Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26
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: 160
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
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…
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.
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…
Special Events
Eastbourne
Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
