Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex
Discover what's on in Sussex, including festivals, family-friendly events, theatre shows, garden open days, food festivals, outdoor experiences 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 of upcoming events to suit all ages and interests.
2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county of Sussex. From airshows to outdoor festivals, family attractions and seasonal events, you'll always find lots of exciting events in Sussex. This summer it's time to look to ths skies in Sussex with the return of Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow (F), offering a day of high flying free family-friendly action along Eastbourne seafront (3 August - 16 August). The partial solar eclipse will darken the skies over Sussex on the 12 August, ahead of the Astronomy Festival in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, which offers the chance to enjoy camping, children's activities, stargazing and planetarium shows (28th - 30th August). Not quite as high as the skies - but not far off - take to the trees with Go Ape at Tilgate Park, Crawley - this summer you can save with the Great British Summer Savings scheme.
Autumn doesn't mean the Sussex events diary gets any quieter, as a host of outdoor and immersive events arrive on the calendar. Garden lovers shouldn't miss the chance to visit the Autumn Plant Fair at West Dean Gardens (13 September) or to see McFly headlining the summer concerts at Borde Hill Gardens. For immersive events fans, over 300 re-enactors take part in The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought (10 - 11 October) and the sell-out Bluebell Railway Ghost Train returns (22 October - 1st November) with some spine-tingling family fun, ahead of a Murder Mystery Dinner at Leonardslee Gardens (31 October).
From dramatic coastlines and the rolling South Downs to headline festivals, historic re-enactments and award-winning gardens, Sussex is the perfect destination for a seaside stay or countryside escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today.
Explore our featured events list and discover what's on this July, August and September in East and West Sussex, from garden events and live music to sporting occasions, family trails and outdoor adventures.
From coastal airshows and outdoor adventures to theatre, art, gardening and heritage events, Sussex offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
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) or add free to the keyword search box and you will find airshows, festivals, community celebrations and seasonal events taking place across East and West Sussex throughout the year.
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: 154
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Childrens Events
Rogate, Petersfield
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event will open on Friday 16th October, running through to Sunday 1st November. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH! Autumn Finale! a one-day ONLY event…
Food
Tunbridge Wells
Join us for an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine with renown wine producer Chateau Musar and Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.
Allow us to take you through a journey of delectable flavours, paired alongside the beautiful wines of Chateau Musar.…
Health & Wellbeing
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.
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
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,…
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Book a 30-minute experience filled with festive fun and challenges at Elf Training Camp – before heading into Santa's Grotto to receive a special Christmas gift.
Step into Elf Training Camp
Begin your adventure by joining Elf Training Camp, where…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Crawley
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Crawley, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark
Arts
Chichester
Create a richly textured landscape using wet felting in this hands-on textile workshop with artist Helen Peters at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. Take inspiration from the British Landscapes: A Sense of Place exhibition.
Music
Mayfield
Join conductor Jack Gonzalez-Harding for an evening of gripping musical narrative, charting the journey from the stormy Romantic coastlines of Scotland to the sunlit, muscular energy of the classical symphony.
The concert opens with Felix…
Childrens Events
Handcross
Do you believe in Fairies? Come and meet the woodland Fairies and their secretive friends at High Beeches Gardens, West Susex. Discover giant toadstools, dandelions and keep a look out for the mischievous sprites and boggarts not to mention a…
Countryside
Arlington, Polegate
Come and dip into the fascinating world of fungi. From Beefstakes to Birds Nests, Fly Agaric to Fibrecaps, we have identified sixty types of fungi in Beatons Wood, and there are many more! Discover a little about the woodland web, and maybe discover…
Christmas
Petworth
This Christmas, journey through grand state rooms of Petworth House where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world.
Workshop
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Create a beautifully soft throw using nothing but your arms as needles. Perfect for beginners and seasoned knitters alike, this relaxing workshop is led by Paula from Cocoon & Me, who will guide you through each step.
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…
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…
Christmas
Midhurst
The Sussex Guild is delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of Midhurst Rother College to showcase our contemporary crafts this Christmas.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
A mysterious quest begins in the gardens this October and throughout half-term. Young alchemists are invited to collect their Alchemist's Activity Book before setting off on a self-led journey through Leonardslee's beautiful autumn gardens.
Along…
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…
Shopping
Horsham
Ready to discover what's new in fashion in John Lewis, Horsham this Autumn/Winter? Join us for an exciting showcase event, where our personal stylists will share all the latest and greatest products from our new season collection.
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…
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