Annual Battle of Hastings Re-enactment, Battle, Hastings

Battle of Hastings Re-enactment

10 - 11 October 2026

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, 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.

Events in Sussex

Sussex Events

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. 

What's on in Sussex this July, August and September

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.

DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole overnight stay and visit to Royal Pavilion

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) 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.

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: 152

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. The Downs and The Ups with Alex Polizzi - A Rambler's Retreat

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Alfriston

    Join Alex Polizzi for one of her favourite walks. This route takes you over the Seven Sisters to the village of East Dean and the Tiger Inn for lunch, returning to Alfriston via Friston Forest.

    Itinerary:
    On Tuesday 29 September, you are invited…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Sept 2026to1 Oct 2026Open 00:00 - 00:00
  2. 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
  3. Dinosaur Adventure Live!

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2027Open 14:00 -
  4. Workshop | Felted Landscapes

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Create a richly textured landscape using wet felting in this hands-on textile workshop with artist Helen Peters at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. Take inspiration from the British Landscapes: A Sense of Place exhibition.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  5. Santa Specials 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Tenterden

    Santa Specials with the Kent and East Sussex Railway - we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026
  6. Sketching Workshop with Anna Ribo

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    East Grinstead

    Set within the tranquil surroundings of Gravetye Manor, the workshop offers an opportunity to explore the warm colours of the garden as it moves from late summer into autumn, and practice simple techniques to capture flower form and character. The…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Sept 2026
  7. Summer Evening Dining at West Dean Gardens Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Chichester

    Enjoy sunny summer evenings in the rolling hills of the South Downs at West Dean Gardens Kitchen. Gardens Kitchen offers a dining experience unlike any other. Set in the heart of one of England's most beautiful landscapes, our Summer Evening Dining…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    9 July 2026to12 Sept 2026
  8. The Spellbound Express

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    This October half term, join us at Kent and East Sussex Railway on a spellbinding steam train adventure bursting with Halloween fun for little witches, wizards, and magical mischief-makers.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026
  9. Grand Winters Makers Fair at The British Engineerium

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Hove, Brighton & Hove

    Paper Daisy Events return to the beautiful & iconic British Engineerium in Hove for a spectacular & much anticipated Grand Winter Makers Fair over the weekend 21st & 22nd November, showcasing in excess of 120 small creative businesses, all specially…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  10. Peter Pan: A musical adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.

    Join Chichester…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  11. Flute Fiesta - a recital for flute and piano

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Uckfield

    Today's programme includes works by British flautist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Mike Mower, founder of Itchy Fingers, the internationally renowned saxophone quartet, alongside pieces by Debussy and Prokofiev.

    Daisy Noton is a flautist with…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Sept 2026Open 17:00 -
  12. The Rogate Pumpkin Patch

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
  13. Christmas Afternoon Tea with Santa

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into the magic of Christmas Afternoon Tea at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    A festive family afternoon filled with sweet treats, seasonal cheer and a special visit from Santa himself.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00
  14. Garden Tour & Cream Tea at West Dean Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    29 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
  15. 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
  16. My Fair Lady

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    6 July 2026to5 Sept 2026
  17. Everlasting Floral Hoop Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join us at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Horsham, for an unforgettable experience with Kirsty from Make, Do, and Trend! Discover the art of crafting an everlasting floral hoop that will leave a lasting impression.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 14:40
  18. Special Event | Babes in Arms Guided Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed tour of the Gallery with a member of our curatorial team.

    Each tour will focus on a different theme, including the works in our permanent collection and our temporary exhibitions.

    Thursday 25 June 2026: Our…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
  19. East Grinstead 10 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    East Grinstead

    This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile on the 2nd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 3rd of May with a 10k. Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex…

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2027Open 09:30 - 13:30
  20. Arm Knitting Blanket Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Create a beautifully soft throw using nothing but your arms as needles. Perfect for beginners and seasoned knitters alike, this relaxing workshop is led by Paula from Cocoon & Me, who will guide you through each step.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 13:10