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, 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: 159

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Hove Prom 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  2. The Downs and The Ups with Alex Polizzi - A Rambler's Retreat

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Alfriston

    Join Alex Polizzi for one of her favourite walks. This route takes you over the Seven Sisters to the village of East Dean and the Tiger Inn for lunch, returning to Alfriston via Friston Forest.

    Itinerary:
    On Tuesday 29 September, you are invited…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Sept 2026to1 Oct 2026Open 00:00 - 00:00
  3. Expressions in Blue at Petworth House

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Petworth

    Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff come to Petworth House and Park for the first time.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to27 Sept 2026
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Farmyard Summer Fun

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Farmyard Summer Fun 2026
    Get ready for a summer packed with hands-on fun, family games and farm adventures at our biggest Farmyard Summer Fun event yet. Running from 20 July to 31 August 2026, there's something different to enjoy every day…

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Plant Fairs Roadshow - West Dean Gardens Autumn Plant Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Chichester

    West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is hosting the Plant Fairs Roadshow for the second time on Sunday 13 September 2026, 10am - 3pm!
    Set at the foot of the South Downs, historic West Dean is home to one of the finest Walled Kitchen Gardens in the…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  8. Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Eridge

    This corker of a race returns in 2026 to bring us 10 miles of trail delights and glory. Dubbed the 'favourite of off-road' races, the course is renowned for its captivating views, steep & narrow climbs and copious quanties of mud. Prepare to fall in…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026
  9. Jo Malone London Care Collection

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Sept 2026Open 12:00 - 13:00
  10. 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
  11. The High Weald Walking Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Flimwell

    Now in its 9th year, the High Weald Walking Festival is inviting you to get your boots on and explore the High Weald National Landscape, and discover local history and admire breath-taking views.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  12. Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 15:30
  13. 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
  14. Pett Level Independent Rescue Boat Annual Open Day

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Pett Level, Hastings

    Our biggest fundraising event, lots of fun and we think we put on a brilliant day!

    Every penny raised goes towards our vital lifeboat.

    We are an INDEPENDENT lifeboat station, not affiliated to the RNLI so we receive no centralised funding.

    WHAT's…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  15. 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
  16. Parents to be event at John Lewis Horsham

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Horsham

    Join the John Lewis Horsham Nursery team and local experts to learn about this new stage of your life and our All Things Baby service, covering everything you need to know for the arrival of your child. Plus, we'll have guests, offering demos and…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
  17. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    From:
    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  18. Painting Workshop with Jo Starkey at The Star in Alfriston

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Alfriston

    Join contemporary landscape artist Jo Starkey for an inspiring and immersive day at The Star, Alfriston, exploring the expressive techniques she uses in her own professional painting practice.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  19. 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:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  20. The Paint Club painting party at Grounded @ The Forge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Ringmer, Lewes

    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:
    8 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00