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: 41
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Chatham
Plunge into May Half Term for an epic adventure on the high seas. Dive into the world of shipwrecks, pirates, and deep-sea adventures. Build your own adventure with interactive storytelling, get hands-on with shipbuilding, and navigate survival…
Walking
High Street, Rochester
Have fun (re-)discovering Rochester, 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, whilst discovering more about this fascinating town. Curious…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Dover
Join us in the grounds of Dover Castle for hands-on activities this May half term. Enjoy family fun and games in the fresh air!
Arts
Canterbury
Members of the Canterbury Society of Art will display numerous original artworks in a variety of media including watercolours, acrylics, oils, pastels, Lino cuts and mixed media.
The artists will be in attendance and happy to explain about their…
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Dover
Step back in time and experience the atmosphere and action of the 1940s at Dover Castle at War. Join us for a Father’s Day special as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, marking the end of World War Two in Europe.
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.
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!
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Free Event
Maidstone
Explore this fascinating exhibition at Maidstone Town Hall in Kent and discover everyday life on the Home Front during World War II.
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.
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.
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
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…
Music
Ramsgate
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day with Ramsgate Tunnels on 8th May 2025.
Head along to the Ramsgate Tunnels from 7.30 pm with music from the amazing band, Hullabaloo from approx 8.15 pm until 10.30 pm. There will be a short break at 9.30 pm…