Enjoy your leisure time with a visit to John Lewis at Horsham, a fun day out shopping with friends.

Shopping Time at John Lewis

Horsham, West Sussex

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: 178

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. A Grand Doggy Day Out

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Haywards Heath

    Join a tail-wagging day of fun at Borde Hill
    Bring your four-legged friends along for a day of fun on the Azalea Ring, with plenty of shady trees to keep everyone cool on warmer days.

    Browse a selection of pop-up shops from local independent…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
  2. Drink and Draw

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.

    We will set up the studio tables with a selection…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  3. 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
  4. The Paint Club painting party at Globe Inn Marsh Rye

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Rye

    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:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  5. Painting party at Ninkaci in Eastbourne

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Eastbourne

    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:
    18 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Painting party with The Paint Club at D'Arcy's Bar

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    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 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  9. 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
  10. 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:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  11. 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
    From:
    17 Oct 2026Open 15:00 - 15:50
    From:
    20 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 11:50
  12. Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Lewes

    An major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026 open season in the Lee Miller Gallery.

    Arriving in Britain just as war was declared Lee Miller, an American with no permit to work, used her camera…

    Dates

    From:
    30 July 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  13. 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
  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. 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
  16. 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 -
  17. 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
  18. Lydd 20 Mile & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd, Romney Marsh

    This long-established and highly coveted 20 mile and half marathon event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. Runners of all standards are welcome to join this running…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2027Open 09:00 -
  19. Dragonfly Facepainting

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Arundel

    Transform into a dragonfly this summer and with vibrant, nature-inspired facepainting. Our talented artist from Kate's Carnival will bring each design to life in a rainbow of colours, from shimmering wings and bold patterns to flashes of blues,…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    7 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    11 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  20. BSUPA Ready to Ride Stand Up Paddleboard Course, Action Watersports

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Learn to Stand Up Paddleboard with confidence at Action Watersports in Kent. Join our BSUPA Ready to Ride Stand Up Paddleboard Course on Monday 20th July at Action Watersports, one of the South East's leading watersports centres.

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    3 Aug 2026Open 17:30 - 19:30