Head along to meet the Stormtroppers at Bluebell Railway in East Sussex this May 26

Character Day with Stormtroopers

Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26

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 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 to upcoming events to suit all ages and interests.

Events in Sussex

Top Sussex events not to miss in 2026

2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county of Sussex

  • World of Wizardry, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, Uckfield, East Sussex
    24th, 25th, 27th - 30th May 26
    A magical adventure of enchantment and adventure for all the family at Horsted Keynes Station.
  • Beach Life Music Festival, Eastbourne Bandstand, Eastbourne, East Sussex
    30th & 31st May 2026
    Family-friendly free seaside music festival (F).
  • Treetop Challenge, Go Ape, Tilegate Park, Crawley, West Sussex
    Ongoing 
    Exhilarating family-friendly adventure up in the tree canopy, with Tarzan swings and ziplines.
  • Rose Week, Pashley Manor Gardens, Wadhurst, East Sussex
    12th - 20th June 2026
    With rose themed talks and walks and the chance to enjoy the beautiful English Rose.
  • Summer Season, Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester, West Sussex
    Includes 45 Years (12th June – 11th July 2026) and My Fair Lady (6th July – 5th September 2026)
    Award-winning theatre shows full of secrets, intrigue and life-changing stories.
  • Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, Eastbourne Seafront, East Sussex
    13th - 16th August 2026
    Featuring the Red Arrows ,The Starlings Aerobatics Team and Aerosuperbatics Wing Walkers (F)
  • Battle of Hastings Re-enactment, Battle Abbey, Battle, East Sussex
    10th & 11th October 2026
    Dramatic living history event that changed the course of English history.

From dramatic coastline and rolling South Downs landscapes to headline festivals, historic re‑enactments and flourishing gardens, make Sussex the perfect place for a seaside stay or countryside escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today. 

What's on in Sussex this May, June and July

Explore our featured events list and discover what's on this May, June and July in East and West Sussex, from spring garden festivals to sporting events to take part in, family trials and outdoor adventures all waiting to be explored.

Visiting Chichester for an event, book a stay at Stubcroft Farm campsite

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), including airshows, festivals and community celebrations. 

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: 179

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Floristry Workshop: Nature Suspended

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Haywards Heath

    Join Cissy Bullock – lead designer at Wildstems and founder of the School of Sustainable Floristry and co-creator of Flowers on the Edge – for a unique and immersive floral design workshop at Borde Hill.

    Over the last two years, Borde Hill has been…

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 09:30 - 16:30
  2. Hastings Half Marathon 2027

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Grosvenor Crescent, Saint Leonards on Sea

    The energy: electric
    The crowd support: epic
    The course: achievably challenging
    The vibes: unmatched

    WINNER OF MIDSIZED EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 RUNNING INDUSTRY AWARDS!

    Join thousands of runners on the start line at the iconic - and…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
  3. The Paint Club painting party at The Blackboys

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Blackboys, Uckfield

    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:
    7 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  4. Rye Ancient Trails 30k & 15k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Rye

    The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. This spectatular event starts off on the high street…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026
  5. 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
  6. Summer of Fun - Kids Travel Free!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    Make the most of summer with family-friendly days out at the Kent & East Sussex Railway in Kent. With heritage train rides, interactive adventures, creative workshops and activities for all ages, it’s one of the best things to do in Kent during the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Beginners Photography Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    Learn how to use your camera and unlock your creativity with professional landscape and award-winningphotographerMatt Goddard in the annual South Down National Park photography competition. You and your camera are capable of so much more when you…

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 09:30 - 13:00
  8. South Farm Maize Maze 2026 - Family Day Out near Lewes, East Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lewes

    South Farm is a family-run dairy and arable farm in the heart of the South Downs, near Rodmell. Every summer, seven acres of the farm are transformed into a maize maze — a bespoke design carved into the landscape and best viewed from the farm's…

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to19 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    23 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    30 July 2026to2 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026to23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    3 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. The Paint Club painting party at The Kings Arms

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    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:
    13 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  10. Sketch Booking Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arlington, Polegate

    Join us for a 3-hour sketchbooking workshop in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Bates Green Garden, led by talented local artist Emma Lindsay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the garden as you explore a range of drawing, mark making,…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  11. 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…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
    From:
    3 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
  12. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 July 2026
  13. GIANT Dragonfly Outdoor Games

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Can you zip, dart and glide like a dragonfly? Put your skill, speed and agility to the test with our interactive outdoor games, perfect for all ages. Land a ring on the dragonfly's 'antennae', try Giant Jenga and do Dragonfly dominos.
    Cost: Included…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:10 - 16:00
  14. Techy STEAM Explorers

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Techy STEAM Explorers, part of the Techy Kids Group, offers creative hands-on sessions designed to introduce children to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths through imaginative play.

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. The Paint Club painting party at The Hop Sun

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Triangle Road, 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:
    9 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  16. Traditional Indian Block Printing

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Learn the age old process of block printing with Jenney Kelly in The Studio here at Leonardslee. Using traditional wooden printing blocks, you will immerse yourself in a creative and fun few hours, experimenting with pattern and colour.

    Following a…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  17. The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Family

    Battle

    The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 300 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. Romney Marsh 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    New Romney

    The Romney Marsh 10K is organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Romney Marsh Rotary Club. The course uses the flat tarmac country lanes around the pretty Kent town of New Romney. You won't be disappointed by the views as you explore this stunning…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026
  19. Peacehaven Trail 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Peacehaven

    Experience the thrill of this gripping and scenic race beginning in Peacehaven. The route winds through stunning bridleways, the iconic South Downs Way, and the historic Greenwich Meridian Trail, finishing with a loop through the charming village of…

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026
  20. The Paint Club painting party at 180 Degrees Bar & Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Cuckfield, 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:
    2 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00