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: 163
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Sporting Events
Hove
The accurately measured 10k course is two laps along the promenade with lots of great support from Arena 80 Athletics Club. The event is a Sussex Grand Prix Championship event and attracts both seasoned and beginner runners alike. The course is…
Arts
Ringmer, Lewes
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
Station Road, Tenterden
Hop Onboard This Easter with K&ESR!
Kids Go Free – 29th March to 19th April
Join us for a family Easter adventure along the line! Every child travelling with us receives a colourful Easter activity sheet to enjoy onboard. Complete it and visit the…
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…
Sporting Events
East Grinstead
This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 2nd of May with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile the 3rd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 4th of May with a 10k. Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex…
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…
Arts
Chichester
This is the first major exhibition of the celebrated artist William Nicholson (1872 – 1949) in more than 20 years.
Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic vision – from world-renowned still lifes,…
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…
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,…
Theatre
Chichester
On an English country estate during the blazing summer of 1935, 13 year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a passionate scene between her elder sister Cecilia and the son of their housekeeper, Robbie. In a disastrous desire for drama but only a dim…
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…
Other
Haywards Heath
Join award-winning garden photographer Molly Hollman for an inspiring early spring photography workshop. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Molly will guide you through the creative techniques needed to help elevate your…
Arts
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…
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…
Theatre
Chichester
Roald Dahl's unforgettable story The BFG comes to life in a magical new co-production from Chichester Festival Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Roald Dahl Story Company. This new adaptation by Tom Wells is directed by RSC Co-Artistic…
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…
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…
Childrens Events
Horsham
An Easter adventure made for curious kids.
A trail of clues, stickers, and challenges across the gardens, finishing with a fun obstacle course and an Easter prize.
Armed with a trail booklet and a pocket full of stickers, children set off across…
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
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…