Take part in one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK at Beachy Head, Eastbourne

Beachy Head Marathon, Ultra & 10K

24th October, Eastbourne

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. 

Stop Scrolling and Go Ape

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: 144

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Fright Night

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    Join us for an evening of entertainment at Kent & East Sussex Railway from Drummers & a fire eater to a dazzling firework display at Northiam (subject to the weather)

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026
  2. Outside On The Terrace

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    Bexhill

    From May to September 2026, the terrace at the De La Warr Pavilion will come alive with our vibrant programme of outdoor events celebrating music, movement, creativity and community. Outside On The Terrace brings together experiences for all ages,…

    Venue

    De La Warr Pavilion, Rother

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to19 Sept 2026
  3. Meadow Landscape Painting Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Spend a creative and inspiring day at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens learning how to paint a beautiful meadow landscape in this relaxed acrylic painting workshop.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  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…

    Venue

    Smalltown Mysteries Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  5. Cool-Aid Comedy - New Material Comedy Night

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton

    Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.

    Dates

    From:
    16 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    23 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    30 Sept 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    7 Oct 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    14 Oct 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    21 Oct 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    28 Oct 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    4 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    11 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    18 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    25 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    2 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
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    9 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
  6. Haywards Heath 10 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2027Open 09:30 - 13:30
  7. Heritage Open Days

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Petworth

    Visit Petworth House & Park for free for Heritage Open Weekend on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to13 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  8. 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
  9. 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 -
  10. Autumn Sketching and Painting Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  11. British Landscape: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to1 Nov 2026
  12. Traditional Full Afternoon Tea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Lewes

    Enjoy a traditional full afternoon tea on the terrace or in the tea room at Firle Place near Lewes. 

    Venue

    Firle Place, Lewes

    Dates

    From:
    7 Sept 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  13. Petworth Late Opening

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Petworth

    Explore Petworth House at our unique late opening on Friday 25 September with the opportunity to see the Expressions in Blue Exhibition after hours, and hear from the artist behind it, Felicity Aylieff.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  14. Nature Connect

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards heath

    We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in Nature.
    Over three months you'll learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  15. Go Ape Bedgebury Sundown Adventures

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Cranbrook

    Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent!

    Venue

    Go Ape Bedgebury, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to8 Nov 2026
  16. Artwave Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    This autumn, Artwave will showcase some of the very best creative talent from across the Lewes District, with more than 170 venues involved in free-to-visit exhibitions in private homes, studios, potteries, windmills, railway stations, farms, and…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  17. 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
  18. Bogan Bingo Bottomless Brunch

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton and Hove

    Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!

    What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!

    Tickets include:

    - 90…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 12:30 -
  19. Lino Printing Workshop: Embracing Nature

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Learn the art of Lino printing in the peaceful setting of The Studio here at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    21 Sept 2026
  20. Life Drawing

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Welcome to the Summer season's drop-in Life Drawing workshops, being held in the Gallery spaces from 6–8pm as part of our Thursday Late events on:

    16 July 2026

    17 September 2026

    15 October 2026

    Experienced tutor Wendy Barratt, Sky Portrait…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00