Horsham, West Sussex
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 144
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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…
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.
Sporting Events
Lamberhurst
Whilst the mornings are still crisp and cold, come and celebrate your New Year beside the water at Bewl. With a clean slate and renewed energy for the year ahead, enjoy striking out along the Bewl Water trail, winding between the trees and taking in…
Walking
West Street, Chichester
Have fun (re)discovering Chichester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Festival
Uckfield
Join us for a unique festival experience with craft beers, live music, and vintage steam trains at the Bluebell Railway Beer Festival!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Chichester
West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is hosting the Plant Fairs Roadshow for the second time on Sunday 13 September 2026, 10am - 3pm!
Set at the foot of the South Downs, historic West Dean is home to one of the finest Walled Kitchen Gardens in the…
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…
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.
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…
Arts
Ringmer, Lewes
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…
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…
Food
Horsham
Celebrate 15 years of The Velvet Rooms with an unforgettable evening inspired by the dazzling decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Slip into your finest flapper dresses, fedoras, and feathers, and prepare to become part of an immersive, interactive…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Haywards Heath
This session will be run by Emily Phillips of The Embodied Beings.
As the season begins to turn and the pace subtly shifts, so do we. As leaves change on the trees, nature reminds us of the beauty found in letting go.
Join us for a one-hour…
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…
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…
Halloween
Horsham
Dance, sing and celebrate Halloween at Leonardslee
Film
Alfriston
Film Supper at The Star in Alfriston - enjoy a meal out and film in East Sussex
Heritage & History
Petworth
Visit Petworth House & Park for free for Heritage Open Weekend on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.
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…
Arts
Lewes
This autumn, Artwave will showcase some of the very best creative talent from across the Lewes District, with more than 170 venues involved in free-to-visit exhibitions in private homes, studios, potteries, windmills, railway stations, farms, and…
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