Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26
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.
2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county of Sussex
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.
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.
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.
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 to plan your visit.
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.
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.
Yes. Look for events marked (F), including airshows, festivals and community celebrations.
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.
Number of results: 210
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Music
Haywards Heath
Enjoy an enchanting open-air concert from one of the UK's finest jazz talents. Combining world-class music with the natural beauty of Wakehurst's wild botanic garden. This event offers a unique chance to savour the best of summer.
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…
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…
Shopping
Cranbrook
Wealden Times Midsummer Fair Hole Park - Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th June - Our much‑loved summer celebration returns to the glorious gardens of Hole Park with over 220 stallholders showcasing fashion, homeware, artisan food, jewellery and more…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Arundel
Pick up a spotter sheet and discover dazzling dragonflies all around the site!
To help your hunt, search for our signs that mark dragonfly habitats – your patience may be rewarded with a zipping dragonfly or a darting damselfly.
The dragonfly quest…
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…
Guided Walk
Brighton
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 centre for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…
Arts
Heathfield
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5–5.5 km through our woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at several points along the trail for sensory and mindfulness…
General event
Worthing
If you have ever wondered 'are there any community choirs near me?' then the answer is firmly yes!
The Worthing Rock Choir is led by local musician Emma Steele. People who have already joined the choir, who hail from Worthing and further afield in…
Guided Walk
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Enjoy a stroll down into our valley with Senior Gardener Sarah Gardner, where she will introduce you to the diverse and rich native flora that grows among the more exotic plants here in our gardens.
During summer, lakeside banks and grass slopes…
Arts
Haywards Heath
Extract colour naturally from flowers and plants to create your own 100% silk scarf to take home.
Join textile artist Mary Cushing (@textileshed21) for an inspiring, hands-on workshop. Learn how to transform natural materials, including rose petals…
Sporting Events
Battle
Welcome to the 11th Anniversary edition of Out Of The Blue, an unforgettable race that you'll want to race year after year. These 10k & 5k offerings explore some of the stunning 220 acre estate at Ashburnham Place. The air crackles with race-day…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
Learn how to use your camera and unlock your creativity with professional landscape and award-winningphotographerMatt Goddard in the annual South Down National Park photography competition. You and your camera are capable of so much more when you…
Music
Haywards Heath
Set against Wakehurst's iconic Elizabethan Mansion and surrounding gardens, this is an open-air classical experience that brings the feel of a major city concert to a botanical setting in West Sussex.
Other
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Techy STEAM Explorers, part of the Techy Kids Group, offers creative hands-on sessions designed to introduce children to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths through imaginative play.
Community
Chichester
Welcome to the Summer season's drop-in Life Drawing workshops, being held in the Gallery spaces from 6–8pm as part of our Thursday Late events on:
16 July 2026
17 September 2026
15 October 2026
Experienced tutor Wendy Barratt, Sky Portrait…
Music
Lower Beeding, Horsham
We are delighted to announce that Horsham Rock Choir will be returning to perform here at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens with their uplifting music to truly lift us into the spring months.
Sporting Events
Battle
The BBB10k is truly a treat to race. It takes runners through the pretty and historic streets of Battle, exploring the surrounding villages before finishing at the ancient Battle Abbey. It's a fast course with some hilly sections and a great race…
Arts
Arlington, Polegate
Join us for a 3-hour sketchbooking workshop in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Bates Green Garden, led by talented local artist Emma Lindsay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the garden as you explore a range of drawing, mark making,…
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