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: 160

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Ship Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    East Grinstead

    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:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  2. Rustic Jar Craft Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend for this popular workshop, where you'll craft beautiful, personalised Kilner jars — with colours chosen to perfectly match your home décor.

    In this creative session, you'll decorate two jars using a mix of…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  3. Special Event | Babes in Arms Guided Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed tour of the Gallery with a member of our curatorial team.

    Each tour will focus on a different theme, including the works in our permanent collection and our temporary exhibitions.

    Thursday 25 June 2026: Our…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
  4. Supper Club at The Clocktower Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into the evening ambience of The Clocktower Kitchen, where themed suppers bring global flavours to life while highlighting seasonal inspiration. Each event celebrates the best seasonal ingredients through creative menus, offering an…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 21:30
  5. The Surreal Menagerie: A Poetry Writing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys for a fun, inspiring poetry workshop with Derek Adams.

    Whether you are new to writing poetry, or a seasoned poet looking for something to enhance and energise your writing, come explore this exciting, creative medium with Derek…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  6. The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Family

    Battle

    The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 300 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Family Silent Disco

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 15:00 - 17:30
  8. Dragonfly Boat Safari Rides

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Embark on a 20-minute guided boat trip and see the wetlands from a dragonfly's point of view, gliding low across the water. As the quiet electric boat moves through winding waterways, peaceful reed beds, and open water meadows, you can watch…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
  9. 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…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
  10. 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
  11. The Paint Club painting party at The Heathfield Tavern

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Heathfield

    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:
    12 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. Annual Surrealist Picnic

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    The annual spectacular in the Sculpture Garden at Farelys House and Gallery takes place one more on the August bank holiday! At the home of photographer Lee Miller and artist Roland Penrose, this event celebrates their Surrealist roots with an…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Aug 2026Open 16:00 - 20:00
  13. St Michael's Hospice Run

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Seafront, Bexhill-on-Sea

    Join us for this coastal charity run and help support the incredible work of St Michael's Hospice. Whether you choose the 5k or 10k route, you'll enjoy a beautiful stretch of seafront while raising vital funds for local hospice care.

    Race…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2027Open 10:30 - 12:30
  14. Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Turners Hill, Crawley

    Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to30 Nov 2026
  15. 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
  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. The Paint Club painting party at The Hop Sun

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Triangle Road, 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:
    13 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  18. 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
  19. A Truly Magical Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Step into the magic of Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre and make memories to treasure all season long!

    Meet Father Christmas and his cheerful team of elves
    Our festive celebrations on the farm, begin on Saturday 28th November and run every…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  20. Hove Prom 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hove

    The accurately measured 10k course is two laps along the promenade with lots of great support from Arena 80 Athletics Club. The event is a Sussex Grand Prix Championship event and attracts both seasoned and beginner runners alike. The course is…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026