Events in Sussex - look to the skies and celebrate Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow, East Sussex in August - credit Mark Jarvis

Eastbourne International Airshow

13th - 16th August 26 credit Mark Jarvis

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: 181

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. The Paint Club painting party at Carlo Lounge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    East Grinstead

    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 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  2. 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 -
  3. Leonardslee Comedy Club

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Horsham

    Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate setting on a Friday evening.

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  4. 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
  5. The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Family

    Battle

    The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 300 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. 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
  7. Mansion Jazz: Claire Martin at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Enjoy an enchanting open-air concert from one of the UK's finest jazz talents. Combining world-class music with the natural beauty of Wakehurst's wild botanic garden. This event offers a unique chance to savour the best of summer.

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026
  8. Bewl 15 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Wadhurst

    Overview
    Organised by Wadhurst Runners, the Bewl 15 & 5 mile races return on 5th July 2026.

    The 15 mile race is the original round Bewl Water race and the only one which includes the nature reserve with its stunning lakeside views. Once voted the…

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026
  9. Rye Summer Series Race Four

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Rye

    The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026
  10. Chateau Musar Wine Dinner at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Tunbridge Wells

    Join us for an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine with renown wine producer Chateau Musar and Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.
    Allow us to take you through a journey of delectable flavours, paired alongside the beautiful wines of Chateau Musar.…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30
  11. 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 -
  12. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 July 2026
  13. 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
  14. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. Smalltown Mysteries Worthing

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Worthing

    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 center 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. 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
  17. Beer & Cider by the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Eastbourne

    Beer & Cider By The Sea will serve up another selection of real ales, craft beers, artisan ciders and perries for summer 2027, after its sell-out success. The three-day music, food and drink festival, which is one of the biggest on the south coast,…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2027to16 May 2027
  18. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Nr Wadhurst

    The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens, described as one of the finest gardens in England.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  19. A Curator's Introduction to British Landscapes: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    Join Gallery Director Simon Martin for an introduction to our current exhibition British Landscapes: A Sense of Place, a landmark exhibition exploring how artists from the 18th to the 20th century have responded to the landscapes of the British…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 June 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
  20. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Ship Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    East Grinstead

    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