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: 178

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. 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
  2. Supper Club at The Clocktower Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into the evening ambience of The Clocktower Kitchen, where themed suppers bring global flavours to life while highlighting seasonal inspiration. Each event celebrates the best seasonal ingredients through creative menus, offering an…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 21:30
  3. We Are Family Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Family

    Haywards Heath

    We Are Family Festival Sussex comes to Borde Hill on Sunday 16 August, bringing a full day of live entertainment, attractions and family fun to one of the South East's most beautiful outdoor settings.

    Venue

    Borde Hill Garden, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 12:00 - 21:00
  4. 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
  5. Christmas Pudding Dash

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Pett, Hastings

    This cross country event is great for all the family, with the main race being accompanied by a Fun Run and the Children's Scurry. There truly is something for everyone and afterwards, bask in the festive spirit and enjoy a yummy mince pie. Explore…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
  6. Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Lewes

    An major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026 open season in the Lee Miller Gallery.

    Arriving in Britain just as war was declared Lee Miller, an American with no permit to work, used her camera…

    Dates

    From:
    30 July 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  7. Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Rye

    Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day - 2026. Join us on Saturday 8th August in Rye, East Sussex. Celebrate the history and heritage of Piracy and Smuggling in the town. We will start the day at 10am with a muster at the tower and a procession through…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
  8. Antigone Exits

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Antigone's brother has died in a bloody civil war. The king – her uncle – has forbidden anyone to bury the body. Antigone is going to bury the body anyway.

    Twenty-five centuries after Antigone, seven performers gather to re-tell the tale of what…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  9. Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Eridge

    This corker of a race returns in 2026 to bring us 10 miles of trail delights and glory. Dubbed the 'favourite of off-road' races, the course is renowned for its captivating views, steep & narrow climbs and copious quanties of mud. Prepare to fall in…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026
  10. 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
  11. Outside On The Terrace

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Bexhill

    From May to September 2026, the terrace at the De La Warr Pavilion will come alive with our vibrant programme of outdoor events celebrating music, movement, creativity and community. Outside On The Terrace brings together experiences for all ages,…

    Venue

    De La Warr Pavilion, Rother

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to19 Sept 2026
  12. 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
  13. Parents to be event at John Lewis Horsham

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
  14. Postcard Collage Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys for a workshop in which you will engage with collage as a creative outlet, making your own compositions to take home, while guided by highly experienced artist, Mark Ellender.

    Like many Surrealists, Roland Penrose utilised the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  15. The Paint Club painting party at Hart Country Stores

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Haywards Heath

    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:
    17 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  16. 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
  17. Lydd 20 Mile & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd, Romney Marsh

    This long-established and highly coveted 20 mile and half marathon event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. Runners of all standards are welcome to join this running…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2027Open 09:00 -
  18. The Astronomy Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Herstmonceux

    The Astronomy Festival returns to the Observatory Science Centre & Museum in 2026.

    Get ready for stargazing, camping, guest speakers, Astronomy Societies, Exhibitors and more!

    Dates

    From:
    28 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  19. Dragonfly Pond Dipping

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Dive into discovery at WWT Arundel with an unforgettable pond dipping experience. From egg to nymph to shimmering dragonfly, discover a kaleidoscope of life living under the surface of the water's reflections. You'll discover spiky dragonfly nymphs,…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
  20. The Mushroom Show Outdoor Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Bedgebury Road, Goudhurst

    Award winning Scratchworks Theatre Company brings together science, music and interactive fun for the whole family in this outdoor theatre performance. The Mushroom Show has toured all-round the UK and we can't wait to experience it at Bedgebury in…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 15:30
    From:
    1 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30