Head along to meet the Stormtroppers at Bluebell Railway in East Sussex this May 26

Character Day with Stormtroopers

Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26

What's On in Sussex

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Discover what's on in Sussex, including festivals, family-friendly events, theatre shows, garden open days, food festivals and seasonal events for a great day out in East and West Sussex. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant seaside cities for a holiday, peaceful gardens for a day out near you, world‑class culture for a short break away or events that the whole family will enjoy, you’ll find plenty to upcoming events to suit all ages and interests.

Events in Sussex

Top Sussex Events Not To Miss in 2026

2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county of Sussex

  • World of Wizardry, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, Uckfield, East Sussex
    24th, 25th, 27th - 30th May 26
    A magical adventure of enchantment and adventure for all the family at Horsted Keynes Station.
  • Beach Life Music Festival, Eastbourne Bandstand, Eastbourne, East Sussex
    30th & 31st May 2026
    Family-friendly free seaside music festival (F).
  • Treetop Challenge, Go Ape, Tilegate Park, Crawley, West Sussex
    Ongoing 
    Exhilarating family-friendly adventure up in the tree canopy, with Tarzan swings and ziplines.
  • Rose Week, Pashley Manor Gardens, Wadhurst, East Sussex
    12th - 20th June 2026
    With rose themed talks and walks and the chance to enjoy the beautiful English Rose.
  • Summer Season, Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester, West Sussex
    Includes 45 Years (12th June – 11th July 2026) and My Fair Lady (6th July – 5th September 2026)
    Award-winning theatre shows full of secrets, intrigue and life-changing stories.
  • Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, Eastbourne Seafront, East Sussex
    13th - 16th August 2026
    Featuring the Red Arrows ,The Starlings Aerobatics Team and Aerosuperbatics Wing Walkers (F)
  • Battle of Hastings Re-enactment, Battle Abbey, Battle, East Sussex
    10th & 11th October 2026
    Dramatic living history event that changed the course of English history.

From dramatic coastline and rolling South Downs landscapes to headline festivals, historic re‑enactments and flourishing gardens, make Sussex the perfect place for a seaside stay or countryside escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today. 

What's on in Sussex this May, June and July?

Explore our featured events list and discover what's on this May, June and July in East and West Sussex, from spring garden festivals to sporting events to take part in, family trials and outdoor adventures all waiting to be explored.

Visiting Chichester for an event, book a stay at Stubcroft Farm campsite

Planning your visit to Sussex events

If you planning to come to South East England to enjoy one of the many events on offer in Sussex, find answers below to some frequently asked questions.

Planning a short break around an event in Sussex?

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

What's on in Sussex today or this weekend?

You'll find daily updated listings of events across East and West Sussex by using the date filter in the search box above or scroll to the bottom of the page to see our full events guide to Sussex - great for providing inspiration and ideas.

Are there any family-friendly events in Sussex?

Yes. Many of Sussex events are designed for families, including garden and nature trails, steam railway events, outdoor festivals and school-holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events.

Are there free events in Sussex?

Yes. Look for events marked (F), including airshows, festivals and community celebrations. 

Sussex events near me

Discover events for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers. Browse the full calendar of events in Sussex below or switch to Map View to find out what's happening near you.  A visit to Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.

What's on in East Sussex and West Sussex

Number of results:

Number of results: 167

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. The Paint Club painting party at The Queen's Head

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Redhill, Nutfield

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    11 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    9 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  2. The Labyrinth Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  3. The Lord Chamberlain's Men: Shakespeare's Othello

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    West Sussex

    This summer, Leonardslee Gardens is proud to welcome The Lord Chamberlain's Men for the very first time, presenting Shakespeare's Othello- one of the most powerful tragedies ever written.

    Step back in time and experience Shakespeare as it was…

    Dates

    From:
    10 June 2026Open 18:00 - 21:10
  4. Birdsong Identification Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arlington, Polegate

    Take an early morning amble through the spring woods to discover and learn some birdsongs. Sarah Wilesmith has worked in the woods for over a decade, and can help you tell your Coal Tit from your Great Tit, and Nuthatch from Treecreeper. We may even…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2026Open 08:30 - 10:30
  5. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Brighton

    A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town centre for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  6. Battles Through History Military Show

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Ardingly, Haywards Heath

    Whatever the weather with more exhibitors, vehicles, and interactive experiences being brought indoors you can experience an unforgettable journey through time! Battles Through History, is the unique and exciting multi period living history military…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Rye 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Peasmarsh near Rye

    This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026
  8. Outdoor Family Theatre - Pinocchio

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Haywards Heath

    Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, adapted by Oliver Gray

    Illyria brings Carlo Collodi's magical coming-of-age classic Pinocchio to Borde Hill's stunning Azalea Ring in a joyful, music-filled outdoor theatre performance perfect for all ages.

    Since its…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 15:00 - 16:50
  9. Art in Nature: Community Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Ardingly

    Art in Nature: Wakehurst Community Festival
    8–9 May 2026 | Free Event (Booking Essential)

    Ignite your creativity at Wakehurst's two‑day Community Festival celebrating Art in Nature. Enjoy a vibrant programme of accessible, hands‑on activities…

    Dates

    From:
    8 May 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
    From:
    9 May 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  10. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Summer Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Nutley

    The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026
  11. Little Crafters: Busy Bees & Bugs

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    West Sussex

    Let your little ones get stuck into this fun and creative crafting session for 18 months - 4 year olds with Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend.

    Your budding artists shall be inspired to learn new skills as well as completing at least 4 themed crafts plus…

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 10:30 - 11:40
  12. Bedgebury HM & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  13. Cyanotype Printing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Polegate

    The workshop will begin with an introduction to the cyanotype process, what it is, its history and show you all examples by artists and myself. I'll explain the chemicals involved which are non toxic and then perform a demonstration to show everyone…

    Dates

    From:
    4 June 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  14. Begin Wood Carving – Redstart

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    £48 per person, 18+ only, book online
    This full‑day wood carving workshop introduces participants to the craft of wildlife carving under the guidance of the Bentley Wildlife Carvers. Attendees learn the fundamentals of carving as they shape a…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. Alice in Wonderland trail

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Uckfield

    Sat 2 May – Sun 7 June 2026
    Step into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland at Sheffield Park and Garden for an enchanting trail through the garden, filled with characters and games inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic tale.

    Follow the white…

    Venue

    Sheffield Park and Gardens, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to7 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  16. Optics Demo Day at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Want to experience wildlife in stunning detail? Our monthly Optics Days are here to help you find the perfect binoculars or scope, for your birding and wildlife adventures.
    Taking place on the last Saturday of the month in our Discovery Hide,…

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  17. Drink and Draw

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.

    We will set up the studio tables with a selection…

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  18. The Paint Club painting party at Hart Country Stores

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Haywards Heath

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 May 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    15 June 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  19. Eastbourne's Magnificent Motors

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Magnificent Motors is established as one of the biggest FREE motoring spectaculars on the south coast. More than 600 vintage and classic cars, motorbikes, buses and more all displayed on Eastbourne’s Western Lawns

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to3 May 2026Various Opening Times
  20. Summer Propagation Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Polegate

    On Wednesday, July 8th, join us at Bates Green Garden for a Summer Propagation Workshop dedicated to the fascinating technique of taking cuttings. This practical session will help you master the different types of cuttings you can take in July,…

    Dates

    From:
    8 July 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30