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.
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.
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 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.

Number of results: 165
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Theatre
Chichester
Join us in the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Artistic Director Justin Audibert follows Hamlet and his hugely popular Festival Theatre production of Redlands, turning from the rock 'n' roll of…
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.
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…
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…
Music
Brighton
Boasting four huge stages of music, the biggest '00s and '90s bands, artists and DJs from around the world, funfair rides, a '90s arcade, Retro Bars, an RnB Roller Disco, Gormet Street Food, Exclusive VIP area and so much more, this is the ultimate…
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,…
Childrens Events
Station Road, Tenterden
"May the Fourth Be With You"
Bank Holiday Monday • 4th May 2026
Join us aboard the EWOK EXPRESS for an out-of-this-world Star Wars adventure!
⭐ Highlights & Activities
Duelling Area – Are you Red or Blue Lightsaber?
Onboard Activity Booklet –…
Childrens Events
Uckfield
May The 4th be with you!
A must-attend event for all Star Wars fans! On May 4th, prepare for an epic galactic adventure as Darth Vader & Stormtroopers take over the Bluebell Railway!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
Take on one of the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle courses this summer!
24 - 26 July
Spanning 1,000ft with 34+ obstacles across 5 zones, it's a fun-filled test of skill and stamina for anyone over 1.2m tall.
Quiet sessions: 24 July between 9:30…
Arts
Chichester
This is the first major exhibition of the celebrated artist William Nicholson (1872 – 1949) in more than 20 years.
Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic vision – from world-renowned still lifes,…
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…
Theatre
Chichester
In a small coastal village in Wales, Bryn and Gwen learn they will be forced to abandon their cherished home in the face of rising seawater. Their crisis rekindles Gwen's crusading spirit, cradled at the Greenham Common protests in the 1980s – a…
Exhibition
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Whatever the weather with more exhibitors, vehicles, and interactive experiences being brought indoors you can experience an unforgettable journey through time! Battles Through History, is the unique and exciting multi period living history military…
Special Events
Peacehaven
Experience the thrill of this gripping and scenic race beginning in Peacehaven. The route winds through stunning bridleways, the iconic South Downs Way, and the historic Greenwich Meridian Trail, finishing with a loop through the charming village of…
Special Events
Hailsham
The Garden Show comes to Herstmonceux Castle from 17–19 April 2026.
Enjoy over 170 exhibitors, specialist plants, garden shopping, artisan makers, food, live craft demos and family entertainment.
Explore talks on small gardens transforming lives,…
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…
Music
Chichester
Join us as we celebrate the talent and creativity of young composers and performance students from the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Enjoy this musical performance exploring the wonderful connections that can be made between music and art.…
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…
Sporting Events
Peasmarsh near Rye
This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…