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

Planning your visit to Sussex events

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.

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

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: 181

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. William Robinson Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    East Grinstead

    The fantastic William Robinson Festival returns to Gravetye Manor this July.

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  2. Summer Propagation Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Polegate

    On Wednesday, July 8th, join us at Bates Green Garden for a Summer Propagation Workshop dedicated to the fascinating technique of taking cuttings. This practical session will help you master the different types of cuttings you can take in July,…

    Dates

    From:
    8 July 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  3. Robertsbridge Midsummer 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Robertsbridge

    The Robertsbridge Bonfire Society return to present another wonderful instalment of their much loved Midsummer 10k & 5k race. This is a community affair. It boasts fantastic local support with some super volunteer marshals to cheer and guide runners…

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026
  4. Begin Wood Carving – Redstart

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    £48 per person, 18+ only, book online
    This full‑day wood carving workshop introduces participants to the craft of wildlife carving under the guidance of the Bentley Wildlife Carvers. Attendees learn the fundamentals of carving as they shape a…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. Rye Summer Series Race Three

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Rye

    The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026
  6. Magic

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Harry Houdini is the greatest illusionist the world has ever known. Arthur Conan Doyle is the creator of literature's most brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes.

    Their mutual admiration blossoms into a profound friendship, even as they discover a…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    24 Apr 2026to16 May 2026
  7. A Midsummer Night's Dream

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Join us in the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

    Artistic Director Justin Audibert follows Hamlet and his hugely popular Festival Theatre production of Redlands, turning from the rock 'n' roll of…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  8. May at Go Ape Crawley

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Titmus Drive, Crawley

    Looking for things to do this May half term in Sussex? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Crawley, set among the rolling woodland in Tilgate Park, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

    Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go Ape…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 09:30 - 16:00
  9. Rye Summer Series Race Two

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Rye

    The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…

    Dates

    From:
    5 June 2026
  10. Rye Ancient Trails 30k & 15k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Rye

    The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. This spectatular event starts off on the high street…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026
  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 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:
    11 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    8 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    13 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  13. Bewl 15 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Wadhurst

    Overview
    Organised by Wadhurst Runners, the Bewl 15 & 5 mile races return on 5th July 2026.

    The 15 mile race is the original round Bewl Water race and the only one which includes the nature reserve with its stunning lakeside views. Once voted the…

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026
  14. Two-Day Course: Spring Landscape Painting

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    This two-day practical workshop gives participants the opportunity to develop sketchbook studies and to produce their own personalised landscape painting, or paintings, in acrylic on canvas working both outdoors and in the studio with guided…

    Dates

    From:
    21 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    22 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  15. Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Turners Hill, Crawley

    Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Feb 2026to31 May 2026
  16. The High Weald Walking Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Flimwell

    Now in its 9th year, the High Weald Walking Festival is inviting you to get your boots on and explore the High Weald National Landscape, and discover local history and admire breath-taking views.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  17. Curious About Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Brighton

    Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  18. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Cricketers

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Worthing

    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:
    18 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    15 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  19. Eastbourne 999

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    One of the largest displays of emergency services in the UK. Climb aboard a fire engine, enjoy arena events and see heroic demonstrations from the police, fire brigade, ambulance, coastguard and RNLI Lifeboat.

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to31 May 2026
  20. Spring Walk with our Head Gardener

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Horsham

    Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens is famous for its display of spring colour and our recently accredited national collection of Rhododendrons. Take a walk with our Head Gardener to discover more about what makes this garden so unique.

    Led by Head…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30