tonbridge
Weald of Kent Country Craft Show in Penshurst Place
3rd - 5th May 2025
KIDS GO FREE – EARLY BIRD TICKET DISCOUNT – FREE PARKING – DOG FRIENDLY
We are thrilled to announce the return of our beloved event, the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show…
Exhibitions
Chatham
The internationally acclaimed exhibition, Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO® Bricks, is making its UK debut at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Designed by Certified Professional Ryan "The Brickman" McNaught in partnership with the Australian National…
Food
Deal
The Deal SpringFeastival takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 2nd - Monday 5th May 2025, this free to enter festival offers a street food court, mini bar, grocery and craft market alongside some ticketed activities including an…
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…
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…
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…
Food
Broadstairs
Popular three day fair with over 100 food and drink producers, promoting the best of the county's produce. Look out chef theatres, special offers and the chance to browse stalls of food, drink and cookware