Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26
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: 165
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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,…
Arts
Arundel
£25 per person, 18+ only, book online
This spring wreath workshop invites participants to craft a unique seasonal wreath using wetland willow, natural materials and foraged foliage. Guided by seasonal inspiration, the session teaches the basics of…
Music
Haywards Heath
Following their 2025 sell-out concert, ABBA Gold Europe returns to Borde Hill!
Get ready to dance the night away with a spectacular tribute to ABBA's timeless hits! Leading tribute band ABBA Gold Europe delivers an electrifying live performance,…
Theatre
Chichester
October 1943. In a small office on the Avenue Foch in Paris, a Gestapo interrogator is questioning a young woman who has been known by many different names: Babuli, Jeanne-Marie, Nora, Madeleine.
As one of the secret agents of Britain's Special…
Arts
Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea
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…
Arts
Henfield
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…
Sporting Events
Seaford
The Seaford Martello Half Marathon is a scenic, but challenging event combining the stunning Seaford seafront with the beautiful South Downs. Organised jointly by Rotary Martello Seaford and Seaford Striders Running Club, this is one the nicest half…
Theatre
Chichester
Buried for decades, the body of a young woman is found in the melting ice. A thousand miles and 45 years away... a crack forms in the crystal of a marriage.
It's the week leading up to Kate and Geoff's wedding anniversary and preparations for the…
Guided Walk
Worthing
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 center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. It is the perfect opportunity to test your pace, hydration, and nutrition for…
Festival
Chichester
The Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral returns from 3 – 6 June 2026 for its 30th anniversary.
This much-loved event will see the Cathedral transformed by more than 50,000 blooms in a spectacular celebration of colour, scent and creativity.…
Childrens Events
Alfriston
Make wild memories this Easter Holidays at Drusillas Zoo Park!
Eggsplorers are you ready for a crackin' good time this Easter?
Give the kids eggsactly what they need this Easter with a zooper day out at Drusillas Park - voted one of the best days…
Sporting Events
Eridge
This corker of a race returns in 2026 to bring us 10 miles of trail delights and glory. Dubbed the 'favourite of off-road' races, the course is renowned for its captivating views, steep & narrow climbs and copious quanties of mud. Prepare to fall in…
Arts
Shoreham-by-sea, Brighton
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…
Exhibitions
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.
Arts
Hailsham
Step into a world of craftsmanship, heritage, and hands-on mastery in this intensive, immersive, no-holds-barred practical course led by award-winning ornamental plasterer John William Zielinski.
John has worked extensively within Herstmonceux…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Arts
Hailsham
Illumination is the art of applying gold to paper or vellum, with the resulting artworks traditionally bound within manuscripts. Medieval illuminated manuscripts were highly prized items created by teams of skilled artisans. Herbals were manuscripts…
Gardens
Haywards Heath
Join us for a relaxing, hands-on workshop where you'll capture the essence of roses. Learn to infuse oil with your favourite rose petals, blend a personalised perfume using rose and other plant-based essential oils, and craft aromatic balms to…
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…
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