Take to two wheels with a Segway experience at Tilegate Park in West Sussex

Segway Special at Go Ape Crawley

Tilegate Park, 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: 179

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. 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
  2. Antigone Exits

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Antigone's brother has died in a bloody civil war. The king – her uncle – has forbidden anyone to bury the body. Antigone is going to bury the body anyway.

    Twenty-five centuries after Antigone, seven performers gather to re-tell the tale of what…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  3. Rye Summer Series Race Five

    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:
    4 Sept 2026
  4. Sketching Workshop with Anna Ribo

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    East Grinstead

    Set within the tranquil surroundings of Gravetye Manor, the workshop offers an opportunity to explore the warm colours of the garden as it moves from late summer into autumn, and practice simple techniques to capture flower form and character. The…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Sept 2026
  5. 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
  6. Peter Pan: A musical adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.

    Join Chichester…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  7. Sketch Booking Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arlington, Polegate

    Join us for a 3-hour sketchbooking workshop in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Bates Green Garden, led by talented local artist Emma Lindsay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the garden as you explore a range of drawing, mark making,…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  8. South Farm Maize Maze 2026 - Family Day Out near Lewes, East Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lewes

    South Farm is a family-run dairy and arable farm in the heart of the South Downs, near Rodmell. Every summer, seven acres of the farm are transformed into a maize maze — a bespoke design carved into the landscape and best viewed from the farm's…

    Dates

    From:
    30 July 2026to2 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
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    6 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
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    13 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
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    20 Aug 2026to23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
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    27 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    3 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. 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
  10. Curious About Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Brighton

    Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Cricketers

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Worthing

    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:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. Garden Tour & Cream Tea at West Dean Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Chichester

    Enjoy an exclusive tour of the famous West Dean Gardens in West Sussex, with the senior Garden Team followed by a delicious cream tea in the prestigious Oak Hall. Seasonal highlights will be explored, including the Walled Kitchen Garden, Victorian…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
    From:
    29 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
  13. Sompting Pumpkins

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sompting, Lancing

    Join us for pumpkin-picking fun at our family-run pumpkin field Sompting Pumpkins, Halewick Lane, Sompting, BN15 0NE, next to the A27.
    Open 10am-4pm (last entry 3:30pm) on the 3rd/4th, 10th/11th, 17th/18th and 24th-31st October 2026
    Free entry, free…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    4 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    10 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    17 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    18 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    25 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    26 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    28 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    31 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. The Paint Club painting party at The Heathfield Tavern

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Heathfield

    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:
    12 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  15. Murder Mystery Evening

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Station Road, Tenterden

    Murder Mystery Evening

    Step aboard for a thrilling night of intrigue and deception!

    It's 1953 and a signalman has been found dead at Tenterden. DCI Thomas needs your help to uncover the truth before the killer escapes down the line.

    As the train…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
  16. Cyanotype Printing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arlington, Polegate

    The workshop will begin with an introduction to the cyanotype process, what it is, its history and show you all examples by artists and myself. I'll explain the chemicals involved which are non toxic and then perform a demonstration to show everyone…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  17. Free Summer Family Fun

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Make the most of the summer holidays with free family activities every Wednesday in August at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, included with garden admission and free for Leonardslee members.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026to26 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  18. 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
  19. Painting party with The Paint Club at Tottington Manor

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Henfield

    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 19:00 - 21:00
  20. Creative Taster Sessions At West Dean

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Follow your curiosity and try something new.

    There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up a brush, maybe. Making a print, or working with colour, texture or thread.

    This summer, there's time to begin.

    As part of A Summer of…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to7 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00