Take part in one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK at Beachy Head, Eastbourne

Beachy Head Marathon, Ultra & 10K

24th October, Eastbourne

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: 167

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole & Royal Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Brighton

    Discover the best of Brighton with a seaside stay at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Perfectly positioned on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, this package combines a relaxing overnight break with tickets to the magnificent Royal…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026to4 Nov 2026
  2. Dragonfly Foot Safari

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Pick up a spotter sheet and discover dazzling dragonflies all around the site!
    To help your hunt, search for our signs that mark dragonfly habitats – your patience may be rewarded with a zipping dragonfly or a darting damselfly.
    The dragonfly quest…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. The Surreal Menagerie: A Poetry Writing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  4. Dragonfly Drop-in Craft with Nature Makers

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    Pop into the Outlook In building to make a dashing dragonfly!
    Zsofi from Nature Makers guides families on how to make a dragonfly using eco-friendly, vegan-inclusive resources. Make a cord and bead creation or try one using reeds.
    These drop-in…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 13:30 - 15:30
  5. The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Chichester

    Spain's Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of the Renaissance. The majestic music of the Spanish Renaissance will be the theme of our 2026 Choral Pilgrimage programme, 'Lead, kindly light.' This…

    Venue

    Chichester Cathedral, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 21:10
  6. The Ghost Train

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Uckfield

    The Ghost Train is back at Bluebell Railway! Step aboard if you dare… the Ghost Train returns to The Bluebell Railway this October!
    Journey into the darkness for a spine-tingling ride through the Sussex countryside, with eerie surprises lurking…

    Venue

    Bluebell Railway, Wealden

    Dates

    From:
    22 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
  7. Leonardslee Quiz Night

    Type

    Type:

    Pop Up Event

    Horsham

    Join us for a high-energy monthly Quiz Night hosted by Paul from PJ Quiz, set in The Courtyard and packed with everything from Mash-Up Music and Cryptic Conundrums to Family Fortunes, TV Themes and the ever-popular Wipeout Round. It's fast, clever,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
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    4 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
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    2 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  8. Little Lifesavers: Kids' First Aid Class for Ages 5–10

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Daisy First Aid at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens for a fun, superhero-themed first aid class designed especially for children aged 5–10. Through relaxed, hands-on activities, children will learn valuable lifesaving skills in a friendly,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 11:10
  9. Children's Mini Summer Garden Workshops: For Ages 5+

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex to create your own mini summer garden to take home. Children will decorate their pot before planting seasonal flowers and adding their own personalised touches in a…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 15:30
  10. Curious About Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    West Street, Chichester

    Have fun (re)discovering Chichester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
    It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Winter Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Uckfield

    The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 13:00
  12. Noddy fest annual dog show

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Chichester

    Please join us for a pawsome day out.
    Fun dog show, food, stalls and more for all the family to enjoy.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  13. Sompting Pumpkins

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sompting, Lancing

    Join us for pumpkin-picking fun at our family-run pumpkin field Sompting Pumpkins, Halewick Lane, Sompting, BN15 0NE, next to the A27.
    Open 10am-4pm (last entry 3:30pm) on the 3rd/4th, 10th/11th, 17th/18th and 24th-31st October 2026
    Free entry, free…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    10 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    17 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    18 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    25 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    26 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    28 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    31 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. 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:
    10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  15. 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
  16. ABBA Under the Stars

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Following their 2025 sell-out concert, ABBA Gold Europe returns to Borde Hill!

    Get ready to dance the night away with a spectacular tribute to ABBA's timeless hits! Leading tribute band ABBA Gold Europe delivers an electrifying live performance,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  17. Haroun Hayward: Path Through Trees

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo
    institutional show. Hayward will present a new body of work,
    created in dialogue with artworks in Pallant House Gallery's
    collection by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Paul Nash,…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to1 Nov 2026
  18. Tour | British Landscapes: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join one of our experienced guides for a tour of our current exhibition, British Landscapes: A Sense of Place.

    Explore our current exhibition British Landscapes: A Sense of Place with one of our guides and let them share their knowledge and passion…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 15:00 - 15:50
    From:
    18 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 11:50
    From:
    15 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 11:50
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 15:00 - 15:50
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    17 Oct 2026Open 15:00 - 15:50
    From:
    20 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 11:50
  19. Hastings Half Marathon 2027

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Grosvenor Crescent, Saint Leonards on Sea

    The energy: electric
    The crowd support: epic
    The course: achievably challenging
    The vibes: unmatched

    WINNER OF MIDSIZED EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 RUNNING INDUSTRY AWARDS!

    Join thousands of runners on the start line at the iconic - and…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
  20. Midhurst Rother College Contemporary Craft Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Midhurst

    The Sussex Guild is delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of Midhurst Rother College to showcase our contemporary crafts this Christmas.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times