10 - 11 October 2026
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: 178
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Arts
Heathfield
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…
Special Events
Horsham
Join the John Lewis Horsham Nursery team and local experts to learn about this new stage of your life and our All Things Baby service, covering everything you need to know for the arrival of your child. Plus, we'll have guests, offering demos and…
Childrens Events
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join Daisy First Aid at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens for a fun, superhero-themed first aid class designed especially for children aged 5–10. Through relaxed, hands-on activities, children will learn valuable lifesaving skills in a friendly,…
Exhibitions
Chichester
This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…
Fireworks
West Sussex
Join us for one of West Sussex's most spectacular fireworks displays at the beautiful Leonardslee Wine Estate. Set across 240 acres of historic gardens and rolling countryside, this magical evening is perfect for families, couples, and friends…
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…
Film
Lewes
Join us for a special screening of LEE (2024), as part of our 2026 Surrealist Week celebrations!
Starring Kate Winslet, the acclaimed biographical drama that tells the extraordinary story of photographer, war correspondent, and cultural icon Lee…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Returning for one special evening, Leonardslee Lates offers a relaxed late summer evening for the whole family, with live music, local street food and beautiful gardens to explore.
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…
Arts
Chichester
Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed tour of the Gallery with a member of our curatorial team.
Each tour will focus on a different theme, including the works in our permanent collection and our temporary exhibitions.
Thursday 25 June 2026: Our…
Arts
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…
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.…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Arundel
Embark on a 20-minute guided boat trip and see the wetlands from a dragonfly's point of view, gliding low across the water. As the quiet electric boat moves through winding waterways, peaceful reed beds, and open water meadows, you can watch…
Exhibitions
Storrington
An exhibition of textile art by Worthing textile artist Jane Robinson. Stitched textiles inspired by the portraits in Parham House, as well as by plants and flowers, rocks and fossils, and the colour and designs of India. Entry is free via the…
Childrens Events
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Make the most of the summer holidays with free family activities every Wednesday in August at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, included with garden admission and free for Leonardslee members.
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Haywards Heath
This session will be run by Emily Phillips of The Embodied Beings.
As the season begins to turn and the pace subtly shifts, so do we. As leaves change on the trees, nature reminds us of the beauty found in letting go.
Join us for a one-hour…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
See the Schooner Radio Control Group in action on Waterfall Pond at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, and enjoy a fantastic, fun-filled day with a range of Model Radio Control Boats, yachts, steamboats and warship displays.
Arts
Shoreham-by-sea, 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…
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