Visit Maidstone

15/05/2026

Join the team at Blackthorn Charity on Saturday 23 May at they celebrate their 40th Anniversary Open Day.

Browse a range of bedding plants grown in their plant nursery workshops, take part in hands on craft and woodwork activities.

You can also stop by the cafe for refreshments and explore the onsite charity shop to explore plenty of bargains!

Entry by donation.



[Image description:
Image 1: Community garden with raised beds and wooden buildings surrounded by greenery.
Image 2: Outdoor plant stall with rows of potted flowers and herbs on wooden shelves.
Image 3: Blackthorn Charity Open Day poster with date, time, and location details.]

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

Showcase Maidstone through your photography!

Visit Maidstone invites you to showcase the beauty, character, and unique experiences within the Maidstone area through our photography competition. The competition celebrates the landscapes, culture, heritage, and everyday moments that make the borough a special to visit.

✨Cash prizes
📸A chance to showcase your talent
🤍Celebrate your local area

👉full details of the competition here https://bit.ly/2JW99u2

Photo credits: Lynn photography submitted in our last competition.



[Image description: Visit Maidstone Photography Competition 2026 banner over riverside boats and trees in Maidstone, with “Showcase Maidstone through your photography” text and Visit Maidstone logo.]

13/05/2026

Join naturalist, zine-maker and designer, Zabby Allen, for a Sketch & Cruise event on Maidstone's iconic Kentish Lady - River Cruises Maidstone on Thursday 18 June in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Maidstone River Park.

Taking inspiration from the river and the wildlife that calls it home, you'll complete a series of gentle creative exercises to help you loosen your creative muscles and find flow in your work. Zabby will share nature facts and noticing prompts along the way to guide your practice, and you'll create a mini zine to take home.

This workshop is suitable for all abilities - you do not have to be a seasoned artist to join!

All materials will be provided, but if you'd like to bring your own, you're more than welcome to.

👉more information and to book click here https://bit.ly/4dEvmbo



[Image description: Sketch & Cruise event poster showing a riverboat by a historic building with event details: Thursday 18 June, 5:30–7:30pm, Maidstone River Park 25th anniversary.]

12/05/2026

Take on a thrilling adventure at Go Ape Leeds Castle!

Swing in the treetops, tackle exciting obstacles and test your aim with axe throwing for the ultimate action packed day out! Whether you're seeking adventure or trying something new, there's plenty of fun waiting in the forest!



[Image description:
Image 1 :People crossing a treetop ropes course.
Image 2 :Person throwing an axe at a wooden target.]

11/05/2026

The Queen’s Joust returns to Leeds Castle, Kent this May Bank Holiday weekend, 23 - 25 May, as three nations battle it out for the Queen’s favour.

Expect medieval fun for all ages, from Knights’ School and living encampments to unforgettable jousting action as the tri-nation competition unfolds.

Included with admission, book online now for the best price 🎟️



[Image description: Armoured jousters on horseback competing behind a wooden barrier at a medieval tournament]

08/05/2026

Today, Friday 8 May 2026, we commemorate VE Day, celebrating peace and remembering the heroes, their stories, and sacrifices.

Discover our blog showcasing a selection of historic photographs from Maidstone during the world wars, offering a glimpse into local life, remembrance, and the people who experienced these extraordinary times.

👉 Read the blog here: https://www.visitmaidstone.com/blog/read/2024/01/some-interesting-old-photographs-of-maidstone-part-3-b84



[Image description: Large group of people gathered around long outdoor tables for a community meal outside stone buildings, photographed in black and white.]

07/05/2026

Discover Love Food at Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre featuring communal dining within a collection of independent food and drink producers including Thai, Pan-Asian, Vegan and American. It also features a coffee shop with delicious cakes!

Located within the entertainment complex enjoy a bite to eat with friends and family before watching a film, a game of bowling or after a release of energy at gravity! There's something for everyone!



[Image description : Group seated at a table eating in a food hall with a “Love Food” sign behind them]

06/05/2026

Visit Maidstone invites you to showcase the beauty, character, and unique experiences within the Maidstone area through our photography competition. The competition celebrates the landscapes, culture, heritage, and everyday moments that make the borough a special to visit.

Looking for some inspiration? Check out a selection of entrants to our last competition!

👉full details of the competition here https://bit.ly/2JW99u2

Photo credits: Image one Swaroop & Image two Leslie



[Image description:
Image one: All Saints Church reflected in a calm river, framed by greenery.
Image three: Church spire silhouetted against a sunset sky above city buildings]

05/05/2026

Enjoy and discover a packed programme of creative workshops at Creative Maidstone this May as they celebrate with a range of print workshops throughout the month! Learn the art of printmaking and explore what's coming up:

Thu 7 May - Textiles Print & Paint Workshop
Fri 8 May - VE Day Medal Workshop
Sat 16 May - Make a Mayoral Chain
Sat 16 May - Cyanotype Workshop
Thu 28 May - Tile Letterpress Printing
Fri 29 May - Framing & Hanging 101
Sat 30 May - Paint and Unwind

👉Discover booking links and more information here https://bit.ly/3M2mv8h



[Image description: people seated at tables during a guided art workshop at Creative Maidstone Community Arts Hub]

05/05/2026

🏆 Vote for your favourite Maidstone business! 🏆

Maidfest is all about celebrating the businesses that make Maidstone special, and we want to hear from YOU!

Whether it’s your go-to coffee spot, favourite shop or trusted local service, now’s your chance to show your support.

👉 To cast your vote and for your chance to win a £100 shopping voucher, enter here: https://maidfest.co.uk/favourite-business/

Let’s celebrate the best of Maidstone together 🙌

Maidfest is brought to you by One Maidstone BID, supporting the businesses of Maidstone Town Centre.

T&C's apply