1st - 4th May 26 c Jonny Thompson
Sussex is ready to welcome you for a year filled with colour, creativity and coast-to-countryside events. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant seaside cities, peaceful gardens, world‑class culture or family‑friendly days out, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across East and West Sussex in every season.
2026 brings an exciting line‑up of celebrations. At Borde Hill, the much‑loved Jay Robin’s Rose Garden marks its 30th anniversary, with more than 750 David Austin roses across 100 varieties taking centre stage. Across the county, the Brighton Festival celebrates its 60th year, bringing theatre, music, dance and visual art to venues and open spaces throughout the city from 2–25 May 2026. East Sussex honours the 100th anniversary of Winnie‑the‑Pooh, with Ashdown Forest hosting themed walks, family activities and exhibitions inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood. Whilst in West Sussex, Chichester Cathedral welcomes visitors back to its spectacular Festival of Flowers, returning from 3rd – 6th June to mark 30 years with more than 50,000 blooms filling the historic nave and cloisters.For foodie fans the tasty Rye Bay Scallops festival is a great way to indulge in this delicious seafood running from 21st February - 1st March 26.
From dramatic coastline and rolling South Downs landscapes to headline festivals, historic re‑enactments and flourishing gardens, Sussex is the perfect place for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Sussex experience is waiting.
To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date, explore the featured list or head to the bottom of the page and explore the list of events in Sussex. If you are on a budget look out for the free events (F) taking place across the county. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Sussex, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Sussex Accommodation
Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers to enjoy. The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.
Number of results: 156
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Arts
Chichester
Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.
Gardens
Arlington
Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968. The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814.
Sporting Events
Battle
Welcome to the 11th Anniversary edition of Out Of The Blue, an unforgettable race that you'll want to race year after year. These 10k & 5k offerings explore some of the stunning 220 acre estate at Ashburnham Place. The air crackles with race-day…
Arts
Arlington, Polegate
Join us for a 3-hour sketchbooking workshop in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Bates Green Garden, led by talented local artist Emma Lindsay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the garden as you explore a range of drawing, mark making,…
Gardens
Haywards Heath
The ever-popular Specialist Spring Plant Fair will return to Borde Hill on Sunday 10th May from 10am to 3pm. Hosted by the Plant Fairs Roadshow, a collective of independent specialist nurseries, visitors can expect an extraordinary lineup of locally…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
1, 2 & 3 May and 22, 23 & 24 May 2026
May Bank Holidays | 18+ event | Starts 18:00 | From £6.65 per person | FREE parking for the event
Leonardslee Lates returns for six spring evenings of live music, street food and Sussex sparkling wine set…
Theatre
Chichester
Join us in the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Artistic Director Justin Audibert follows Hamlet and his hugely popular Festival Theatre production of Redlands, turning from the rock 'n' roll of…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
Take on one of the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle courses this summer!
24 - 26 July
Spanning 1,000ft with 34+ obstacles across 5 zones, it's a fun-filled test of skill and stamina for anyone over 1.2m tall.
Quiet sessions: 24 July between 9:30…
Countryside
Arlington, Polegate
As you walk the shady summer woods, you'll gather leaves to make your own identification guide for future reference. With your guide, Sarah, learn to tell Beech from Hornbeam, Alder from Elder, the properties of birch bark, and the folklore and uses…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Haywards Heath
It may be an early start… but it's worth getting up extra early to experience the full power and majesty of the Dawn Chorus choir set against a beautiful spring sunrise.
Join Sussex naturalist Michael Blencowe for a gentle walk through Borde Hill's…
Theatre
Station Road, Tenterden
Murder Mystery Evening
Step aboard for a thrilling night of intrigue and deception!
It's 1953 and a signalman has been found dead at Tenterden. DCI Thomas needs your help to uncover the truth before the killer escapes down the line.
As the train…
Arts
Boat, Chichester
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Heritage & History
Hailsham
Herstmonceux Castle Estate invites you to journey back over 600 years for a Medieval Heritage Weekend, taking place on the first May Bank Holiday weekend.
Explore the castle as it was in 1441, brought vividly to life with knights in combat,…
Childrens Events
Arundel
March 20-May 31
Included in your admission price, book in advance and save 10%
This spring, WWT Arundel is teaming up with Macmillan Children's Books to explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle the gosling, from Julia Donaldson and Sara…
Gardens
East Grinstead
We are delighted to be able to invite guests to enjoy a tour of the gardens at Gravetye with a senior member of our gardening team. Groups will be kept to a maximum of 12 people and a two course lunch will be served in one of our private dining…
Show / Display
Haywards Heath
June is a wonderful time to admire Jay Robin’s Rose Garden at Borde Hill, designed by RHS Gold medal winner Robin Williams in 1996 and named after Andrewjohn and Eleni Stephenson Clarke’s daughter. With over 750 David Austin rose plants and 100…
Arts
Haywards Heath
Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring flowers at this relaxing two-hour watercolour workshop with talented Botanical artist, Penny Sanderson (Dip SBA).
Using blooms from the stunning Garden at Borde Hill, Penny will guide you through the…
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…
General event
Worthing
If you have ever wondered 'are there any community choirs near me?' then the answer is firmly yes!
The Worthing Rock Choir is led by local musician Emma Steele. People who have already joined the choir, who hail from Worthing and further afield in…
Exhibitions
Chichester
Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed guided tour of Caroline Walker: Mothering with one of our Curatorial Team. Discover Walker's paintings exploring the unseen labour of motherhood and childcare with your little one.
This tour will last around 45…
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