Events in Sussex - look to the skies and celebrate Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow, East Sussex in August - credit Mark Jarvis

Eastbourne International Airshow

13th - 16th August 26 credit Mark Jarvis

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: 177

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. 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
  2. The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Family

    Battle

    The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 300 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. The Paint Club painting party at The Boathouse Cafe

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Boat, Chichester

    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:
    14 May 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    11 June 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    9 July 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  4. The Paint Club painting party at Globe Inn Marsh Rye

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Rye

    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:
    3 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  5. 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
  6. Expressions in Blue at Petworth House

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Petworth

    Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff come to Petworth House and Park for the first time.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to27 Sept 2026
  7. Tina Under the Stars

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll!

    Experience the raw power and electrifying energy of the UK's number one Tina Turner tribute act, Typically Tina. Backed by a full live band, this sensational performance captures the voice, the…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  8. A Curator's Introduction to British Landscapes: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    Join Gallery Director Simon Martin for an introduction to our current exhibition British Landscapes: A Sense of Place, a landmark exhibition exploring how artists from the 18th to the 20th century have responded to the landscapes of the British…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 June 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers display

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    The carvers display their beautiful work and demonstrate carving techniques. Drop in for a chat - many pieces of work are for sale, with 10% or sales donated to Arundel Wetland Centre. The group is always interested in attracting new members.
    This…

    Dates

    From:
    10 May 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  12. Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers 2026: Nature's Embrace

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Chichester

    The Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral returns from 3 – 6 June 2026 for its 30th anniversary.

    This much-loved event will see the Cathedral transformed by more than 50,000 blooms in a spectacular celebration of colour, scent and creativity.…

    Venue

    Chichester Cathedral, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 June 2026to6 June 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  13. Stansted Summer Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festivals

    The highly popular Stansted Summer Festival returns to Rowlands Castle in Hampshire on the 27th and 28th June 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026to28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
  14. 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
  15. The Rogate Pumpkin Patch

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
  16. Alice in Wonderland trail

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Uckfield

    Sat 2 May – Sun 7 June 2026
    Step into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland at Sheffield Park and Garden for an enchanting trail through the garden, filled with characters and games inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic tale.

    Follow the white…

    Venue

    Sheffield Park and Gardens, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to7 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  17. Curious About Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    West Street, Chichester

    Have fun (re)discovering Chichester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
    It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  18. The High Weald Walking Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Flimwell

    Now in its 9th year, the High Weald Walking Festival is inviting you to get your boots on and explore the High Weald National Landscape, and discover local history and admire breath-taking views.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  19. The Paint Club painting party at Grounded @ The Forge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Ringmer, Lewes

    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:
    8 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  20. Specialist Spring Plant Fair

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Haywards Heath

    The ever-popular Specialist Spring Plant Fair will return to Borde Hill on Sunday 10th May from 10am to 3pm. Hosted by the Plant Fairs Roadshow, a collective of independent specialist nurseries, visitors can expect an extraordinary lineup of locally…

    Dates

    From:
    10 May 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00