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: 161

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Curious About Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Brighton

    Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington

    Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968.  The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. 

    Dates

    From:
    25 Feb 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  3. 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:
    17 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  4. Summer Open-air Cinema at Leonardslee

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Settle in on Leonardslee House Lawn for three summer evenings of open-air cinema, live pre-show music, food and drink, and iconic films beneath the West Sussex evening sky.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to19 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 19:40
  5. Botanical Illustration Workshop:Autumn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Our botanical illustration workshop will teach you how to draw and illustrate a unique piece of art from start to finish.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    30 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  6. Smalltown Mysteries Worthing

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Worthing

    A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  7. Drink and Draw

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.

    We will set up the studio tables with a selection…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  8. A Truly Magical Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Step into the magic of Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre and make memories to treasure all season long!

    Meet Father Christmas and his cheerful team of elves
    Our festive celebrations on the farm, begin on Saturday 28th November and run every…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  9. 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
  10. Garden Explorer Trail at West Dean Gardens - Summer Holiday Activities

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Chichester

    Discover a summer of imagination adventure at West Dean Gardens, Chichester, with our family-friendly Garden Explorer Trail. Follow the trail through beautiful gardens and hidden corners as you spot the buildings and landmarks that make West Dean so…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  11. Hove Prom 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. Summer Fun at The Bluebell Cafe

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Pembury

    Kids activities
    Now until Friday 28 August - Free activity trail - pick up your clue sheet at The Bluebell Cafe and take back when complete to receive a prize

    Monday 10 - Friday 28 August, Lucky Dip - £1 per go (no booking required)

    Wednesday 12…

    Dates

    From:
    27 July 2026to28 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Chichester

    Spain's Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of the Renaissance. The majestic music of the Spanish Renaissance will be the theme of our 2026 Choral Pilgrimage programme, 'Lead, kindly light.' This…

    Venue

    Chichester Cathedral, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 21:10
  16. Landscape Photography Workshop at Farleys

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys, either as a complete beginner or a keen improver, for a workshop in which Andrew Hasson will introduce some theories of landscape photography and, equally importantly, introduce workshop attendees to the idea of forward planning…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  17. Special Event | Babes in Arms Guided Tours

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
  18. Haywards Heath 10 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Haywards Heath

    This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May 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…

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2027Open 09:30 - 13:30
  19. Forbidden Nights

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    Forbidden Nights is made up of a male vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all with an element of strip tease -- think Cirque du Soleil meets *Magic Mike*.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 19:30 -
  20. The Wiston Winery Tour & Tasting

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Pulborough

    Experience the Gold Medal-winning Tour & Tasting at Wiston Estate, celebrated as Experience of the Year 2023/24 at the Beautiful South Awards! Perfect for all seasons, our tour is winter-friendly, fully undercover, and fully accessible, so you can…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to30 Sept 2026