The fun family festival Jack in the Green, Hastings

Jack in the Green, Hastings

1st - 4th May 26 c Jonny Thompson

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

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Number of results: 179

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Cool-Aid Comedy - New Material Comedy Night

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton

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

    Dates

    From:
    24 June 2026to9 Dec 2026
  2. Rye Summer Series Race Four

    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:
    7 Aug 2026
  3. Botanical Free Hand Machine Embroidery Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Learn the art of free-hand machine embroidery using a standard domestic sewing machine.

    This workshop is perfect for complete beginners, as Lara has been running embroidery workshops for 15 years and is passionate about sharing her love for this…

    Dates

    From:
    2 July 2026to3 July 2026Open 09:30 - 15:30
  4. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Nr Wadhurst

    The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens, described as one of the finest gardens in England.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  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. 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
  7. Live Music Thursday's at Bohemia

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Brighton

    Brighton's most popular live music nights, last Thursday of every month at this popular city centre venue, with free entry.

    From cover pop, funk & soul bands, to rock covers and even steam punk and blues…there is something for everyone to tap along…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    2 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    9 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    16 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    30 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
  8. Summer Propagation Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Polegate

    On Wednesday, July 8th, join us at Bates Green Garden for a Summer Propagation Workshop dedicated to the fascinating technique of taking cuttings. This practical session will help you master the different types of cuttings you can take in July,…

    Dates

    From:
    8 July 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  9. Stansted Summer Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    The highly popular Stansted Summer Festival returns to Rowlands Castle in Hampshire on the 27th and 28th June 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026to28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
  10. Mansion Concerts: Vivaldi Four Seasons at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Set against Wakehurst's iconic Elizabethan Mansion and surrounding gardens, this is an open-air classical experience that brings the feel of a major city concert to a botanical setting in West Sussex.

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026
  11. Open Air Opera: The Marriage of Figaro

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Haywards Heath

    Open-air opera returns to Borde Hill the summer as leading touring companyWild Artspresents Mozart's comic masterpiece,The Marriage of Figaro– a sparkling tale of secret lovers, clever disguises and theatrical mischief.

    Taking place on the South…

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
  12. Rainbow Run 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Brighton and Hove

    Overview
    This fabulous race never fails to delight and is a firm favourite in the local racing calendar. Taking place on a summer's evening, bursting with bright colours and fizzing with race day fun, it's the running event you'll return to year…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026Open 19:00 -
  13. Midsummer Evening Garden Tour with Tom Brown

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Chichester

    Experience an exclusive tour of the renowned West Dean Gardens after closing hours, led by Head Gardener Tom Brown and expert members of the Garden Team. Your visit includes a warm welcome with drinks and canapés at the historic pergola.

    Tom…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:00 - 20:30
  14. GIANT Dragonfly Outdoor Games

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Can you zip, dart and glide like a dragonfly? Put your skill, speed and agility to the test with our interactive outdoor games, perfect for all ages. Land a ring on the dragonfly's 'antennae', try Giant Jenga and do Dragonfly dominos.
    Cost: Included…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:10 - 16:00
  15. Little Crafters: Summer Sun

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Let your little ones get stuck into this fun and creative crafting session for 18 months - 4 year olds with Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend.

    Your budding artists shall be inspired to learn new skills as well as completing at least 4 themed crafts plus…

    Dates

    From:
    6 July 2026Open 10:30 - 11:40
  16. Mansion Jazz: Claire Martin at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Enjoy an enchanting open-air concert from one of the UK's finest jazz talents. Combining world-class music with the natural beauty of Wakehurst's wild botanic garden. This event offers a unique chance to savour the best of summer.

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026
  17. 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:
    2 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  18. 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
  19. Dragons and Damsels collage workshop for adults

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Arundel

    Join Tracy Waters for a relaxing craft session to create your own unique handmade cards in collage. Celebrating the colourful display of dragonflies. Paint your own, unique, collage papers. You will then craft your own set of four collage dragonfly…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  20. 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:
    20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00