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: 210

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Eastbourne

    Three Nights. One Epic Christmas Party. Zero Dry Turkey.

    After multiple sold-out Christmas events, Eastbourne Music Fest returns with Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026 – bigger, louder, snowier, and more party-focused than ever before.

    This year,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
  2. Sussex Craft Week 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    32-33 North Street, Lewes,

    Launched to wide acclaim in 2025, Sussex Craft Week celebrates the region's excellence in craftsmanship and its place as the hub of the contemporary craft revival. The second edition takes place 20-28 June, with an ambitious programme of over 60…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026to28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. Midhurst Rother College Contemporary Craft Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Midhurst

    The Sussex Guild is delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of Midhurst Rother College to showcase our contemporary crafts this Christmas.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
  4. 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
  5. Rose Alchemy - Aromatherapy Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Haywards Heath

    Join us for a relaxing, hands-on workshop where you'll capture the essence of roses. Learn to infuse oil with your favourite rose petals, blend a personalised perfume using rose and other plant-based essential oils, and craft aromatic balms to…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  6. 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
  7. Pop Inspired Portraits

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Explore portraiture through a Pop Art lens with award winning artist Wendy Barratt, creating bold and expressive works inspired by the Pop and the Figure exhibition at Pallant House Gallery.

    In this one-day workshop, you'll work directly from a…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  8. Drink and Draw

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.

    We will set up the studio tables with a selection…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  9. The Paint Club painting party at Hart Country Stores

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    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:
    15 June 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  10. Worthing Rock Choir

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Worthing

    If you have ever wondered 'are there any community choirs near me?' then the answer is firmly yes!

    The Worthing Rock Choir is led by local musician Emma Steele. People who have already joined the choir, who hail from Worthing and further afield in…

    Dates

    From:
    11 June 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    18 June 2026Open 10:30 -
  11. McFly - Borde Hill Summer Series

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    With Special Guests The Feeling & Remember Monday

    McFly are set to light up our stunning Parkland at Borde Hill on Friday 14th August, headlining an unmissable summer concert filled with huge hits and a stellar supporting lineup. With gates opening…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 22:30
  12. Family Cupcake Decorating Workshop: Petals, Paws & Piping Bags

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Bring the kids for a fun, hands-on cupcake decorating session this half term. Each child will receive six cupcakes to decorate, with guidance from Zoe from Bouquet Bakes, they will decorate them with designs including a mix of cute animals, pretty…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026Open 10:30 - 11:30
  13. Forest Bathing at High Beeches Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Handcross

    A morning of gently guided, mindful nature connection. Slow down and connect with yourself and nature in the tranquil setting of High Beeches Garden. Tickets via Eventbrite

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
  14. Atlantis

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    In a small coastal village in Wales, Bryn and Gwen learn they will be forced to abandon their cherished home in the face of rising seawater. Their crisis rekindles Gwen's crusading spirit, cradled at the Greenham Common protests in the 1980s – a…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to15 Aug 2026
  15. 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
  16. Curious About Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Hastings

    Get ready to explore Hastings like a real‑life detective!

    Curious About Hastings takes you to famous places and secret corners, with surprises hiding around every turn. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly, so…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026to3 May 2027
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Father's Day at West Dean Gardens

    Father's Day at West Dean Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    CHICHESTER

    Visit West Dean Gardens on Sunday, 21 June and join us in celebrating the father figure in your life. Enjoy a complimentary all-day breakfast scone for the father figure in your life.

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  20. Peter Pan: A musical adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.

    Join Chichester…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026