Take to two wheels with a Segway experience at Tilegate Park in West Sussex

Segway Special at Go Ape Crawley

Tilegate Park, West Sussex

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. 

Stop Scrolling and Go Ape

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: 158

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Christmas Gift Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Woodchurch, Ashford

    There's something truly special about a Christmas gift market, the twinkling lights and the cheerful buzz of shoppers hunting for that perfect gift. But this year, why not swap the high street for something a little more enchanting? Head to the Rare…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
  2. Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Turners Hill, Crawley

    Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to30 Nov 2026
  3. Autumn Blooms Buttercream Cupcake Decorating Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Enjoy a relaxed and creative 2.5-hour workshop at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, inspired by the colours and foliage of autumn.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  4. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    From:
    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  5. Go Ape Crawley Sundown Adventures

    Type

    Type:

    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

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to8 Nov 2026
  6. Arm Knitting Blanket Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 13:10
  7. Evening Roost Watch

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arundel

    The wildlife hides and viewing platform are open an extra hour to watch the pied wagtails, little egrets and marsh harriers arrive for their evening roost at Arundel Wetland Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 17:30
    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 17:30
  8. Autumn Garden Tutorial

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Polegate

    Join us for the autumn garden tutorial at Bates Green Garden, to celebrate the unique beauty and challenges of autumn. Guided by Head Gardener Emma Reece, this walk will immerse participants in the art of border planning and maintenance, garden…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  9. SUPER Natural October Half Term 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Arundel

    Swap the spooky for a SUPER Natural family-friendly Halloween adventure this October half-term at WWT Arundel. Perfect for younger children, this magical experience offers a scare-free day out in nature to explore the magical superpowers and…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  10. Discover the Wild: Foraging Walk at West Dean

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Chichester

    Step away from the everyday and discover the delicious wild foods growing across the West Dean estate. Whether you're new to foraging or want to deepen existing knowledge, join a professional forager for a relaxed, hands-on walk through the…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to18 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 13:30
  11. Autumn Walk with our Head Gardener

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Come and enjoy a seasonal walk with the Head Gardener at Leonardslee Gardens. See the best places to enjoy Autumnal colour and learn about how we manage the garden and estate at this magical time of year. 

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    14 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  12. 'Landscape' Applique Freehand Embroidery Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    This relaxed and creative workshop is perfect for all abilities, with a focus on enjoying the process rather than perfection. Explore free stitching techniques, textured embroidery and expressive "wobbly" lines that bring character and charm to your…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  13. Christmas Market at Weald & Downland Living Museum'

    Christmas Market at Weald & Downland Living Museum'

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Chichester

    The annual Weald & Downland Christmas Christmas Market - booking essential. Come and explore boutique market stalls located around the Weald & Downland Living Museum, with around 100 hand-selected stallholders offering a selection of arts, crafts…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. Two-Day Course: Autumn Landscape Painting

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Horsham

    This two-day practical workshop gives participants the opportunity to develop sketchbook studies and create their own landscape painting in acrylic on canvas, working both outdoors and in the studio with guided instruction.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    8 Oct 2026to9 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. Hey! Christmas Tree

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo, returns to the Minerva following its hugely…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to27 Dec 2026
  16. Autumn Fungi Walks

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into a world of wonder and join us on the hunt for marvellous mushrooms in the enchanting woodland gardens at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    21 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  17. Midhurst Rother College Contemporary Craft Show

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
  18. Curious About Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Hastings

    Get ready to explore Hastings like a real‑life detective!

    Curious About Hastings takes you to famous places and secret corners, with surprises hiding around every turn. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly, so…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026to3 May 2027
  19. Santa's Grotto & Christmas Kids Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Haywards Heath

    Enjoy some festive fun and challenges at Elf Training Camp – before heading into Santa's Grotto to receive a special Christmas gift at Borde Hill Gardens this Christmas.

    Venue

    Borde Hill Garden, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. The Rogate Pumpkin Patch

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026