Festivals and Special Events in Maidstone

Music

A passion for music is entrenched in the cultural fabric of Maidstone and there are a number of really great music festivals each year. Maidstone Fringe Festival is a fantastic event that seeks to showcase local bands as well as well-known artists. During the festival the town will be alive with music, with numerous venues across Maidstone playing host to concerts over the course of the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Unleash your inner rocker during the summer at Rock the Mote, a festival of the UK's best tribute bands and artists, in the beautiful setting of  Mote Park. Build up a real appetite rocking out before visiting one of the many gourmet food stalls and the bars.

The Leeds Castle Concert is one of the finest events in the Kent calendar with a great tradition. The concert features a renowned international Orchestra and many other performers, with an epic firework finale.

Maidstone’s Summer of Food and Drink

The Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival at Kent Life is an annual festival celebrating this deepest Kentish tradition, using the last working coal-fired oast house in Britain with hand-picked hops. There are over 60 varieties of real ales and ciders to sample, live music and much more entertainment besides.

The Apple and Cider Fayre also at Kent Life is a celebration of the harvest of Kent’s finest fruit. The festival showcases the amazing range of home-grown apples, hand-picked from the historic orchards onsite. Observe the pressing process and watch the fresh juices and ciders being produced in front of your eyes and then try them! There will be live music throughout.

The National Fruit Show has been showcasing the best of British fruit for over 80 years and is held each October at the Kent County Showground. At the heart of the show is the stunning display of competition entries - over 60 metres of the best of British top fruit!

If you love local produce, then be sure to pay a visit to one of the numerous Farmers' Markets held around the district every month.

Special Events

The Kent County Show is a showcase event for farming, countryside and rural life.  The three day event, that happens every July at the Kent Showground in Detling, brings together the very best of Kent. Showcasing rural life there will be animals and food, fun and excitement and above all a sense of what ’The Garden of England’ has to offer.

As Christmas approaches, the town is lit up with festive lights. Discover an array of seasonal gift ideas, toys, decorations and, of course, plenty of food and drink! 

Find Out More

Use the search box at the top of this page to find the latest information on festivals and special events in Maidstone.