Events in Sussex - look to the skies and celebrate Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow, East Sussex in August - credit Mark Jarvis

Eastbourne International Airshow

13th - 16th August 26 credit Mark Jarvis

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: 205

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Brighton

    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:
    23 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  2. The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Chichester Cathedral, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 21:10
  3. Wine Walk: The Henry Moore Edition at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Haywards Heath

    Hear from wine experts, horticultural specialists and art hosts at the Henry Moore Wine Walk, an after-hours wine walk through Wakehurst's most stunning landscapes and iconic sculptures. Sip, stroll, and discover art and nature in a uniquely relaxed…

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026
  4. Mansion Concerts: Vivaldi Four Seasons at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Set against Wakehurst's iconic Elizabethan Mansion and surrounding gardens, this is an open-air classical experience that brings the feel of a major city concert to a botanical setting in West Sussex.

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026
  5. Lino Printing Workshop: Embracing Nature

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Learn the art of Lino printing in the peaceful setting of The Studio here at Leonardslee.

    Guided by experienced art teacher Jo, you'll learn how to design and carve your own lino tile using traditional techniques. Once your design is complete,…

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  6. Roses in Bloom at Borde Hill

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Haywards Heath

    June is a wonderful time to admire Jay Robin’s Rose Garden at Borde Hill, designed by RHS Gold medal winner Robin Williams in 1996 and named after Andrewjohn and Eleni Stephenson Clarke’s daughter. With over 750 David Austin rose plants and 100…

    Venue

    Borde Hill Garden, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    9 June 2026to20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. The Big One Hundred at Ashdown Forest

    Type

    Type:

    Performing Arts

    Forest Row

    The Big One Hundred's Explorer Festival, a family-friendly fun day of workshops, performances and learning, sparking imagination and nature

    The Big One Hundred opening weekend at Ashdown Forest

    Our story begins at Ashdown Forest, the…

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to19 July 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  8. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Nr Wadhurst

    The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens, described as one of the finest gardens in England.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. The Paint Club painting party at The Victory

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Brighton

    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
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  10. Father's Day at West Dean Gardens

    Father's Day at West Dean Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    CHICHESTER

    Visit West Dean Gardens on Sunday, 21 June and join us in celebrating the father figure in your life. Enjoy a complimentary all-day breakfast scone for the father figure in your life.

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  11. Mansion Concerts: A celebration of Jane Austen in words & music at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Experience Jane Austen as you've never seen her: her voice, her music, her world. Featuring actor Nina Wadia OBE, soprano Claire Booth and Andrew Matthews‑Owen on piano, this open‑air performance blends her letters with music by Handel, Mozart,…

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026
  12. 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
  13. Atlantis

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    In a small coastal village in Wales, Bryn and Gwen learn they will be forced to abandon their cherished home in the face of rising seawater. Their crisis rekindles Gwen's crusading spirit, cradled at the Greenham Common protests in the 1980s – a…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to15 Aug 2026
  14. Sunset Sipping at Roebuck Estates

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Tillington, Petworth

    Enjoy a relaxed evening with loved ones at the beautiful Roebuck Estate vineyard in Petworth, sipping the exceptional vintage sparkling wines with a handmade pizza, whilst watching the sun go down. Our Sunset Sipping packages include a glass of…

    Venue

    Roebuck Estates, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    3 July 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    9 July 2026to10 July 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    17 July 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
    From:
    23 July 2026to24 July 2026Open 17:30 - 20:30
  15. The Labyrinth Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham


    Take on one of the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle courses this summer!

    24 - 26 July

    Spanning 1,000ft with 34+ obstacles across 5 zones, it's a fun-filled test of skill and stamina for anyone over 1.2m tall.

    Quiet sessions: 24 July between 9:30…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  16. 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
  17. Thursday Late | July

    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,…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 17:00 - 20:30
  18. RYA Jet Ski Course

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    RYA Personal Watercraft Course

    Turn your next day on the water into something bigger. Gain your RYA qualification, improve your skills, and enjoy a fantastic day riding a Jet Ski on our private lake. Bring your own Jet Ski or hire one of ours, with…

    Dates

    From:
    23 June 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  19. Mansion Jazz: Joie de Vivre at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Feel the rhythm, soak up the atmosphere, and let the evening unfold at Wakehurst. Enjoy an open‑air picnic concert in a stunning landscape, and take in the chilled sunset lounge vibes with live bossa nova and Latin jazz all in the West Sussex…

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026
  20. The Paint Club painting party at Carlo Lounge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    East Grinstead

    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