Enjoy your leisure time with a visit to John Lewis at Horsham, a fun day out shopping with friends.

Shopping Time at John Lewis

Horsham, West Sussex

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: 161

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  2. 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
  3. Chateau Musar Wine Dinner at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    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:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:30 - 22:30
  4. Garden Explorer Trail at West Dean Gardens - Summer Holiday Activities

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  5. Postcard Collage Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys for a workshop in which you will engage with collage as a creative outlet, making your own compositions to take home, while guided by highly experienced artist, Mark Ellender.

    Like many Surrealists, Roland Penrose utilised the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  6. Summer Evening Dining at West Dean Gardens Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Chichester

    Enjoy sunny summer evenings in the rolling hills of the South Downs at West Dean Gardens Kitchen. Gardens Kitchen offers a dining experience unlike any other. Set in the heart of one of England's most beautiful landscapes, our Summer Evening Dining…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    9 July 2026to12 Sept 2026
  7. 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 -
  8. Textile Art Exhibition

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Storrington

    An exhibition of textile art by Worthing textile artist Jane Robinson. Stitched textiles inspired by the portraits in Parham House, as well as by plants and flowers, rocks and fossils, and the colour and designs of India. Entry is free via the…

    Venue

    Parham House & Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
  9. Christmas Pudding Dash

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Pett, Hastings

    This cross country event is great for all the family, with the main race being accompanied by a Fun Run and the Children's Scurry. There truly is something for everyone and afterwards, bask in the festive spirit and enjoy a yummy mince pie. Explore…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
  10. From the Lee Miller Archives: Lee's Surreal Menagerie

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    East Sussex

    Infused with wit and shaped by her surrealist sensibility, this playful display in the Farleys Gallery Café focuses on Lee Miller's animal subjects. From taking 'pet portraits' at the request of rich clients in her New York Studio, to rescuing a…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Apr 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  11. Go Ape Summer Adventures 2026 - Boring Ends Here

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Titmus Drive, Crawley

    Based in the heart of Tilgate Park, just two miles from the centre of Crawley, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered.

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    22 July 2026to1 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  12. Cupcake Decorating Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Following a series of sold-out sessions in 2025, we're thrilled to welcome Zoe from Bouquet Bakes back to Leonardslee for another season of inspiring cupcake decorating workshops.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  13. Sketching Workshop with Anna Ribo

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    East Grinstead

    Set within the tranquil surroundings of Gravetye Manor, the workshop offers an opportunity to explore the warm colours of the garden as it moves from late summer into autumn, and practice simple techniques to capture flower form and character. The…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Sept 2026
  14. Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Health & Wellbeing

    Ashford

    This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 15:30
  15. Autumn Garden Tutorial

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Polegate

    Join us for the autumn garden tutorial at Bates Green Garden, to celebrate the unique beauty and challenges of autumn. Guided by Head Gardener Emma Reece, this walk will immerse participants in the art of border planning and maintenance, garden…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  16. 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
  17. Battles Through History Military Show

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Ardingly, Haywards Heath

    Whatever the weather with more exhibitors, vehicles, and interactive experiences being brought indoors you can experience an unforgettable journey through time! Battles Through History, is the unique and exciting multi period living history military…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. 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:
    25 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    26 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  19. a small and quiet light

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    October 1943. In a small office on the Avenue Foch in Paris, a Gestapo interrogator is questioning a young woman who has been known by many different names: Babuli, Jeanne-Marie, Nora, Madeleine.

    As one of the secret agents of Britain's Special…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    21 Aug 2026to12 Sept 2026
  20. Arm Knitting Blanket Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Create a beautifully soft throw using nothing but your arms as needles. Perfect for beginners and seasoned knitters alike, this relaxing workshop is led by Paula from Cocoon & Me, who will guide you through each step.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 11:00 - 13:10