13th - 16th August 26 credit Mark Jarvis
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: 170
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Theatre
Chichester
Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of being a lady in a florist's shop is out of reach unless she can speak 'proper English'. So when she encounters Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics,…
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,…
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…
Sporting Events
Seafront, Bexhill-on-Sea
Join us for this coastal charity run and help support the incredible work of St Michael's Hospice. Whether you choose the 5k or 10k route, you'll enjoy a beautiful stretch of seafront while raising vital funds for local hospice care.
Race…
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.
Music
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Dance, sing and switch between music channels at the Family Silent Disco with The Silent DJs, taking place on the Leonardslee House Lawn.
This relaxed daytime session is designed for families, with wireless headphones, feel-good music and plenty of…
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…
Theatre
Chichester
Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo, returns to the Minerva following its hugely…
Arts
Lewes
Join us at Farleys for a fun, inspiring poetry workshop with Derek Adams.
Whether you are new to writing poetry, or a seasoned poet looking for something to enhance and energise your writing, come explore this exciting, creative medium with Derek…
Childrens Events
Eastbourne
Surely The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth! 65 million years in the making… Are you ready for the adventure?
Join our intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as we journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like Dinosaurs. Walk with us through the…
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…
Arts
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…
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.
Sporting Events
Crowborough
The Crowborough 10k has been a superb race offering from hosts, Crowborough Runners, for over the last thirty years. The 5k, which is a more recent addition to the event, has also proven an incredibly popular running race in East Sussex.
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…
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…
Tour
Chichester
Enjoy an exclusive tour of the famous West Dean Gardens in West Sussex, with the senior Garden Team followed by a delicious cream tea in the prestigious Oak Hall. Seasonal highlights will be explored, including the Walled Kitchen Garden, Victorian…
Gardens
Chichester
Discover a summer of imagination adventure at West Dean Gardens, Chichester, with our family-friendly Garden Explorer Trail. Follow the trail through beautiful gardens and hidden corners as you spot the buildings and landmarks that make West Dean so…
Theatre
Chichester
Antigone's brother has died in a bloody civil war. The king – her uncle – has forbidden anyone to bury the body. Antigone is going to bury the body anyway.
Twenty-five centuries after Antigone, seven performers gather to re-tell the tale of what…
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,…
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