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: 137

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Brighton

    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 centre 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
  2. Painting Workshop with Jo Starkey at The Star in Alfriston

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Alfriston

    Join contemporary landscape artist Jo Starkey for an inspiring and immersive day at The Star, Alfriston, exploring the expressive techniques she uses in her own professional painting practice.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. Crowborough 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Crowborough

    The Crowborough 10k has been a superb race offering from hosts, Crowborough Runners, for over the last thirty years. The 5k, which is a more recent addition to the event, has also proven an incredibly popular running race in East Sussex.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  4. DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole & Royal Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Brighton

    Discover the best of Brighton with a seaside stay at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Perfectly positioned on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, this package combines a relaxing overnight break with tickets to the magnificent Royal…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026to4 Nov 2026
  5. Chateau Musar Wine Dinner at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Tunbridge Wells

    Join us for an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine with renown wine producer Chateau Musar and Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.
    Allow us to take you through a journey of delectable flavours, paired alongside the beautiful wines of Chateau Musar.…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30
  6. Rye Ancient Trails 30k & 15k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Rye

    The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. This spectatular event starts off on the high street…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Bluebell Railway Beer Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Uckfield

    Join us for a unique festival experience with craft beers, live music, and vintage steam trains at the Bluebell Railway Beer Festival!

    Venue

    Bluebell Railway, Wealden

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026to20 Sept 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. Christmas Gift Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Woodchurch, Ashford

    There's something truly special about a Christmas gift market, the twinkling lights and the cheerful buzz of shoppers hunting for that perfect gift. But this year, why not swap the high street for something a little more enchanting? Head to the Rare…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
  12. Little Crafters: Crafts for Pre-schoolers

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, 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.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    28 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:40
  13. Christmas Pudding Dash

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Pett, Hastings

    This cross country event is great for all the family, with the main race being accompanied by a Fun Run and the Children's Scurry. There truly is something for everyone and afterwards, bask in the festive spirit and enjoy a yummy mince pie. Explore…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
  14. Pups on SUPs

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?

    Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  15. Brighton's Makers Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Brighton

    Described as Brighton's cutest market, Brighton Makers Market is a must visit if you love creative and unique shopping that is typical and full of Brighton vibes! Paper Daisy are renowned locally for high quality, fully curated and vibrant Makers &…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  16. Postcard Collage Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys for a workshop in which you will engage with collage as a creative outlet, making your own compositions to take home, while guided by highly experienced artist, Mark Ellender.

    Like many Surrealists, Roland Penrose utilised the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  17. Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Lewes

    An major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026 open season in the Lee Miller Gallery.

    Arriving in Britain just as war was declared Lee Miller, an American with no permit to work, used her camera…

    Dates

    From:
    30 July 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  18. The Wiston Winery Tour & Tasting

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Pulborough

    Experience the Gold Medal-winning Tour & Tasting at Wiston Estate, celebrated as Experience of the Year 2023/24 at the Beautiful South Awards! Perfect for all seasons, our tour is winter-friendly, fully undercover, and fully accessible, so you can…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to30 Sept 2026
  19. 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:
    29 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
  20. Art History Course | Framing the Landscape in 20th Century British Art

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join us at Pallant House Gallery, West Sussex for a three-part series of engaging art history lectures exploring the British landscape through key movements in 20th century British art.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
    From:
    7 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
    From:
    21 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00