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: 160

    , currently showing 1 to 20.

    1. 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
    2. Talk | How To See Now: The Female Subjects with Katy Hessel - Athena

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Chichester

      How much do you know about the Virgin Mary? How has her image perpetuated an idealisation for motherhood? Where does the iconography of the witch stem from? Is there more to Aphrodite/ Venus than as just the ancient's idea of a pin-up?

      Join art…

      Dates

      From:
      26 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
    3. Pashley Manor Gardens Tulip Festival

      Type

      Type:

      Bank Holiday

      Near Wadhurst

      Pashley Manor's spectacular Tulip Festival is a riot of colour in East Sussex with over 40,000 tulips to experience.

      Venue

      Pashley Manor Gardens, Rother

      Dates

      From:
      16 Apr 2026to1 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    4. Talk | How To See Now: The Female Subjects with Katy Hessel - Eve and Lilith

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Chichester

      How much do you know about the Virgin Mary? How has her image perpetuated an idealisation for motherhood? Where does the iconography of the witch stem from? Is there more to Aphrodite/ Venus than as just the ancient's idea of a pin-up?

      Join art…

      Dates

      From:
      5 Mar 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
    5. Stargazing at Helen Garden

      Type

      Type:

      Special Events

      Eastbourne

      Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.

      Dates

      From:
      21 Feb 2026
    6. 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 -
    7. 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
    8. South Downs Food Festival

      Type

      Type:

      Festival

      Rowlands Castle

      The South Downs Food Festival returns to Stansted Park on the 6th and 7th of June 2026, bringing a spectacular weekend of food, drink, and celebration.

      Dates

      From:
      6 June 2026to7 June 2026
    9. Rye Summer Series Race One

      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:
      8 May 2026
    10. Open Day at Pallant House Gallery

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Chichester

      Join us for an art-filled day of discovery and creativity – all completely FREE!

      We're throwing open our doors for a spectacular day packed with exciting activities for the whole family.

      Get inspired with our Library and Collections teams as they…

      Dates

      From:
      13 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    11. Burning the Clocks

      Type

      Type:

      Show / Display

      Brighton

      The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…

      Dates

      From:
      21 Dec 2026
    12. 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
    13. February Half Term at Drusillas Park

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Alfriston

      Make wild memories this February half term at Drusillas Zoo Park!

      Keep the kids half term happy with a zooper day out at Drusillas Park - voted one of the best days out with kids in Sussex!

      Get nose-to-nose with 80 species of animal in our…

      Dates

      From:
      14 Feb 2026to22 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    14. Rye Summer Series Race Two

      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:
      5 June 2026
    15. Worthing Rock Choir

      Type

      Type:

      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…

      Dates

      From:
      26 Feb 2026Open 19:30 -
      From:
      5 Mar 2026Open 19:30 -
    16. Easter on the Farm

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Ashford

      Hop on over to the Farm this Easter, from Friday 3rd April to Sunday 19th April, for fun filled activities the whole family will enjoy!
      What's on Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April:
      - Meet Noreen Carrots, Lavendar Lamb and Farrington T Fox
      - See them…

      Dates

      From:
      3 Apr 2026to19 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    17. Easter Holidays at Drusillas Park

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Alfriston


      Make wild memories this Easter Holidays at Drusillas Zoo Park!

      Eggsplorers are you ready for a crackin' good time this Easter?

      Give the kids eggsactly what they need this Easter with a zooper day out at Drusillas Park - voted one of the best days…

      Dates

      From:
      28 Mar 2026to30 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
      From:
      31 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
    18. The Paint Club painting party at 180 Degrees Bar & Kitchen

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Cuckfield, Haywards Heath

      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:
      5 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      2 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      7 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      4 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      2 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      6 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    19. A-May-zing half term at Drusillas Park

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Alfriston

      Make wild memories this May half term at Drusillas Zoo Park!

      Keep the kids half term happy with a zooper day out at Drusillas Park - voted one of the best days out with kids in Sussex!

      Get nose-to-nose with 80 species of animal in our…

      Dates

      From:
      23 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
    20. Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole

      Type

      Type:

      Mother's Day

      Brighton

      Celebrate the Mother-figure in your life with a classic afternoon tea, sea views and live music from Nadia Moon in the beautiful 1890 Restaurant.

      Dates

      From:
      15 Mar 2026