11th - 13th September 26
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 141
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Health & Wellbeing
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.
Exhibitions
Chichester
This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…
Christmas
Lower Beeding, Horsham
This winter, Leonardslee Lights returns to the West Sussex countryside with a dazzling new route and an expanded cast of light, sound and spectacle.
Food
Lewes
Enjoy a traditional full afternoon tea on the terrace or in the tea room at Firle Place near Lewes.
Exhibitions
East Sussex
Infused with wit and shaped by her surrealist sensibility, this playful display in the Farleys Gallery Café focuses on Lee Miller's animal subjects. From taking 'pet portraits' at the request of rich clients in her New York Studio, to rescuing a…
Arts
Lewes
Join us at Farleys for a workshop in which you will engage with collage as a creative outlet, making your own compositions to take home, while guided by highly experienced artist, Mark Ellender.
Like many Surrealists, Roland Penrose utilised the…
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.
Sporting Events
Hove
The accurately measured 10k course is two laps along the promenade with lots of great support from Arena 80 Athletics Club. The event is a Sussex Grand Prix Championship event and attracts both seasoned and beginner runners alike. The course is…
Shopping
Horsham
Ready to discover what's new in fashion in John Lewis, Horsham this Autumn/Winter? Join us for an exciting showcase event, where our personal stylists will share all the latest and greatest products from our new season collection.
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,…
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…
Sporting Events
Haywards Heath
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…
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…
Shopping
Horsham
Relax the body, quiet the mind and restore balance with the Jo Malone London Care Collection at John Lewis Horsham.
In this session you can learn how to incorporate the Care Collection into your daily routine to boost your mood and wellbeing.
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Get ready to unleash your creativity in this hands-on Autumn Reusable Wreath Making Workshop!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Haywards Heath
This session will be run by Emily Phillips of The Embodied Beings.
As the season begins to turn and the pace subtly shifts, so do we. As leaves change on the trees, nature reminds us of the beauty found in letting go.
Join us for a one-hour…
Festivals
Hastings
Indulge in a mouth-watering long-weekend of delicious seafood and luscious wines at the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2026.
The festival site is set against the stunning backdrop of Hastings Old Town at The Stade, by the historic Net Huts…
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,…
Festival
Uckfield
Join us for a unique festival experience with craft beers, live music, and vintage steam trains at the Bluebell Railway Beer Festival!
Arts
Lewes
Join us at Farleys for our popular Autumn Sketching Workshop, with painting being added for 2026!
A workshop suitable for beginners and experienced artists. Improve your observational and creative skills by sketching and painting foliage and seed…
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