13th - 16th August 26 credit Mark Jarvis
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 186
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Theatre
Chichester
Join us in the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Artistic Director Justin Audibert follows Hamlet and his hugely popular Festival Theatre production of Redlands, turning from the rock 'n' roll of…
Festivals
Hastings
Indulge in a mouth-watering long-weekend of delicious seafood and luscious wines at the Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival 2026.
The festival site is set against the stunning backdrop of Hastings Old Town at The Stade, by the historic Net Huts…
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…
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…
Music
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Dance, sing and switch between music channels at the Family Silent Disco with The Silent DJs, taking place on the Leonardslee House Lawn.
This relaxed daytime session is designed for families, with wireless headphones, feel-good music and plenty of…
Exhibitions
Chichester
This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo
institutional show. Hayward will present a new body of work,
created in dialogue with artworks in Pallant House Gallery's
collection by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Paul Nash,…
Performance
RYE
Join MC Rye Town Crier Paul Goring as he hosts the 72nd National Town Criers' Championship in beautiful Rye, Sussex.
Walking
West Street, Chichester
Have fun (re)discovering Chichester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Arts
Chichester
Follow your curiosity and try something new.
There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up a brush, maybe. Making a print, or working with colour, texture or thread.
This summer, there's time to begin.
As part of A Summer of…
Childrens Events
Rogate, Petersfield
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event will open on Friday 16th October, running through to Sunday 1st November. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH! Autumn Finale! a one-day ONLY event…
Festival
Rye
Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day - 2026. Join us on Saturday 8th August in Rye, East Sussex. Celebrate the history and heritage of Piracy and Smuggling in the town. We will start the day at 10am with a muster at the tower and a procession through…
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend for a fun-filled Children's Summer T-shirt Decorating Workshop at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex, perfect for young creatives aged 5 and up. Let imaginations run wild as kids design and decorate their…
Childrens Events
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join Daisy First Aid at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens for a fun, superhero-themed first aid class designed especially for children aged 5–10. Through relaxed, hands-on activities, children will learn valuable lifesaving skills in a friendly,…
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…
Family
Haywards Heath
We Are Family Festival Sussex comes to Borde Hill on Sunday 16 August, bringing a full day of live entertainment, attractions and family fun to one of the South East's most beautiful outdoor settings.
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…
Gardens
Chichester
Discover a summer of imagination adventure at West Dean Gardens, Chichester, with our family-friendly Garden Explorer Trail. Follow the trail through beautiful gardens and hidden corners as you spot the buildings and landmarks that make West Dean so…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Experience the beauty of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex, with exclusive seasonal running events - the Heritage Trail Series – your Year-Long Running Challenge! Choose from a 10KM route which is designed to immerse you in the stunning…
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…
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.
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