Great events for everyone
Dartford holds events all year round for you to enjoy.
Most of our events are free. Where there is a charge, we try to keep the cost low so as many people as possible can enjoy them.
You can see Dartford's full events calendar here, but some of the biggest dates in our calendar are:
St George's Day
Dartford boasts one of the biggest St George's Day parades in the country.
In 2024 more than 700 pupils from local schools took part by creating special displays to parade from the Civic Centre to Central Park.
The schools followed a life sized fire breathing dragon and St George through Dartford town centre, culminating in a special ceremony at The Bandstand in the park.
St George's Day parade through Dartford
Dartford's Big Day Out
The Big Day Out started in 2022. Taking place in mid-July every year, the event brings a stage full of live tribute acts and big names to Central Park.
There is also a large steam rally at the event, with lots of vintage vehicles to see.
Dartford's Big Day Out attracts large crowds to Central Park
We also having roaming entertainers, community stalls and turn our Outdoor Theatre into a Kids' Zone.
In 2023 we started the Big Chill Out, which is a low-key event the following day. There are still live acts and funfair rides, but in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Find out what's on at this year's Big Day Out.
Outdoor Theatre and Outdoor Cinema
Over the late spring and early summer, Dartford's Central Park also opens up for a run of Outdoor Theatre performances.
This run of shows includes matinee performances for families to enjoy, and evening entertainment that has previously included opera, Shakespeare, and modern classics.
In the warmer months, we also put on a run of movie nights, mixing cult classics with popular films so everyone can attend.
Dartford Pride
Dartford Pride has been running since 2022
We've been proud to organise Dartford Pride with the Orchard Theatre since 2022.
Gareth Gates performed at the first ever Dartford Pride three years ago, and our popularity's grown ever since.
Dartford Pride 2024 is being held across two stages at the Outdoor Theatre and Acacia Sports Hall with some incredible acts including The Pussycat Dolls' Kimberley Wyatt.
Commemorative events
Dartford also takes time to honour its past. In recent years we have held respectful events at Dartford War Memorial for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and we also commemorate Armed Forces Day, VE Day and VJ Day every year.
We also hold a Remembrance Sunday ceremony every year to mark the end of the First World War and pay our respects to everyone who gave their lives in defence of freedom.
Dartford Business Awards
The Dartford Business Awards always comes with some great entertainment
Every year we like to celebrate the local entrepreneurs, staff and apprentices who make such a big difference to our daily lives.
The Dartford Business Awards is a chance to thank all of the local companies great and small for their contribution to Dartford.
It's also a chance to network and meet other companies while enjoying a fantastic night of entertainment.
A bursting Christmas calendar
Crowds at Dartford's Big Christmas Switch On
We start the festive season by lighting up Dartford at the Big Christmas Switch On.
Live entertainment, giveaways and a specially-themed market take over the town centre to kick start our winter calendar of events.
The event is quickly followed by the Festival of Lights, a parade of local schools through the High Street and Central Park that celebrates Diwali.
The festive season brings 'Santa on Tour', when Father Christmas travels right across the borough to hand out free goodies to families. There's also Santa's House, a winter wonderland at Acacia where families can meet Father Christmas himself. Plus, there's our annual Carol Concert at the Outdoor Theatre.
Event partnerships
We also work with partners to make other community events possible, such as the Beer Festival and the hugely popular Holi Festival of Colours in Central Park.
Throughout the year our Parks team organise Bat Walks and Wildflower Walks in partnership with North West Kent Countryside Partnership.