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

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: 204

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. 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
  2. The Paint Club painting party at The Heathfield Tavern

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Heathfield

    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:
    10 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    8 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  3. Mindfulness Photography Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Horsham

    Mindful photography is perfect for finding calm in your day, de-stressing and boosting your mood. Who doesn't need more of that?!

    Photography lends itself amazingly well to the practice of being mindful, and being mindful also improves your…

    Dates

    From:
    5 June 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
  4. Cool-Aid Comedy - New Material Comedy Night

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton

    Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.

    Dates

    From:
    10 June 2026to9 Dec 2026
  5. Dorothy Bohm: About Women

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    East Sussex

    This exhibition of pioneering photographer Dorothy Bohm takes her declaration 'I think of women as the most natural subjects for me' as a starting point, revealing an astute awareness of the male gaze. Taken around the world and across decades,…

    Dates

    From:
    19 May 2026to26 July 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  6. Outdoor Family Theatre - Pinocchio

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Haywards Heath

    Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, adapted by Oliver Gray

    Illyria brings Carlo Collodi's magical coming-of-age classic Pinocchio to Borde Hill's stunning Azalea Ring in a joyful, music-filled outdoor theatre performance perfect for all ages.

    Since its…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 15:00 - 16:50
  7. 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
  8. The Labyrinth Challenge & Toddler Zone

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Horsham

    Get ready for the ultimate summer adventure as The Labyrinth Challenge, the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle course, bounces back to Leonardslee. Race through over 1,000ft of obstacles, jumps and slides, or let little ones explore the all-new…

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  9. Talk | In conversation: Queer Art with Mollie Barnes, Gemma Rolls-Bentley and Simon Martin

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join Gemma Rolls-Bentley and Mollie Barnes as they discuss their new book, Art Essentials: Queer Art with Simon Martin, Director of Pallant House Gallery.

    Art Essentials: Queer Art brings together a wide range of LGBTQIA+ artists, tracing their…

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
  10. Hove Prom 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hove

    The accurately measured 10k course is two laps along the promenade with lots of great support from Arena 80 Athletics Club. The event is a Sussex Grand Prix Championship event and attracts both seasoned and beginner runners alike. The course is…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  11. 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 -
  12. Cyanotype Printing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    4 June 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  13. Traditional Indian Block Printing

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Learn the age old process of block printing with Jenney Kelly in The Studio here at Leonardslee. Using traditional wooden printing blocks, you will immerse yourself in a creative and fun few hours, experimenting with pattern and colour.

    Following a…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  14. 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
  15. Fireworks Night at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to6 Nov 2026Open 17:00 - 21:00
  16. Special Rose Week at Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Ticehurst, Near Wadhurst

    Come mid-June the roses are glorious at Pashley – the perfect time to celebrate these gorgeous blooms with a Special Rose Week at this quintessentially English garden on the border of Sussex and Kent.

    Masses of gorgeous pinks can be found spilling…

    Venue

    Pashley Manor Gardens, Rother

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026to20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  17. Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers display

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    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:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  18. Pause & Bloom: A Relaxed Floral Painting Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Pause & Bloom is a gentle, joy-filled creative workshop designed to help you slow down, reconnect with nature and create without pressure.

    Set within The Studio, in a calm, garden-inspired setting, and around a shared table, you'll be surrounded by…

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  19. The Lord Chamberlain's Men: Shakespeare's Othello

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    West Sussex

    This summer, Leonardslee Gardens is proud to welcome The Lord Chamberlain's Men for the very first time, presenting Shakespeare's Othello- one of the most powerful tragedies ever written.

    Step back in time and experience Shakespeare as it was…

    Dates

    From:
    10 June 2026Open 18:00 - 21:10
  20. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Highlands Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Uckfield

    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:
    27 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00