Head along to meet the Stormtroppers at Bluebell Railway in East Sussex this May 26

Character Day with Stormtroopers

Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26

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: 179

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. New Hall Centenary Grand Ball

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Winchelsea

    The Grand Centenary Ball! Please join us to Celebrate 100 years of the Winchelsea New Hall (Winchelsea's own 'Village Hall) on Saturday 27th June (7 pm for 7.30 pm). Music, Dancing, Cocktails, and a Pay Bar. Dress to Impress (1920's style, black and…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026Open 19:00 - 22:30
  2. Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Rye

    Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day - 2026. Join us on Saturday 8th August in Rye, East Sussex. Celebrate the history and heritage of Piracy and Smuggling in the town. We will start the day at 10am with a muster at the tower and a procession through…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
  3. Workshop | Landscape Vessels

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Chichester

    Make a creative clay response to our British Landscapes: A Sense of Place exhibition in this practical workshop combining drawing and ceramics.

    Sketch in the gallery from artworks that inspire you, focusing on texture, form and pattern, before…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 10:30 - 15:00
  4. Sussex Craft Week 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    32-33 North Street, Lewes,

    Launched to wide acclaim in 2025, Sussex Craft Week celebrates the region's excellence in craftsmanship and its place as the hub of the contemporary craft revival. The second edition takes place 20-28 June, with an ambitious programme of over 60…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026to28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. Eastbourne International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 32nd year from 13th – 16th August 2026, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast. 

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
  6. 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:
    16 July 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  7. Traditional Indian Block Printing

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Learn the age old process of block printing with Jenney Kelly in The Studio here at Leonardslee. Using traditional wooden printing blocks, you will immerse yourself in a creative and fun few hours, experimenting with pattern and colour.

    Following a…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  8. Dragonfly Willow Weaving workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    Willow Weaving Workshop: Arundel
    Feeling inspired? Take part in a relaxing and creative willow weaving workshop and craft your very own handmade dragonfly sculpture.
    Join us at WWT Arundel for a calming, hands-on experience where you'll learn the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 10:10 - 11:50
    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
  9. 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
  10. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -
  11. The Paint Club painting party at The Spur

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    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:
    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. The Paint Club painting party at The Royal Oak & Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Pevensey

    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:
    20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  13. Midsummer Evening Garden Tour with Tom Brown

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Chichester

    Experience an exclusive tour of the renowned West Dean Gardens after closing hours, led by Head Gardener Tom Brown and expert members of the Garden Team. Your visit includes a warm welcome with drinks and canapés at the historic pergola.

    Tom…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:00 - 20:30
  14. Mansion Concerts: Music of Bridgerton at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Inspired by the world of Bridgerton and set in a wild botanical garden, this open-air concert at Kew Wakehurst, reimagines modern music through a classical lens with chart-topping hits transformed into a stunning string performance in the West…

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026
  15. Willow Fairy & Dragon Trail at High Beeches Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Handcross

    Do you believe in Fairies? Come and meet the woodland Fairies and their secretive friends at High Beeches Gardens, West Susex. Discover giant toadstools, dandelions and keep a look out for the mischievous sprites and boggarts not to mention a…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  16. Dorothy Bohm: About Women

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    East Sussex

    This exhibition of pioneering photographer Dorothy Bohm takes her declaration 'I think of women as the most natural subjects for me' as a starting point, revealing an astute awareness of the male gaze. Taken around the world and across decades,…

    Dates

    From:
    19 May 2026to26 July 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  17. 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:
    20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  18. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Highlands Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Uckfield

    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:
    27 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  19. The Paint Club painting party at The Queen's Head

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Redhill, Nutfield

    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 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  20. Jempson's Food & Drink Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Peasmarsh & Rye

    Back by popular demand, the Jempson's Festival returns this year, bigger, better, and bursting with even more to enjoy. From 25th to 27th June, both our Peasmarsh and Rye stores will transform into lively festival hubs packed with delicious food and…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026to27 June 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00