11th - 13th September 26
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: 160
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Exhibition
Petworth
Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff come to Petworth House and Park for the first time.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Crawley
Stop scrolling Go Ape! Searching for things to do in West Sussex this summer holiday? Head to Go Ape Crawley for an unforgettable outdoor adventure that's perfect for reconnecting with nature and each other.
Arts
Lewes
Join us at Farleys for a workshop in which you will engage with collage as a creative outlet, making your own compositions to take home, while guided by highly experienced artist, Mark Ellender.
Like many Surrealists, Roland Penrose utilised the…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Titmus Drive, Crawley
Based in the heart of Tilgate Park, just two miles from the centre of Crawley, adventure awaits. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered.
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join us at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Horsham, for an unforgettable experience with Kirsty from Make, Do, and Trend! Discover the art of crafting an everlasting floral hoop that will leave a lasting impression.
Sporting Events
Uckfield
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…
Arts
Alfriston
Join contemporary landscape artist Jo Starkey for an inspiring and immersive day at The Star, Alfriston, exploring the expressive techniques she uses in her own professional painting practice.
Nightlife
Hastings
A brand-new touring production of 9 to 5 the Musical is heading to Hastings White Rock Theatre this September, based on the hit 1980 film, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Arts
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.
Festival
Uckfield
Join us for a unique festival experience with craft beers, live music, and vintage steam trains at the Bluebell Railway Beer Festival!
Walking
Alfriston
Join Alex Polizzi for one of her favourite walks. This route takes you over the Seven Sisters to the village of East Dean and the Tiger Inn for lunch, returning to Alfriston via Friston Forest.
Itinerary:
On Tuesday 29 September, you are invited…
Performance
Bexhill
From May to September 2026, the terrace at the De La Warr Pavilion will come alive with our vibrant programme of outdoor events celebrating music, movement, creativity and community. Outside On The Terrace brings together experiences for all ages,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Step behind the scenes at Leonardslee and discover the fascinating world of honeybees.
Theatre
Chichester
Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo, returns to the Minerva following its hugely…
Food
Horsham
Celebrate 15 years of The Velvet Rooms with an unforgettable evening inspired by the dazzling decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Slip into your finest flapper dresses, fedoras, and feathers, and prepare to become part of an immersive, interactive…
Sporting Events
Lamberhurst
Whilst the mornings are still crisp and cold, come and celebrate your New Year beside the water at Bewl. With a clean slate and renewed energy for the year ahead, enjoy striking out along the Bewl Water trail, winding between the trees and taking in…
Sporting Event
Eastbourne
The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. It starts and finished on Eastbourne Seafront and is now part of an event that also sees the Ultra-Marathon,10k and Half-marathon all take place over the same weekend with…
Walking
Brighton
Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.
Sporting Events
Rye
The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…
Christmas
Hove, Brighton & Hove
Paper Daisy Events return to the beautiful & iconic British Engineerium in Hove for a spectacular & much anticipated Grand Winter Makers Fair over the weekend 21st & 22nd November, showcasing in excess of 120 small creative businesses, all specially…
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