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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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.

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What's on in Sussex this weekend?

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.

Staying overnight 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

Sussex events near me

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.

What's on in East Sussex and West Sussex

Inspiration

  1. Dinosaur Adventure Live!
    Surely The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth! 65…
    1. Stargazing at Helen Garden
      Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical…
      1. 21 Feb 2026

    Number of results:

    Number of results: 158

    , currently showing 1 to 20.

    1. Cyanotype Printing Workshop

      Type

      Type:

      Gardens

      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…

      Dates

      From:
      4 June 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
    2. Talk | Nicholson and the Theatre with Jane Pritchard

      Type

      Type:

      Talks

      Chichester

      Join Jane Pritchard, Curator of Dance, Theatre and Performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum, for a richly illustrated talk exploring William Nicholson's fascinating, and often overlooked, contribution to the theatre in the early 20th century,…

      Dates

      From:
      19 Mar 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
    3. Caroline Walker: Mothering

      Type

      Type:

      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…

      Dates

      From:
      22 Nov 2025to26 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    4. Specialist Spring Plant Fair

      Type

      Type:

      Gardens

      Haywards Heath

      The ever-popular Specialist Spring Plant Fair will return to Borde Hill on Sunday 10th May from 10am to 3pm. Hosted by the Plant Fairs Roadshow, a collective of independent specialist nurseries, visitors can expect an extraordinary lineup of locally…

      Dates

      From:
      10 May 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
    5. Forbidden Nights

      Type

      Type:

      Theatre

      Eastbourne

      Forbidden Nights is made up of a male vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all with an element of strip tease -- think Cirque du Soleil meets *Magic Mike*.

      Dates

      From:
      15 Oct 2026Open 19:30 -
    6. Backstage Tour

      Type

      Type:

      Theatre

      Brighton

      Our popular backstage tours are back!

      Venue

      Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

      Dates

      From:
      28 Feb 2026Open 10:30 -
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      14 Mar 2026Open 10:30 -
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      11 Apr 2026Open 10:30 -
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      25 Apr 2026Open 10:30 -
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      9 May 2026Open 10:30 -
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      23 May 2026Open 10:30 -
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      13 June 2026Open 10:30 -
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      27 June 2026Open 10:30 -
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      11 July 2026Open 10:30 -
    7. Tina Under the Stars

      Type

      Type:

      Music

      Haywards Heath

      The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll!

      Experience the raw power and electrifying energy of the UK's number one Tina Turner tribute act, Typically Tina. Backed by a full live band, this sensational performance captures the voice, the…

      Dates

      From:
      5 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
    8. Mudfest 2026

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Arundel

      Grab your wellies and dive into the muddy magic of wetlands this February half term! From February 14 to 21, 2026, join us daily between 10 am and 4 pm for a week of hands on fun where mud isn't just messy — it's marvellous.
      Cook up creations in the…

      Dates

      From:
      17 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
      From:
      18 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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      19 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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      20 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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      21 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    9. The Paint Club painting party at Carlo Lounge

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      East Grinstead

      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:
      9 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      13 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      11 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      8 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      13 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    10. Kids Trail: Ludo's Easter Adventure

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Haywards Heath

      This Easter holiday, follow the adventures of Ludo the Lamb on his quest to win the Lamb National Race!

      Bring your family and follow the story trail around the Garden as Ludo races to victory. Along the way, search for Easter eggs hidden within the…

      Dates

      From:
      28 Mar 2026to20 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    11. Children's Workshop | Easter Holiday Club: A Toy's Story

      Type

      Type:

      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…

      Dates

      From:
      7 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    12. Rathfinny Run

      Type

      Type:

      Sporting Events

      Polegate

      This race has sold out every year since its inception five years ago - so it's in high demand! The Rathfinny Run is an exceptionally special running experience. It focuses on reducing it's environmental impact and encourages runners to reduce their…

      Dates

      From:
      10 May 2026
    13. In the Turning Light - A Morning Yoga Practice with Emily Phillips

      Type

      Type:

      Outdoor Event / Activities

      Haywards Heath

      This session will be run by Emily Phillips of The Embodied Beings.

      As the season begins to turn and the pace subtly shifts, so do we. As leaves change on the trees, nature reminds us of the beauty found in letting go.

      Join us for a one-hour…

      Dates

      From:
      12 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 10:00
    14. Thursday Late | The Art of Laughter

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Chichester

      Join us in February for an evening of creativity, comedy, and culture. Alongside a programme of workshops and tours, we'll be joined by art historian and comedian Verity Babbs for her talk Art Laughs: Art History's Funniest Bits – a hilarious and…

      Dates

      From:
      19 Feb 2026Open 17:00 - 20:30
    15. Outdoor Family Theatre - Pinocchio

      Type

      Type:

      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…

      Dates

      From:
      7 June 2026Open 15:00 - 16:50
    16. The Paint Club painting party at The Victory

      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:
      3 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      7 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      5 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      2 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      7 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    17. Diversity

      Type

      Type:

      Dance / Dancing

      Brighton

      London-based street dance crew Diversity got their start in 2007. Founded by choreographer Ashley Banjo and his younger brother Jordan, they were initially known as Swift Moves Juniors. Specialising in everything from popping and breakdance to…

      Venue

      Brighton Centre, Brighton and Hove

      Dates

      From:
      4 Apr 2026Open 14:30 -
    18. Go Ape x Summer Adventures 2025 - Boring Ends Here

      Type

      Type:

      Outdoor Event / Activities

      Titmus Drive, Crawley

      Looking for things to do this February half term in Sussex? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Crawley, set in the heart of Tilgate Park near Crawley, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

      Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go…

      Dates

      From:
      14 Feb 2026to22 Feb 2026Open 10:30 - 14:30
    19. Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

      Type

      Type:

      Indoor

      Turners Hill, Crawley

      Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.

      Dates

      From:
      12 Feb 2026to31 May 2026
    20. 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:
      21 May 2026Open 08:30 - 10:30