Head along to meet the Stormtroppers at Bluebell Railway in East Sussex this May 26

Character Day with Stormtroopers

Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26

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

Number of results:

Number of results: 164

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Saturday Art and Craft

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chichester

    Join us at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester for a relaxed, creative workshop inspired by artworks in our collections and exhibitions. From block printing to collage, each session offers a simple, hands-on activity designed for all abilities –…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  2. 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
  3. Casks & Vines - An Evening With Ole Bison Bourbon

    Type

    Type:

    Vineyard / Wine

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Strictly limited to 60 guests, this exclusive dining evening marks Ole Bison Bourbon's introduction to a Leonardslee audience in the UK. Hosted by bourbon expert Jeremy, you'll discover the craftsmanship, character and stories behind each expression…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    21 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  4. Dragonfly Foot Safari

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Pick up a spotter sheet and discover dazzling dragonflies all around the site!
    To help your hunt, search for our signs that mark dragonfly habitats – your patience may be rewarded with a zipping dragonfly or a darting damselfly.
    The dragonfly quest…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. The Labyrinth Challenge & Toddler Zone

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Horsham

    Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure as The Labyrinth Challenge, the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle course, bounces back to Leonardslee. Race through over 1,000ft of obstacles, jumps and slides, or let little ones explore the all-new…

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  6. 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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  7. Christmas Carols at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    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:
    24 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  8. 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 -
  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. Curious About Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. A Midsummer Night's Dream

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  12. 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
  13. Cool-Aid Comedy - New Material Comedy Night

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton

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

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to9 Dec 2026
  14. Noddy fest annual dog show

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Chichester

    Please join us for a pawsome day out.
    Fun dog show, food, stalls and more for all the family to enjoy.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  15. Children's Workshops: Summer Art Club | Age 7+

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chichester

    Summer Art Club is a series of studio workshops at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester for children, exploring a range of media in a fun and friendly environment. These workshops are led by experienced artist educators who specialise in working with…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    7 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    26 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  16. 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
  17. Eastbourne International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 32nd year from 13th – 16th August 2026, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast. 

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026Various Opening Times
  18. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Michelham Priory

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Hailsham

    The Sussex Guild returns this summer to Michelham Priory for the 59th consecutive year, a Grade I listed Tudor house, surrounded by England's largest water filled medieval moat.

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  19. Dragonfly Willow Weaving workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    Willow Weaving Workshop: Arundel
    Feeling inspired? Take part in a relaxing and creative willow weaving workshop and craft your very own handmade dragonfly sculpture.
    Join us at WWT Arundel for a calming, hands-on experience where you'll learn the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 10:10 - 11:50
    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
  20. 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