The fun family festival Jack in the Green, Hastings

Jack in the Green, Hastings

1st - 4th May 26 c Jonny Thompson

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: 176

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  1. Curator's Talk at Farleys House and Gallery

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    East Sussex

    Join us for a free Curator's Talk with Monica Bohm-Duchen, art historian and daughter of celebrated photographer Dorothy Bohm, as she offers unique insights into the images that shape Dorothy Bohm: About Women, which is currently on show at Farleys…

    Dates

    From:
    26 July 2026Open 14:30 - 15:30
  2. 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
  3. The Paint Club painting party at Grounded @ The Forge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Ringmer, Lewes

    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:
    8 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  4. Workshop | Imaginary Landscapes with Tetra Pak Printing

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Explore an accessible, low-tech printmaking technique using recycled Tetra Pak to create imaginative urban or rural landscapes with artist Louise Dennis at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
  5. 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
  6. Leonardslee Family Lates

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Returning for one special evening, Leonardslee Lates offers a relaxed late summer evening for the whole family, with live music, local street food and beautiful gardens to explore.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 16:30 - 20:30
  7. The Paint Club painting party at The Boathouse Cafe

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Boat, Chichester

    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 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  8. Crowborough 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  9. British Landscape: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
    through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
    artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
    the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to1 Nov 2026
  10. In the Turning Light - A Morning Yoga Practice with Emily Phillips

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards Heath

    This session will be run by Emily Phillips of The Embodied Beings.

    As the season begins to turn and the pace subtly shifts, so do we. As leaves change on the trees, nature reminds us of the beauty found in letting go.

    Join us for a one-hour…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 10:00
  11. Bedgebury HM & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  12. Nature Connect

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards heath

    We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in Nature.
    Over three months you'll learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  13. The Astronomy Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Herstmonceux

    The Astronomy Festival returns to the Observatory Science Centre & Museum in 2026.

    Get ready for stargazing, camping, guest speakers, Astronomy Societies, Exhibitors and more!

    Dates

    From:
    28 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. 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:
    11 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  15. Lydd 20 Mile & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd, Romney Marsh

    This long-established and highly coveted 20 mile and half marathon event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. Runners of all standards are welcome to join this running…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2027Open 09:00 -
  16. Saturday Art and Craft

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chichester

    Join us at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester for a relaxed, creative workshop inspired by artworks in our collections and exhibitions. From block printing to collage, each session offers a simple, hands-on activity designed for all abilities –…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  17. Heritage Trail Series: Summer

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Experience the beauty of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex, with exclusive seasonal running events - the Heritage Trail Series – your Year-Long Running Challenge! Choose from a 10KM route which is designed to immerse you in the stunning…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    2 Aug 2026Open 08:00 - 09:00
  18. Dragons and Damsels collage workshop for adults

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Arundel

    Join Tracy Waters for a relaxing craft session to create your own unique handmade cards in collage. Celebrating the colourful display of dragonflies. Paint your own, unique, collage papers. You will then craft your own set of four collage dragonfly…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  19. Sketch Booking Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arlington, Polegate

    Join us for a 3-hour sketchbooking workshop in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Bates Green Garden, led by talented local artist Emma Lindsay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the garden as you explore a range of drawing, mark making,…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  20. Backstage Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Brighton

    Our popular backstage tours are back!

    Venue

    Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2026to27 Mar 2027