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: 164

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Petworth

    Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff are being exhibited for the first time at Petworth House and Park. The exhibition takes place across the whole property including installations throughout the house, and two monolithic…

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to27 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
  2. The Paint Club painting party at 180 Degrees Bar & Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Cuckfield, 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:
    6 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  3. 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
  4. Saturday Art and Craft

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chichester

    Join us at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester for a relaxed, creative workshop inspired by artworks in our collections and exhibitions. From block printing to collage, each session offers a simple, hands-on activity designed for all abilities –…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  5. The Labyrinth Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham


    Take on one of the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle courses this summer!

    24 - 26 July

    Spanning 1,000ft with 34+ obstacles across 5 zones, it's a fun-filled test of skill and stamina for anyone over 1.2m tall.

    Quiet sessions: 24 July between 9:30…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  6. Adventures in Blue: Summer Family Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Petworth

    Step into a world of colour, creativity, and imagination on this fun, buggy-friendly family trail at Petworth House and Gardens near Chichester.
    Follow Pipkin, a young dragon, on a journey through landscapes, play spaces, and creative challenges to…

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  7. Modern Calligraphy Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Learn the beautiful and traditional craft of modern calligraphy! Join us at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Lower Beeding, Horsham for a relaxing morning where you will be taken through a 2-hour dip pen session & learn everything from mark making,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  8. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Michelham Priory

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Hailsham

    The Sussex Guild returns this summer to Michelham Priory for the 59th consecutive year, a Grade I listed Tudor house, surrounded by England's largest water filled medieval moat.

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Leonardslee Family Lates

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Returning for one special evening, Leonardslee Lates offers a relaxed late summer evening for the whole family, with live music, local street food and beautiful gardens to explore.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 16:30 - 20:30
  12. 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
  13. Bedgebury HM & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  14. 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
  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. The Paint Club painting party at The Royal Oak & Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Pevensey

    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:
    4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  17. Children's Mini Summer Garden Workshops: For Ages 5+

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex to create your own mini summer garden to take home. Children will decorate their pot before planting seasonal flowers and adding their own personalised touches in a…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    3 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 15:30
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 14:30 - 15:30
  18. 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 -
  19. The Paint Club painting party at Hart Country Stores

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    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:
    20 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  20. 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