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

Number of results:

Number of results: 161

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Murder Mystery Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Horsham

    Celebrate 15 years of The Velvet Rooms with an unforgettable evening inspired by the dazzling decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Slip into your finest flapper dresses, fedoras, and feathers, and prepare to become part of an immersive, interactive…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  2. Go Ape Summer Adventures 2026 - Boring Ends Here

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Titmus Drive, Crawley

    Based in the heart of Tilgate Park, just two miles from the centre of Crawley, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered.

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to1 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  3. Textile Art Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Storrington

    An exhibition of textile art by Worthing textile artist Jane Robinson. Stitched textiles inspired by the portraits in Parham House, as well as by plants and flowers, rocks and fossils, and the colour and designs of India. Entry is free via the…

    Venue

    Parham House & Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
  4. Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  5. 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
  6. McFly - Borde Hill Summer Series

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    With Special Guests The Feeling & Remember Monday

    McFly are set to light up our stunning Parkland at Borde Hill on Friday 14th August, headlining an unmissable summer concert filled with huge hits and a stellar supporting lineup. With gates opening…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 22:30
  7. Battles Through History Military Show

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Ardingly, Haywards Heath

    Whatever the weather with more exhibitors, vehicles, and interactive experiences being brought indoors you can experience an unforgettable journey through time! Battles Through History, is the unique and exciting multi period living history military…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  8. Behind the Hives: Bee Tour & Talk

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step behind the scenes at Leonardslee and discover the fascinating world of honeybees.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 11:00
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 11:00
    From:
    26 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 11:00
  9. Ashdown Forest Open Studios

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Locations in and around the Ashdown Forest

    Artist and makers Open Studios. Visit over 80 different artists and makers in 21 different venues in and around the Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie-the-Pooh!

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. Landscape Photography Workshop at Farleys

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys, either as a complete beginner or a keen improver, for a workshop in which Andrew Hasson will introduce some theories of landscape photography and, equally importantly, introduce workshop attendees to the idea of forward planning…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    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:
    25 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. 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
  13. Children's Workshops: Summer Art Club | Age 7+

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chichester

    Summer Art Club is a series of studio workshops at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester for children, exploring a range of media in a fun and friendly environment. These workshops are led by experienced artist educators who specialise in working with…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    26 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  14. The Paint Club painting party at The Hop Sun

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Triangle Road, Haywards Heath

    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 18:30 - 20:30
  15. Garden Explorer Trail at West Dean Gardens - Summer Holiday Activities

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Chichester

    Discover a summer of imagination adventure at West Dean Gardens, Chichester, with our family-friendly Garden Explorer Trail. Follow the trail through beautiful gardens and hidden corners as you spot the buildings and landmarks that make West Dean so…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  16. Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Eastbourne

    Three Nights. One Epic Christmas Party. Zero Dry Turkey.

    After multiple sold-out Christmas events, Eastbourne Music Fest returns with Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026 – bigger, louder, snowier, and more party-focused than ever before.

    This year,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Pups on SUPs

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?

    Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  20. 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