What's On

Here is the event line-up for 2025! Please keep checking back as we add new activities and confirm times. 

We hope to see you on the river on Saturday 26th July 2025.

Overview of Main Day's Events

12:00 A large maroon is fired from the Kentish Lady on the river by the Deputy Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Martin Round and River Festival Chairman, David Naghi to open the event

11:30-21:00 Dance and music performances at Coronation Square at Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre

14:30 Raft Race begins from the High Level Bridge to the town bridge

22:00-22:10 Firmin Family Fireworks Spectacular - Finale from the roof of Fremlin Walk

Millennium Amphitheatre

All Day Picnic area

All Saints Church

10:00-15:00 All Saints Church bell tower will be open 10am - 3pm during the River Festival - Entry: Adults £1, Children Free! The view is amazing we highly recommend a visit!

Archbishops Palace Gardens

All Day The community comes together at Maidstone River Festival. Visit Palace Gardens, adjacent to the Kentish Lady mooring, to visit local organisations and charities where there will be activities and fun.

Carriage Museum

11:00-15:00 One of the finest collections of carriages in Europe

Thai Orchid and Draysons Bar

12:00-23:59 Draysons Bar will have entertainment on the riverfront terrace.

12:00 The restaurant will offer great views of the fireworks for diners.

Kentish Lady

All Day Town Quay Activities

Coronation Square Stages at Lockmeadow

11:30 TBC

11:45 TBC

12:20 TBC

12:50 TBC

13:55 TBC

14:35 TBC

15:30 TBC

16:10 TBC

16:40 TBC

17:45 TBC

18:25 TBC

19:05 TBC

20:00 TBC

20:40 TBC

River Medway

12:00 Walk along the riverbanks, chat to the boat owners and watch activity on the river

14:30 River Festival Raft Race from High Level Bridge to St Peter's Bridge

16:00 Raft Race Award Ceremony outside Kentish Lady

River Market ME16

12:00-18:00 A craft market not to be missed in the Market buildings at Lockmeadow