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: 196

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Traditional Indian Block Printing

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Learn the age old process of block printing with Jenney Kelly in The Studio here at Leonardslee. Using traditional wooden printing blocks, you will immerse yourself in a creative and fun few hours, experimenting with pattern and colour.

    Following a…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  2. Backstage Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Brighton

    Our popular backstage tours are back!

    Venue

    Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026to27 Mar 2027
  3. Tour | British Landscapes: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join one of our experienced guides for a tour of our current exhibition, British Landscapes: A Sense of Place.

    Explore our current exhibition British Landscapes: A Sense of Place with one of our guides and let them share their knowledge and passion…

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Open 15:00 - 15:50
    From:
    21 July 2026Open 11:00 - 11:50
    From:
    15 Aug 2026Open 15:00 - 15:50
    From:
    18 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 11:50
    From:
    15 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 11:50
    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 15:00 - 15:50
    From:
    17 Oct 2026Open 15:00 - 15:50
    From:
    20 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 11:50
  4. Worthing Silver Band at Leonardslee

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    Come along this spring and enjoy the soothing sounds of brass instruments filling the air as Worthing Silver Band perform on a spring afternoon outside Leonardslee House.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 13:30 - 15:30
  5. 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
  6. A Curator's Introduction to British Landscapes: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    Join Gallery Director Simon Martin for an introduction to our current exhibition British Landscapes: A Sense of Place, a landmark exhibition exploring how artists from the 18th to the 20th century have responded to the landscapes of the British…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 June 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
  7. Life Drawing

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Welcome to the Summer season's drop-in Life Drawing workshops, being held in the Gallery spaces from 6–8pm as part of our Thursday Late events on:

    16 July 2026

    17 September 2026

    15 October 2026

    Experienced tutor Wendy Barratt, Sky Portrait…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  8. Bewl 15 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Wadhurst

    Overview
    Organised by Wadhurst Runners, the Bewl 15 & 5 mile races return on 5th July 2026.

    The 15 mile race is the original round Bewl Water race and the only one which includes the nature reserve with its stunning lakeside views. Once voted the…

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026
  9. Hastings Half Marathon 2027

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Grosvenor Crescent, Saint Leonards on Sea

    The energy: electric
    The crowd support: epic
    The course: achievably challenging
    The vibes: unmatched

    WINNER OF MIDSIZED EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 RUNNING INDUSTRY AWARDS!

    Join thousands of runners on the start line at the iconic - and…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
  10. Hawkhurst 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hawkhurst

    We are excited to announce the return of this fabulous community race for its sixth year. Working alongside Highgate Hawkhurst WI to support existing and new community projects, you can expect the usual delights: a free half pint in The Eight Bells…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  11. 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
  12. Silent Disco in Nature at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Dance / Dancing

    Haywards Heath

    Slip on your headphones and choose your channel as the music takes over Wakehurst's wild botanic landscape. Wander, dance or drift through the gardens as they light up after dark. Experience this unique opportunity to lace up your dancing shoes in…

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026
  13. The High Weald Walking Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Flimwell

    Now in its 9th year, the High Weald Walking Festival is inviting you to get your boots on and explore the High Weald National Landscape, and discover local history and admire breath-taking views.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  14. Nature Connect

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards Heath

    We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in Nature.
    Over three months you'll learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are…

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  15. Beginners Photography Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    Learn how to use your camera and unlock your creativity with professional landscape and award-winningphotographerMatt Goddard in the annual South Down National Park photography competition. You and your camera are capable of so much more when you…

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 09:30 - 13:00
  16. Talk | In conversation: Queer Art with Mollie Barnes, Gemma Rolls-Bentley and Simon Martin

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join Gemma Rolls-Bentley and Mollie Barnes as they discuss their new book, Art Essentials: Queer Art with Simon Martin, Director of Pallant House Gallery.

    Art Essentials: Queer Art brings together a wide range of LGBTQIA+ artists, tracing their…

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
  17. ABBA Under the Stars

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Following their 2025 sell-out concert, ABBA Gold Europe returns to Borde Hill!

    Get ready to dance the night away with a spectacular tribute to ABBA's timeless hits! Leading tribute band ABBA Gold Europe delivers an electrifying live performance,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  18. Dadventure at Go Ape Crawley

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    Crawley

    Looking for things to do this Father's Day in Sussex? Head to Go Ape Crawley for Dadventure – Dad's go free*. Conquer the Treetop Challenge high ropes course where you'll experience pure excitement, adrenaline and thrills. Tackle tree-to-tree…

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  19. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Plumpton College

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    The Sussex Guild's inaugural show at Plumpton College in the newly built AgriFood Centre. Meet contemporary craft makers, buy handmade applied arts or commission work direct from the designer.

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026to21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  20. Mansion Jazz: Joie de Vivre at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Feel the rhythm, soak up the atmosphere, and let the evening unfold at Wakehurst. Enjoy an open‑air picnic concert in a stunning landscape, and take in the chilled sunset lounge vibes with live bossa nova and Latin jazz all in the West Sussex…

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026