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. 

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: 174

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Life Drawing

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Welcome to the Summer season's drop-in Life Drawing workshops, being held in the Gallery spaces from 6–8pm as part of our Thursday Late events on:

    16 July 2026

    17 September 2026

    15 October 2026

    Experienced tutor Wendy Barratt, Sky Portrait…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  2. Summer of Fun!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    A fun filled summer of events awaits at East Sussex and Kent Railway in Tenterden, from the Teddy Bear Express and Great Train Mystery, to Willow Weaving and Circus Skills workshops and of course, the return of our much loved Bricks on the Move!…

    Dates

    From:
    21 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  3. Sketching Workshop with Anna Ribo

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    East Grinstead

    Set within the tranquil surroundings of Gravetye Manor, the workshop offers an opportunity to explore the warm colours of the garden as it moves from late summer into autumn, and practice simple techniques to capture flower form and character. The…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Sept 2026
  4. 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 -
  5. Painting party with The Paint Club at Tottington Manor

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Henfield

    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:
    18 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  6. The Paint Club painting party at Globe Inn Marsh Rye

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Rye

    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:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  7. Leonardslee Quiz Night

    Type

    Type:

    Pop Up Event

    Horsham

    Join us for a high-energy monthly Quiz Night hosted by Paul from PJ Quiz, set in The Courtyard and packed with everything from Mash-Up Music and Cryptic Conundrums to Family Fortunes, TV Themes and the ever-popular Wipeout Round. It's fast, clever,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
    From:
    2 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  8. Tina Under the Stars

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  9. Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Spend a relaxing afternoon at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens near Horsham, learning a creative modern style of hand lettering with a Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshop led by Helen Wallace.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
  10. Ashdown Forest Open Studios

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Locations in and around the Ashdown Forest

    Artist and makers Open Studios. Visit over 80 different artists and makers in 21 different venues in and around the Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie-the-Pooh!

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  11. Rustic Jar Craft Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend for this popular workshop, where you'll craft beautiful, personalised Kilner jars — with colours chosen to perfectly match your home décor.

    In this creative session, you'll decorate two jars using a mix of…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  12. Beer & Cider by the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Eastbourne

    Beer & Cider By The Sea will serve up another selection of real ales, craft beers, artisan ciders and perries for summer 2027, after its sell-out success. The three-day music, food and drink festival, which is one of the biggest on the south coast,…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2027to16 May 2027
  13. The Surreal Menagerie: A Poetry Writing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys for a fun, inspiring poetry workshop with Derek Adams.

    Whether you are new to writing poetry, or a seasoned poet looking for something to enhance and energise your writing, come explore this exciting, creative medium with Derek…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  14. 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
  15. Candle Making Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Join local Chandler Ursula, founder of Wax and Willow, for an immersive candle-making experience in The Studio at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex. Discover the artistry behind crafting the perfect candle as Ursula guides you through the…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  16. Dermalogica Masterclass

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Horsham

    Join us in store at John Lewis, Horsham for this unmissable skincare masterclass with Dermalogica skin therapists. At this immersive session you'll learn what makes Dermalogica the professional skincare brand trusted by experts worldwide.

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026to10 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 20:00
  17. Leonardslee Comedy Club

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Head along to the fun Leonardslee Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up and plenty of laughs!

    Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in West Sussex for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    14 Aug 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
    From:
    18 Sept 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
    From:
    16 Oct 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
    From:
    13 Nov 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  18. a small and quiet light

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    October 1943. In a small office on the Avenue Foch in Paris, a Gestapo interrogator is questioning a young woman who has been known by many different names: Babuli, Jeanne-Marie, Nora, Madeleine.

    As one of the secret agents of Britain's Special…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    21 Aug 2026to12 Sept 2026
  19. 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
  20. Free Summer Family Fun

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026to26 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00