The fun family festival Jack in the Green, Hastings

Jack in the Green, Hastings

1st - 4th May 26 c Jonny Thompson

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

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Number of results: 181

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. RunWisborough 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Wisborough Green

    Overview
    Join us to celebrate our 10th anniversary with a scenic race route showcasing the pretty West Sussex village of Wisborough Green - with the start and finish in the village centre on the green. Runners of all standards are welcome, including…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026
  4. Exclusive Charity Evening at High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Handcross

    With 27 acres of woodland, water gardens, and a collection of rare, exotic and award-winning plants, High Beeches Garden is one of Sussex's finest gardens and is home to a plant collection that includes specimens from many parts of the world. It's a…

    Dates

    From:
    12 May 2026Open 18:00 - 20:30
  5. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  6. 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
  7. The Paint Club painting party at The Longshore

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    12 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    9 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    14 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    11 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. Battle Medieval Fayre

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Battle

    Battle Medieval Fayre, fun for all the family! Our community fayre is filled with games, stalls and entertainment. Located outside the historic Battle Abbey.

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    25 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. The Paint Club painting party at The Royal Oak & Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Pevensey

    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 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    2 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    15 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. Smalltown Mysteries Worthing

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  13. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. Pop Inspired Portraits

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Explore portraiture through a Pop Art lens with award winning artist Wendy Barratt, creating bold and expressive works inspired by the Pop and the Figure exhibition at Pallant House Gallery.

    In this one-day workshop, you'll work directly from a…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  15. Eclipse

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    In the kitchen of an old Devon rectory, the daughter who stayed and the son who moved away make conversation with their current and former partners, the milkman, the postman, the care workers. They talk about the weather, the roads, the toaster, the…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    8 May 2026to6 June 2026
  16. The Paint Club painting party at Grounded @ The Forge

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  17. Leonardslee Lates

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    1, 2 & 3 May and 22, 23 & 24 May 2026

    May Bank Holidays | 18+ event | Starts 18:00 | From £6.65 per person | FREE parking for the event

    Leonardslee Lates returns for six spring evenings of live music, street food and Sussex sparkling wine set…

    Dates

    From:
    22 May 2026to24 May 2026Open 17:30 - 21:00
  18. Barefoot Waterski Jump Evening

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    An evening of Barefoot Waterskiing at Action Watersports.
    Watch the GB Barefoot Waterski Team train at Action Watersports, skimming across the water at 45mph on their barefeet.
    Food available from our lakeside cafe
    This is weather dependent…

    Dates

    From:
    10 May 2026Open 16:00 - 20:00
  19. Rainbow Run 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Brighton and Hove

    Overview
    This fabulous race never fails to delight and is a firm favourite in the local racing calendar. Taking place on a summer's evening, bursting with bright colours and fizzing with race day fun, it's the running event you'll return to year…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026Open 19:00 -
  20. Garden Tours with Two Course Lunch at Gravetye Manor Hotel

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    East Grinstead

    We are delighted to be able to invite guests to enjoy a tour of the gardens at Gravetye with a senior member of our gardening team. Groups will be kept to a maximum of 12 people and a two course lunch will be served in one of our private dining…

    Dates

    From:
    7 May 2026Open 10:15 - 14:00
    From:
    19 May 2026Open 10:15 - 14:00