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

Number of results:

Number of results: 170

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Cupcake Decorating Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Following a series of sold-out sessions in 2025, we're thrilled to welcome Zoe from Bouquet Bakes back to Leonardslee for another season of inspiring cupcake decorating workshops.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  2. Music in the Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Sunday Afternoons of Live Music in the Garden

    Our much-loved Music in the Garden events return on selected Sunday afternoons this summer, bringing the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing family day out.

    Settle into the stunning surroundings of our…

    Venue

    Borde Hill Garden, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
  3. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Winter Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Uckfield

    The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 13:00
  4. Summer Open-air Cinema at Leonardslee

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Settle in on Leonardslee House Lawn for three summer evenings of open-air cinema, live pre-show music, food and drink, and iconic films beneath the West Sussex evening sky.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    11 Sept 2026to19 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 19:40
  5. Dragonfly Pond Dipping

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Dive into discovery at WWT Arundel with an unforgettable pond dipping experience. From egg to nymph to shimmering dragonfly, discover a kaleidoscope of life living under the surface of the water's reflections. You'll discover spiky dragonfly nymphs,…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
  6. Christmas Makers Market at Petworth

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Petworth

    Find your Christmas presents and a treat for yourself at the festive makers market at Petworth House and Gardens in West Sussex. Featuring high quality artisan gifts.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 18:30
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  7. Heritage Open Days at Uppark

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    South Harting

    On the 13th and 14th September we are taking part in Heritage Open Days. This is your invitation to explore Uppark House for free!

    Venue

    Uppark House and Gardens, East Hampshire

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026to14 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  8. 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
  9. The Ghost Train

    Type

    Type:

    Special Events

    Uckfield

    The Ghost Train is back at Bluebell Railway! Step aboard if you dare… the Ghost Train returns to The Bluebell Railway this October!
    Journey into the darkness for a spine-tingling ride through the Sussex countryside, with eerie surprises lurking…

    Venue

    Bluebell Railway, Wealden

    Dates

    From:
    22 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
  10. 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
  11. Beer & Cider by the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2027to16 May 2027
  12. Botanical Illustration Workshop:Autumn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Our botanical illustration workshop will teach you how to draw and illustrate a unique piece of art from start to finish.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    30 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  13. My Fair Lady

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of being a lady in a florist's shop is out of reach unless she can speak 'proper English'. So when she encounters Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics,…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    6 July 2026to5 Sept 2026
  14. Leonardslee Lights

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026to30 Dec 2026Open 16:10 - 20:30
  15. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington

    Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968.  The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. 

    Dates

    From:
    25 Feb 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  16. Fireworks Night at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    West Sussex

    Join us for one of West Sussex's most spectacular fireworks displays at the beautiful Leonardslee Wine Estate. Set across 240 acres of historic gardens and rolling countryside, this magical evening is perfect for families, couples, and friends…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to6 Nov 2026Open 17:00 - 21:00
  17. 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
  18. Autumn/Winter Fashion Showcase

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026Open 11:30 - 12:20
  19. Dermalogica Masterclass

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Horsham

    Join us in store at John Lewis, Horsham for this unmissable skincare masterclass with Dermalogica skin therapists. At this immersive session you'll learn what makes Dermalogica the professional skincare brand trusted by experts worldwide.

    Dates

    From:
    10 July 2026to10 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 20:00
  20. 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