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

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Number of results: 183

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Leonardslee Comedy Club

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Horsham

    Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate setting on a Friday evening.

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  2. Sheltered Lake Paddleboarding in Kent

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Romney Marsh

    Paddleboarding is a great fun activity for all the family (and dogs are welcome too). Head along to Lydd in Kent and try the Action Watersports paddleboarding experience package which includes tuition before you head out onto the water, handy tips…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    5 May 2026to30 June 2026
  3. Robertsbridge Midsummer 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Robertsbridge

    The Robertsbridge Bonfire Society return to present another wonderful instalment of their much loved Midsummer 10k & 5k race. This is a community affair. It boasts fantastic local support with some super volunteer marshals to cheer and guide runners…

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026
  4. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Summer Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Nutley

    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:
    19 July 2026
  5. Burning the Clocks

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brighton

    The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2026
  6. 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
  7. Beach Life Music Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Beach Life returns this summer to a new venue at Eastbourne's iconic Bandstand, with non-stop live music, street food, stalls and entertainment. 

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to31 May 2026
  8. Wire Flower Making

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    West Sussex

    Unwind, create, and explore the delicate beauty of wire flower art.

    In this 2-hour workshop, you'll be guided step by step through the enchanting process of crafting beautiful, everlasting flowers and leaves from metal wire.

    You'll begin by…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    31 May 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  9. Roses in Bloom at Borde Hill

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Haywards Heath

    June is a wonderful time to admire Jay Robin’s Rose Garden at Borde Hill, designed by RHS Gold medal winner Robin Williams in 1996 and named after Andrewjohn and Eleni Stephenson Clarke’s daughter. With over 750 David Austin rose plants and 100…

    Venue

    Borde Hill Garden, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    9 June 2026to20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. Dorothy Bohm: About Women

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    East Sussex

    This exhibition of pioneering photographer Dorothy Bohm takes her declaration 'I think of women as the most natural subjects for me' as a starting point, revealing an astute awareness of the male gaze. Taken around the world and across decades,…

    Dates

    From:
    19 May 2026to26 July 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  11. Summer Propagation Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Polegate

    On Wednesday, July 8th, join us at Bates Green Garden for a Summer Propagation Workshop dedicated to the fascinating technique of taking cuttings. This practical session will help you master the different types of cuttings you can take in July,…

    Dates

    From:
    8 July 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. Forest Bathing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5–5.5 km through our woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at several points along the trail for sensory and mindfulness…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  15. Murder Mystery Evening

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Station Road, Tenterden

    Murder Mystery Evening

    Step aboard for a thrilling night of intrigue and deception!

    It's 1953 and a signalman has been found dead at Tenterden. DCI Thomas needs your help to uncover the truth before the killer escapes down the line.

    As the train…

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    31 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
  16. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington

    Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968.  The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. 

    Dates

    From:
    25 Feb 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  17. Silent Disco at Leonardslee

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    West Sussex

    After a hugely popular run of events since 2024, The Silent DJs return to Leonardslee for an unforgettable themed night on the dancefloor.

    Join The Silent DJs as they bring their signature high-energy atmosphere, with three DJs spinning the biggest…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026Open 06:00 - 22:00
  18. Leonardslee Quiz Night

    Type

    Type:

    Pop Up Event

    Horsham

    Join us for a high-energy monthly Quiz Night hosted by Paul from PJ Quiz, set in The Courtyard and packed with everything from Mash-Up Music and Cryptic Conundrums to Family Fortunes, TV Themes and the ever-popular Wipeout Round. It's fast, clever,…

    Dates

    From:
    3 July 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
    From:
    7 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
    From:
    2 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  19. The Lord Chamberlain's Men: Shakespeare's Othello

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    West Sussex

    This summer, Leonardslee Gardens is proud to welcome The Lord Chamberlain's Men for the very first time, presenting Shakespeare's Othello- one of the most powerful tragedies ever written.

    Step back in time and experience Shakespeare as it was…

    Dates

    From:
    10 June 2026Open 18:00 - 21:10
  20. Tree Identification Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arlington, Polegate

    As you walk the shady summer woods, you'll gather leaves to make your own identification guide for future reference. With your guide, Sarah, learn to tell Beech from Hornbeam, Alder from Elder, the properties of birch bark, and the folklore and uses…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00