Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26
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.
2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county of Sussex
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.
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.
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), including airshows, festivals and community celebrations.
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: 210
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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…
Food
Eastbourne
Beer & Cider By The Sea will serve up another selection of real ales, craft beers, artisan ciders and perries for summer 2027, after its sell-out success. The three-day music, food and drink festival, which is one of the biggest on the south coast,…
Arts
Nr Wadhurst
The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens, described as one of the finest gardens in England.
Sporting Events
Nutley
The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Arundel
Can you zip, dart and glide like a dragonfly? Put your skill, speed and agility to the test with our interactive outdoor games, perfect for all ages. Land a ring on the dragonfly's 'antennae', try Giant Jenga and do Dragonfly dominos.
Cost: Included…
Film
East Sussex
Experience an intimate cinematic portrait of a remarkable life with a special screening of Seeing Daylight: The Photography of Dorothy Bohm at Farleys House & Gallery. Directed by Richard Shaw, the film traces Bohm's extraordinary journey; from her…
Music
Chichester
Spain's Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of the Renaissance. The majestic music of the Spanish Renaissance will be the theme of our 2026 Choral Pilgrimage programme, 'Lead, kindly light.' This…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lewes
South Farm is a family-run dairy and arable farm in the heart of the South Downs, near Rodmell. Every summer, seven acres of the farm are transformed into a maize maze — a bespoke design carved into the landscape and best viewed from the farm's…
Childrens Events
Arundel
Transform into a dragonfly this summer and with vibrant, nature-inspired facepainting. Our talented artist from Kate's Carnival will bring each design to life in a rainbow of colours, from shimmering wings and bold patterns to flashes of blues,…
Exhibitions
East Sussex
Join us for a free Curator's Talk with Monica Bohm-Duchen, art historian and daughter of celebrated photographer Dorothy Bohm, as she offers unique insights into the images that shape Dorothy Bohm: About Women, which is currently on show at Farleys…
Guided Walk
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Enjoy a stroll down into our valley with Senior Gardener Sarah Gardner, where she will introduce you to the diverse and rich native flora that grows among the more exotic plants here in our gardens.
During summer, lakeside banks and grass slopes…
Dance / Dancing
Haywards Heath
Slip on your headphones and choose your channel as the music takes over Wakehurst's wild botanic landscape. Wander, dance or drift through the gardens as they light up after dark. Experience this unique opportunity to lace up your dancing shoes in…
Arts
Arundel
Pop into the Outlook In building to make a dashing dragonfly!
Zsofi from Nature Makers guides families on how to make a dragonfly using eco-friendly, vegan-inclusive resources. Make a cord and bead creation or try one using reeds.
These drop-in…
Childrens Events
Chichester
Join us for a relaxed, creative workshop inspired by artworks in our collections and exhibitions. From block printing to collage, each session offers a simple, hands-on activity designed for all abilities – perfect for adding something creative to…
Music
Haywards Heath
Enjoy an enchanting open-air concert from one of the UK's finest jazz talents. Combining world-class music with the natural beauty of Wakehurst's wild botanic garden. This event offers a unique chance to savour the best of summer.
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.
Festival
Chichester
Please join us for a pawsome day out.
Fun dog show, food, stalls and more for all the family to enjoy.
Performing Arts
Forest Row
The Big One Hundred's Explorer Festival, a family-friendly fun day of workshops, performances and learning, sparking imagination and nature
The Big One Hundred opening weekend at Ashdown Forest
Our story begins at Ashdown Forest, the…
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…
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