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: 47
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Music
Margate
The Margate Country Music Festival charges into The Oval on Saturday, July 12th, from 12pm to 6pm! This event promises not only electrifying musical performances from
Carnival
Margate
Expect dancers, bands, youth and community groups, carnival vibes and much more... Save this date!
Comedy
Langton Rd, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells
Joyful. Crazy. Fun! The unmissable international smash-hit comedy hypnosis show with 80s party vibes.
Laugh along, sing along, even star in the show. You choose! All-ages friendly, grab tickets now!
Don't miss the online global viral sensation with…
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…
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.
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…
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
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
Antiques
Chatham
Held in the spectacular No. 5 Slip at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, the Medway Vintage, Antiques and Collectibles Fair is fast becoming a standout event on the Kent calendar. This vast covered Victorian slipway, rich in naval heritage and…
Tour
Rochester
Tour runs on Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at 6pm.
As night falls over Rochester's ancient High Street, step beyond the gas-lit charm and into the shadows, where history refuses to rest. The Rochester High Street Ghost Tour will take you on a…
Other
Appledore
Welcome to the APPLEDORE CLASSIC CAR SHOW and VILLAGE FAIR 2025. This is our 40th Year and ARGMC are pleased to host once again. We're fast becoming one of the largest in the area with 5,000 visitors and 450 beautiful vehicles of all ages, shapes…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig and Evie are coming to the farm on Saturday 27th September!
Get ready for a day full of laughter and family fun as Peppa Pig, Mummy Pig and Evie visit the farm for special meet and greets at intervals throughout the day. It's…
Carnival
Deal
With a packed programme of event including live music and colourful carnival, don't miss Deal Carnival and Regatta week.
Events for Deal Carnival & Regatta week
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.…
Heritage & History
Westerham
Join us for a relaxed house opening; for anyone who appreciates a calmer visit.
Relaxed hours at Chartwell offer an alternative experience for people who prefer a tranquil environment. They are particularly well suited to people with sensory needs,…