Roald Dahl's The BFG comes to Chichester Festival Theatre from the 9th March

Roald Dahl's The BFG

Chichester Festival Theatre, 9th March - 11th April

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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.

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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

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Number of results: 165

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  1. The Labyrinth Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  2. Hastings Half Marathon 2026

    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:
    22 Mar 2026
  3. Rye Summer Series Race Three

    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:
    10 July 2026
  4. Robertsbridge Midsummer 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Robertsbridge

    The Robertsbridge Bonfire Society return to present another wonderful instalment of their much loved Midsummer 10k & 5k race. This is a community affair. It boasts fantastic local support with some super volunteer marshals to cheer and guide runners…

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026
  5. Rye Ancient Trails 30k & 15k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Rye

    The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. This spectatular event starts off on the high street…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026
  6. ABBA Under the Stars

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Following their 2025 sell-out concert, ABBA Gold Europe returns to Borde Hill!

    Get ready to dance the night away with a spectacular tribute to ABBA's timeless hits! Leading tribute band ABBA Gold Europe delivers an electrifying live performance,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  7. Stormtroopers at the Bluebell Railway

    Type

    Type:

    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!

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to4 May 2026
  8. Bedgebury HM & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  9. 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
  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. The Garden Show

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Apr 2026to18 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    19 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  12. 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
  13. Paint a highland cow at The Junction Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Groombridge

    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:
    25 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  14. Talk | 'William Nicholson's greatest invention? The image of the artist' with Stephen Calloway

    Type

    Type:

    Talks

    Chichester

    William Nicholson's greatest invention? The image of the artist.

    In this illustrated talk, celebrated curator and aesthete Stephen Calloway explores how William Nicholson's carefully crafted public persona, captured in portraits and photographs…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Apr 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
  15. Painting party with The Paint Club at D'Arcy's Bar

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    26 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  16. Fascinating and free exhibition train

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    off Havelock Road, Hastings

    An exhibition inside a train is heading to Bognor Regis – and it's totally free to visit.

    Co-curated with the National Railway Museum and packed full of interactive exhibits and amazing stories, 'Inspiration' reveals how railways transformed the…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Mar 2026to15 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  17. Optics Day at WWT Arundel

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    In Visitor Centre gallery
    WWT Arundel's Optics Days give visitors the chance to test a wide range of binoculars and spotting scopes and receive expert advice on choosing the best equipment for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Running from…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Mar 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  18. 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
  19. Sink & Soften - An Evening Yoga Practice with Calli Popham

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards Heath

    Join us for a slow, embodied practice designed to help you land, listen, and let go, not by forcing release, but by creating the conditions for it to happen naturally. The practice will take place in the tranquillity of the South Lawn after hours,…

    Dates

    From:
    5 June 2026Open 17:00 - 18:00
  20. Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Eridge

    This corker of a race returns in 2026 to bring us 10 miles of trail delights and glory. Dubbed the 'favourite of off-road' races, the course is renowned for its captivating views, steep & narrow climbs and copious quanties of mud. Prepare to fall in…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026