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

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Number of results: 154

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. McFly - Borde Hill Summer Series

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    With Special Guests The Feeling & Remember Monday

    McFly are set to light up our stunning Parkland at Borde Hill on Friday 14th August, headlining an unmissable summer concert filled with huge hits and a stellar supporting lineup. With gates opening…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 22:30
  2. Leonardslee Quiz Night

    Type

    Type:

    Pop Up Event

    Horsham

    Join us for a high-energy monthly Quiz Night hosted by Paul from PJ Quiz, set in The Courtyard and packed with everything from Mash-Up Music and Cryptic Conundrums to Family Fortunes, TV Themes and the ever-popular Wipeout Round. It's fast, clever,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
    From:
    2 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  3. Children's Summer T-shirt Decorating: For Ages 5+

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend for a fun-filled Children's Summer T-shirt Decorating Workshop at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex, perfect for young creatives aged 5 and up. Let imaginations run wild as kids design and decorate their…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    3 Aug 2026Open 12:40 - 13:45
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 12:40 - 13:45
  4. 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
  5. Live Music Thursday's at Bohemia

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Brighton

    Brighton's most popular live music nights, last Thursday of every month at this popular city centre venue, with free entry.

    From cover pop, funk & soul bands, to rock covers and even steam punk and blues…there is something for everyone to tap along…

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    30 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
  6. Ashdown Forest Open Studios

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Locations in and around the Ashdown Forest

    Artist and makers Open Studios. Visit over 80 different artists and makers in 21 different venues in and around the Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie-the-Pooh!

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Go Ape Summer Adventures 2026 - Boring Ends Here

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Titmus Drive, Crawley

    Based in the heart of Tilgate Park, just two miles from the centre of Crawley, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered.

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to1 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  8. The Paint Club painting party at The Wheatsheaf

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea

    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
  9. BBB10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Battle

    The BBB10k is truly a treat to race. It takes runners through the pretty and historic streets of Battle, exploring the surrounding villages before finishing at the ancient Battle Abbey. It's a fast course with some hilly sections and a great race…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Sept 2026
  10. Rustic Jar Craft Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend for this popular workshop, where you'll craft beautiful, personalised Kilner jars — with colours chosen to perfectly match your home décor.

    In this creative session, you'll decorate two jars using a mix of…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  11. Life Drawing

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Welcome to the Summer season's drop-in Life Drawing workshops, being held in the Gallery spaces from 6–8pm as part of our Thursday Late events on:

    16 July 2026

    17 September 2026

    15 October 2026

    Experienced tutor Wendy Barratt, Sky Portrait…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  12. The Paint Club painting party at The Longshore

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Shoreham-by-sea, 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:
    14 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    11 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  13. Modern Calligraphy Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Learn the beautiful and traditional craft of modern calligraphy! Join us at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Lower Beeding, Horsham for a relaxing morning where you will be taken through a 2-hour dip pen session & learn everything from mark making,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  14. Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    Hastings

    Indulge in a mouth-watering long-weekend of delicious seafood and luscious wines at the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2026.
    The festival site is set against the stunning backdrop of Hastings Old Town at The Stade, by the historic Net Huts…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  15. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Brighton

    A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town centre for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  16. 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
  17. Bogan Bingo Bottomless Brunch

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton and Hove

    Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!

    What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!

    Tickets include:

    - 90…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 12:30 -
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. Plant Fairs Roadshow - West Dean Gardens Autumn Plant Fair

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00