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. Painting party with The Paint Club at D'Arcy's Bar

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    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:
    28 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  2. Rye Summer Series Race Four

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026
  3. Children's Spring Tote Bag Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    West Sussex

    Get creative and design your very own spring-themed tote bag using a colourful selection of stencils and fabric pens. Add bright blooms, playful patterns and personal touches to make it completely unique, then take it away ready to fill with all the…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    27 May 2026Open 13:00 - 14:00
  4. Hawkhurst 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hawkhurst

    We are excited to announce the return of this fabulous community race for its sixth year. Working alongside Highgate Hawkhurst WI to support existing and new community projects, you can expect the usual delights: a free half pint in The Eight Bells…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  5. Magic

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Harry Houdini is the greatest illusionist the world has ever known. Arthur Conan Doyle is the creator of literature's most brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes.

    Their mutual admiration blossoms into a profound friendship, even as they discover a…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    24 Apr 2026to16 May 2026
  6. Sink & Soften - An Evening Yoga Practice with Calli Popham

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards Heath

    Join us for a slow, embodied practice designed to help you land, listen, and let go, not by forcing release, but by creating the conditions for it to happen naturally. The practice will take place in the tranquillity of the South Lawn after hours,…

    Dates

    From:
    5 June 2026Open 17:00 - 18:00
  7. 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
  8. Bogan Bingo Bottomless Brunch

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton and Hove

    Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!

    What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!

    Tickets include:

    - 90…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026Open 12:30 -
    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 12:30 -
  9. Kids Trail: Eco Explorers

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Haywards Heath

    This half term, bring your family and join Ethan, the Eco Explorer, who loves discovering ways to look after nature and care for our planet.

    As you explore the Garden, uncover fun facts, solve puzzles, and collect natural treasures in your 'nature…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. Pukka Putters at the Rare Breeds Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Pukka Putters is coming to the Rare Breeds Centre this May!
    Pukka Putters is the UK's only self-contained, walk in mini golf course built entirely inside a lorry! You don't just play mini golf you step into a themed jungle world on wheels!
    The…

    Dates

    From:
    15 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Steam into the New Year

    Type

    Type:

    New Year

    Tenterden

    Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027
  12. Woolly Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Join us for a baa rilliant weekend packed with sheep themed fun for all ages. Enjoy a lively programme of activities, including some exciting brand new sheepy surprises. Take part in the Great Sheep Escape Trail, cheer on competitors in the Lamb…

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to4 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. Tree Identification Walk

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  14. My Fair Lady

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of being a lady in a florist's shop is out of reach unless she can speak 'proper English'. So when she encounters Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics,…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    6 July 2026to5 Sept 2026
  15. Bluebell Spectacular & Woodland Walk 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Participatory Event

    Polegate

    Enjoy vistas of bluebells in 23 acres of ancient woodland. Walks and trails through three farms. Countryside exhibition. One walk is wheelchair friendly.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Apr 2026to10 May 2026
  16. The Paint Club painting party at The Boathouse Cafe

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    11 June 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    9 July 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  17. Curious About Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  18. Rye Summer Series Race Three

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026
  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. Hove Prom 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026