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

Planning your visit to Sussex events

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.

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

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: 171

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. 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
  2. RYA Jet Ski Course

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    RYA Personal Watercraft Course

    Turn your next day on the water into something bigger. Gain your RYA qualification, improve your skills, and enjoy a fantastic day riding a Jet Ski on our private lake. Bring your own Jet Ski or hire one of ours, with…

    Dates

    From:
    23 June 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  3. Sketch Booking Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arlington, Polegate

    Join us for a 3-hour sketchbooking workshop in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Bates Green Garden, led by talented local artist Emma Lindsay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the garden as you explore a range of drawing, mark making,…

    Dates

    From:
    2 July 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  4. Gozzle

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Arundel

    March 20-May 31
    Included in your admission price, book in advance and save 10%
    This spring, WWT Arundel is teaming up with Macmillan Children's Books to explore the wonderful world of wetlands with Gozzle the gosling, from Julia Donaldson and Sara…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Mar 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. Romney Marsh 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    New Romney

    The Romney Marsh 10K is organised by Nice Work on behalf of the Romney Marsh Rotary Club. The course uses the flat tarmac country lanes around the pretty Kent town of New Romney. You won't be disappointed by the views as you explore this stunning…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026
  6. RunWisborough 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Wisborough Green

    Overview
    Join us to celebrate our 10th anniversary with a scenic race route showcasing the pretty West Sussex village of Wisborough Green - with the start and finish in the village centre on the green. Runners of all standards are welcome, including…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026
  7. Barefoot Waterski Jump Evening

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    An evening of Barefoot Waterskiing at Action Watersports.
    Watch the GB Barefoot Waterski Team train at Action Watersports, skimming across the water at 45mph on their barefeet.
    Food available from our lakeside cafe
    This is weather dependent…

    Dates

    From:
    10 May 2026Open 16:00 - 20:00
  8. 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
  9. Parham House and Gardens Plant Fair Roadshow

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Pulborough

    The Plant Fairs Roadshow will be visiting Parham House and Gardens in West Sussex on Sunday 5th July. The Roadshow has some of the South East's best specialist nurseries and visitors will be able to browse and buy a wide range of locally grown and…

    Venue

    Parham House & Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
  10. 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 -
  11. 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:
    29 May 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    26 June 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    31 July 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
    From:
    28 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 21:40
  12. The Paint Club painting party at The Kings Arms

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    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:
    11 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    8 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    13 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  13. The Paint Club painting party at The Spur

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    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:
    6 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    3 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  14. Bluebell Spectacular & Woodland Walk 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Participatory Event

    Polegate

    Enjoy vistas of bluebells in 23 acres of ancient woodland. Walks and trails through three farms. Countryside exhibition. One walk is wheelchair friendly.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Apr 2026to10 May 2026
  15. Optics Demo Day at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Want to experience wildlife in stunning detail? Our monthly Optics Days are here to help you find the perfect binoculars or scope, for your birding and wildlife adventures.
    Taking place on the last Saturday of the month in our Discovery Hide,…

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  16. 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
  17. Kids Trail: Eco Explorers

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Haywards Heath

    This half term, bring your family and join Ethan, the Eco Explorer, who loves discovering ways to look after nature and care for our planet.

    As you explore the Garden, uncover fun facts, solve puzzles, and collect natural treasures in your 'nature…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. 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
  19. Forbidden Nights

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    Forbidden Nights is made up of a male vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all with an element of strip tease -- think Cirque du Soleil meets *Magic Mike*.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 19:30 -
  20. 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