Take part in one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK at Beachy Head, Eastbourne

Beachy Head Marathon, Ultra & 10K

24th October, Eastbourne

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, 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.

Events in Sussex

Sussex Events

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. 

What's on in Sussex this July, August and September

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.

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole overnight stay and visit to Royal Pavilion

Plan your visit to Sussex

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.

Frequently asked questions about events in Sussex

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 to plan your visit.

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) 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.

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: 168

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. 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
  2. My Fair Lady

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of being a lady in a florist's shop is out of reach unless she can speak 'proper English'. So when she encounters Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics,…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    6 July 2026to5 Sept 2026
  3. BBB10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Battle

    The BBB10k is truly a treat to race. It takes runners through the pretty and historic streets of Battle, exploring the surrounding villages before finishing at the ancient Battle Abbey. It's a fast course with some hilly sections and a great race…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Sept 2026
  4. Christmas Carols at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    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.…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  5. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Brighton

    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 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  6. Burgess Hill 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Burgess Hill

    This 3-day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May 2027 with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile on the 2nd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 3rd of May with a 10k. Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2027Open 09:30 - 12:30
  7. Bogan Bingo Bottomless Brunch

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton and Hove

    Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!

    What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!

    Tickets include:

    - 90…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 12:30 -
  8. Farmyard Summer Fun

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Farmyard Summer Fun 2026
    Get ready for a summer packed with hands-on fun, family games and farm adventures at our biggest Farmyard Summer Fun event yet. Running from 20 July to 31 August 2026, there's something different to enjoy every day…

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. The National Town Criers Championship

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    RYE

    Join MC Rye Town Crier Paul Goring as he hosts the 72nd National Town Criers' Championship in beautiful Rye, Sussex.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026
  10. Summer Holiday Adventures at Go Ape Crawley

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Crawley

    Stop scrolling Go Ape! Searching for things to do in West Sussex this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Crawley for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other.

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026to1 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. The Paint Club painting party at Grounded @ The Forge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Ringmer, Lewes

    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:
    8 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. Nature Connect

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards heath

    We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in Nature.
    Over three months you'll learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  13. Forest Bathing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5 - 51/2 km through our West Sussex woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    21 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  14. Lumos: Summer Candlelight Jazz Experience - Frank Sinatra vs. Ella Fitzgerald

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into the golden age of jazz for one unforgettable evening at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in West Sussex.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 22:10
  15. Halloween at Leonardslee: The Potion Master's Quest

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  16. Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Eastbourne

    Three Nights. One Epic Christmas Party. Zero Dry Turkey.

    After multiple sold-out Christmas events, Eastbourne Music Fest returns with Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026 – bigger, louder, snowier, and more party-focused than ever before.

    This year,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
  17. Thursday Late | August

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    We stay open until 8.30pm once a month, inviting you to explore the collection and exhibitions after hours. Pallant Café will be open throughout the evening serving food and drinks, and the Pallant House Gallery Bookshop is stocked with art books,…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 17:00 - 20:30
  18. Chateau Musar Wine Dinner at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    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.…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30
  19. Haroun Hayward: Path Through Trees

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo
    institutional show. Hayward will present a new body of work,
    created in dialogue with artworks in Pallant House Gallery's
    collection by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Paul Nash,…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to1 Nov 2026
  20. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Nr Wadhurst

    The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens, described as one of the finest gardens in England.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00