Chichester Cathedral 3rd - 6th June 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: 164
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Walking
Hastings
Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…
Sporting Events
Rye
The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…
Arts
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…
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…
Special Events
Station Road, Tenterden
Mothering Weekend
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th March
Looking for something truly special this Mother's Day? Treat Mum to a memorable journey by steam train through the glorious Weald of Kent & Sussex. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery—plus the…
Gardens
Arlington, Polegate
Join us for the autumn garden tutorial at Bates Green Garden, to celebrate the unique beauty and challenges of autumn. Guided by Head Gardener Emma Reece, this walk will immerse participants in the art of border planning and maintenance, garden…
Theatre
Chichester
In a small coastal village in Wales, Bryn and Gwen learn they will be forced to abandon their cherished home in the face of rising seawater. Their crisis rekindles Gwen's crusading spirit, cradled at the Greenham Common protests in the 1980s – a…
Arts
Chichester
Explore the beauty, strength, and unseen labour of childcare in the powerful exhibition, Caroline Walker: Mothering.
Celebrated for her luminous brushwork and moving depictions of women's lives, Walker transforms everyday acts of care into striking…
Childrens Events
Chichester
Join us for an art-filled day of discovery and creativity – all completely FREE!
We're throwing open our doors for a spectacular day packed with exciting activities for the whole family.
Get inspired with our Library and Collections teams as they…
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.…
Free Event
Eastbourne
Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 32nd year from 13th – 16th August 2026, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast.
Sporting Events
Rye
The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…
Special Events
Hailsham
The Garden Show comes to Herstmonceux Castle from 17–19 April 2026.
Enjoy over 170 exhibitors, specialist plants, garden shopping, artisan makers, food, live craft demos and family entertainment.
Explore talks on small gardens transforming lives,…
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…
Childrens Events
Station Road, Tenterden
"May the Fourth Be With You"
Bank Holiday Monday • 4th May 2026
Join us aboard the EWOK EXPRESS for an out-of-this-world Star Wars adventure!
⭐ Highlights & Activities
Duelling Area – Are you Red or Blue Lightsaber?
Onboard Activity Booklet –…
Arts
Rye
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…
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…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Make this Mother's Day truly special with a memorable visit to the Rare Breeds Centre. On Sunday, 15th March 2026, we're delighted to offer one complimentary parent or carer day ticket for every group booking with at least one paid adult or child…
Childrens Events
Chichester
Create book illustrations inspired by your favourite toy!
Inspired by William Nicholson's enchanting illustrations for The Velveteen Rabbit, children will explore storytelling and illustration through their favourite toy.
In this hands-on…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Arundel
In Visitor Centre gallery
WWT Arundel's Optics Days give visitors the chance to test a wide range of binoculars and spotting scopes and receive expert advice on choosing the best equipment for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Running from…
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