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

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Number of results: 152

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. 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:
    3 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  2. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -
  3. 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
  4. Autumn Fungi Walks

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into a world of wonder and join us on the hunt for marvellous mushrooms in the enchanting woodland gardens at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    21 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  5. Forest Bathing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5 - 51/2 km through our West Sussex woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    21 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  6. The National Town Criers Championship

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    RYE

    Join MC Rye Town Crier Paul Goring as he hosts the 72nd National Town Criers' Championship in beautiful Rye, Sussex.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026
  7. 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
  8. Hop Pickers, Craft and Country Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Tenterden

    On 5th & 6th September, the Kent and East Sussex Railway will be celebrating our hop picking history, artisan crafts, countryside activities and championing local businesses.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. Curious About Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Hastings

    Get ready to explore Hastings like a real‑life detective!

    Curious About Hastings takes you to famous places and secret corners, with surprises hiding around every turn. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly, so…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026to3 May 2027
  10. Thienot Champagne Dinner at The Star

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Alfriston

    On Friday, 4 September, Nick Wolridge from Champagnes and Chateaux will host a special event featuring four different Champagne Cuvées at The Star, Alfriston, all paired with a delicious seafood platter of fresh oysters, half lobster, prawns,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:00
  11. Christmas Afternoon Tea with Santa

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into the magic of Christmas Afternoon Tea at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    A festive family afternoon filled with sweet treats, seasonal cheer and a special visit from Santa himself.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00
  12. From the Lee Miller Archives: Lee's Surreal Menagerie

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    East Sussex

    Infused with wit and shaped by her surrealist sensibility, this playful display in the Farleys Gallery Café focuses on Lee Miller's animal subjects. From taking 'pet portraits' at the request of rich clients in her New York Studio, to rescuing a…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Apr 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  13. Steam into the New Year

    Type

    Type:

    New Year

    Tenterden

    Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027
  14. Battles Through History Military Show

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Ardingly, Haywards Heath

    Whatever the weather with more exhibitors, vehicles, and interactive experiences being brought indoors you can experience an unforgettable journey through time! Battles Through History, is the unique and exciting multi period living history military…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. 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
  16. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    From:
    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  17. Film Supper at The Star - The Ballad of Wallis island

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    Alfriston

    Film Supper at The Star in Alfriston - enjoy a meal out and film in East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    9 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 22:00
  18. Brighton's Makers Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Brighton

    Described as Brighton's cutest market, Brighton Makers Market is a must visit if you love creative and unique shopping that is typical and full of Brighton vibes! Paper Daisy are renowned locally for high quality, fully curated and vibrant Makers &…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  19. Thursday Late | September

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Pallant House Gallery in Chichester stays open until 8.30pm once a month, inviting visitors to explore the collection and exhibitions after hours. Pallant Café will be open throughout the evening serving food and drinks, and the Pallant House…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 17:00 - 20:30
  20. 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