Events in Sussex - look to the skies and celebrate Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow, East Sussex in August - credit Mark Jarvis

Eastbourne International Airshow

13th - 16th August 26 credit Mark Jarvis

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

Number of results:

Number of results: 193

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Cricketers

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Worthing

    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:
    15 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  2. Grand Tasting at the Winelands Festival of English Wine in Lewes

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Lewes

    Raise a glass to English Wine with WINELANDS – an exciting festival in Lewes to showcase the world-class quality of Sussex sparkling and still wines. WINELANDS brings together wine lovers, local producers, and industry experts for a week-long…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026Open 12:00 - 18:00
  3. The Paint Club painting party at Hart Country Stores

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    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:
    15 June 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  4. Ashdown Forest Open Studios

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Locations in and around the Ashdown Forest

    Artist and makers Open Studios. Visit over 80 different artists and makers in 21 different venues in and around the Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie-the-Pooh!

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. 45 Years

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Buried for decades, the body of a young woman is found in the melting ice. A thousand miles and 45 years away... a crack forms in the crystal of a marriage.

    It's the week leading up to Kate and Geoff's wedding anniversary and preparations for the…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026to11 July 2026
  6. Two-Day Course: Spring Landscape Painting

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    This two-day practical workshop gives participants the opportunity to develop sketchbook studies and to produce their own personalised landscape painting, or paintings, in acrylic on canvas working both outdoors and in the studio with guided…

    Dates

    From:
    21 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    22 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  7. Rye Summer Series Race Five

    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:
    4 Sept 2026
  8. World of Wizardry at Bluebell Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Uckfield

    Visit a magical realm with Bluebell Railway this May.  

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026to30 May 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  9. Botanical Silk Scarf Workshop: The Art of Natural Dyes

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    11 June 2026Open 10:00 - 13:00
  10. May Half-Term

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Pembury

    If you are looking for an enjoyable and relaxing way to spend time with family this May half-term, we would love to welcome you to the Bluebell Café and animal farm at Aspens. From Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May, we will be offering a brand-new…

    Dates

    From:
    26 May 2026to29 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Peter Pan: A musical adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.

    Join Chichester…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  12. 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
  13. Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Horsham

    Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee. Whether you're a lifelong Sussex local, a curious visitor, or simply intrigued by…

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  14. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  15. Air Ambulance Family Fun Day Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Steyning

    Bring your friends and family along for an unforgettable experience! But this isn't just a day out – it's a unique chance to meet the people who save lives in your community. Kids can learn, explore, and play, while families see first hand how their…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  16. Hawkhurst 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hawkhurst

    We are excited to announce the return of this fabulous community race for its sixth year. Working alongside Highgate Hawkhurst WI to support existing and new community projects, you can expect the usual delights: a free half pint in The Eight Bells…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  17. Little Crafters: Busy Bugs & Bees

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    West Sussex

    Let your little ones get stuck into this fun and creative crafting session for 18 months - 4 year olds with Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend.

    Your budding artists shall be inspired to learn new skills as well as completing at least 4 themed crafts plus…

    Dates

    From:
    27 May 2026Open 10:30 - 11:40
  18. Hastings Half Marathon 2027

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Grosvenor Crescent, Saint Leonards on Sea

    The energy: electric
    The crowd support: epic
    The course: achievably challenging
    The vibes: unmatched

    WINNER OF MIDSIZED EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 RUNNING INDUSTRY AWARDS!

    Join thousands of runners on the start line at the iconic - and…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
  19. Wealden Times Midsummer Fair

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    11 June 2026to13 June 2026Open 09:00 - 16:30
  20. Optics Demo Day at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Want to experience wildlife in stunning detail? Our monthly Optics Days are here to help you find the perfect binoculars or scope, for your birding and wildlife adventures. These events are designed for nature lovers at every level. Buy when you try…

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00