Head along to meet the Stormtroppers at Bluebell Railway in East Sussex this May 26

Character Day with Stormtroopers

Bluebell Railway 2nd - 4th May 26

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

Number of results:

Number of results: 206

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Brighton

    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 centre 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
  4. Air Ambulance Family Fun Day Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Steyning

    Bring your friends and family along for an unforgettable experience! But this isn't just a day out – it's a unique chance to meet the people who save lives in your community. Kids can learn, explore, and play, while families see first hand how their…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  5. Leonardslee Comedy Club

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Horsham

    Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate setting on a Friday evening.

    Dates

    From:
    26 June 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  6. 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
  7. Nature Connect

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards Heath

    We'd love you to join us on a three month journey designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in Nature.
    Over three months you'll learn simple ways to connect, relax and engage in the natural world. Weather you are a parent, caregiver or are…

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  8. 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
  9. Rye Summer Series Race Four

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Aug 2026
  10. Photography Composition for Beginners

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join award-winning photographer Matt Goddard for a look at artistic composition. We'll start with how to visualise with lots of practical tips and ideas to create more beautiful and engaging photos.

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026Open 09:30 - 13:00
  11. Dadventure at Go Ape Bedgebury

    Type

    Type:

    Father's Day

    Cranbrook

    Skip the socks. Send him up a tree!
    Looking for things to do this Father's Day in Kent? Head to Go Ape Bedgebury for Dadventure – Dad's go free*
    Take someone special to conquer the Treetop Challenge high ropes course where you'll experience pure…

    Venue

    Go Ape Bedgebury, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  12. 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
  13. Curious About Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. Beginners Photography Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    Learn how to use your camera and unlock your creativity with professional landscape and award-winningphotographerMatt Goddard in the annual South Down National Park photography competition. You and your camera are capable of so much more when you…

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 09:30 - 13:00
  15. Dragonfly Boat Safari Rides

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Embark on a 20-minute guided boat trip and see the wetlands from a dragonfly's point of view, gliding low across the water. As the quiet electric boat moves through winding waterways, peaceful reed beds, and open water meadows, you can watch…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:30 - 15:30
  16. Rye Summer Series Race Five

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026
  17. New Hall Centenary Grand Ball

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Winchelsea

    The Grand Centenary Ball! Please join us to Celebrate 100 years of the Winchelsea New Hall (Winchelsea's own 'Village Hall) on Saturday 27th June (7 pm for 7.30 pm). Music, Dancing, Cocktails, and a Pay Bar. Dress to Impress (1920's style, black and…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026Open 19:00 - 22:30
  18. Wine Walk: The Henry Moore Edition at Kew Wakehurst, Sussex

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Haywards Heath

    Hear from wine experts, horticultural specialists and art hosts at the Henry Moore Wine Walk, an after-hours wine walk through Wakehurst's most stunning landscapes and iconic sculptures. Sip, stroll, and discover art and nature in a uniquely relaxed…

    Venue

    Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026
  19. 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
  20. Botanical Pottery Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Step into a hands-on creative escape and craft four beautifully bespoke pottery pieces to treasure. From stylish coasters and decorative tiles to delicate hanging ornaments, you'll bring each design to life using an inspiring blend of fresh and…

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00