Horsham, West Sussex
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 178
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Exhibitions
Winchelsea
Join us for the Winchelsea Annual Art Exhibition at the Lower Court Hall, High Street, Winchelsea TN36 4EA Saturday 29th August 2026, 10.00 am to 5.30 pm Sunday 30th August 2026, 10.00 am to 5.30 pm Monday 31st August 2026, 10.00 am to 3.45 pm Free…
Festival
Rye
Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day - 2026. Join us on Saturday 8th August in Rye, East Sussex. Celebrate the history and heritage of Piracy and Smuggling in the town. We will start the day at 10am with a muster at the tower and a procession through…
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Spend a relaxing afternoon at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens near Horsham, learning a creative modern style of hand lettering with a Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshop led by Helen Wallace.
Arts
Lewes
Join us at Farleys, either as a complete beginner or a keen improver, for a workshop in which Andrew Hasson will introduce some theories of landscape photography and, equally importantly, introduce workshop attendees to the idea of forward planning…
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…
Sporting Events
Battle
The BBB10k is truly a treat to race. It takes runners through the pretty and historic streets of Battle, exploring the surrounding villages before finishing at the ancient Battle Abbey. It's a fast course with some hilly sections and a great race…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Haywards Heath
This session will be run by Emily Phillips of The Embodied Beings.
As the season begins to turn and the pace subtly shifts, so do we. As leaves change on the trees, nature reminds us of the beauty found in letting go.
Join us for a one-hour…
Arts
Chichester
Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed tour of the Gallery with a member of our curatorial team.
Each tour will focus on a different theme, including the works in our permanent collection and our temporary exhibitions.
Thursday 25 June 2026: Our…
Arts
East Grinstead
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…
Arts
Arundel
Willow Weaving Workshop: Arundel
Feeling inspired? Take part in a relaxing and creative willow weaving workshop and craft your very own handmade dragonfly sculpture.
Join us at WWT Arundel for a calming, hands-on experience where you'll learn the…
Circus
Hastings
From the producers of some of the World's finest Circuses comes a brand new show specially created for a brilliant UK Tour in 2026.
Continental Circus Berlin with an amalgamation of brilliant Circus acts from all 4 corners of the globe, music & real…
Childrens Events
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Let your little ones get stuck into this fun and creative crafting session for 18 months - 4 year olds with Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex
Childrens Events
Rogate, Petersfield
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event will open on Friday 16th October, running through to Sunday 1st November. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH! Autumn Finale! a one-day ONLY event…
Fireworks
West Sussex
Join us for one of West Sussex's most spectacular fireworks displays at the beautiful Leonardslee Wine Estate. Set across 240 acres of historic gardens and rolling countryside, this magical evening is perfect for families, couples, and friends…
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…
Arts
Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea
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…
Arts
Shoreham-by-sea, Brighton
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…
Arts
Arlington, Polegate
The workshop will begin with an introduction to the cyanotype process, what it is, its history and show you all examples by artists and myself. I'll explain the chemicals involved which are non toxic and then perform a demonstration to show everyone…
New Year
Tenterden
Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.
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.
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