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: 210

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. 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
  2. The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    29 Aug 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. Robertsbridge Midsummer 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Robertsbridge

    The Robertsbridge Bonfire Society return to present another wonderful instalment of their much loved Midsummer 10k & 5k race. This is a community affair. It boasts fantastic local support with some super volunteer marshals to cheer and guide runners…

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026
  4. The Paint Club painting party at Carlo Lounge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    East Grinstead

    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:
    13 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  5. 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
  6. The Big One Hundred at Ashdown Forest

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    18 July 2026to19 July 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  7. Painting party at Ninkaci in Eastbourne

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Eastbourne

    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:
    16 June 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    21 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    18 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  8. 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
  9. Talk | Curator's Introduction to British Landscapes: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    30 June 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
  10. The Paint Club painting party at The Kings Arms

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    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:
    13 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  11. Live Music Thursday's at Bohemia

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Brighton

    Brighton's most popular live music nights, last Thursday of every month at this popular city centre venue, with free entry.

    From cover pop, funk & soul bands, to rock covers and even steam punk and blues…there is something for everyone to tap along…

    Dates

    From:
    11 June 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    18 June 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    25 June 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    2 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    9 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    16 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    23 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    30 July 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
  12. Antigone Exits

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Antigone's brother has died in a bloody civil war. The king – her uncle – has forbidden anyone to bury the body. Antigone is going to bury the body anyway.

    Twenty-five centuries after Antigone, seven performers gather to re-tell the tale of what…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  13. Leonardslee Wine & Dine

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Horsham

    Discover a three-course menu inspired by a different world cuisine each month, thoughtfully paired with wines from both our estates. Enjoy the elegance of our award-winning Leonardslee Family Vineyards sparkling wines alongside the vibrant, coastal…

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
  14. Curious About Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Hastings

    Get ready to explore Hastings like a real‑life detective!

    Curious About Hastings takes you to famous places and secret corners, with surprises hiding around every turn. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly, so…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026to3 May 2027
  15. Leonardslee Comedy Club

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join us at Leonardslee Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up and plenty of laughs!
    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:
    17 July 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  16. Dragonfly Willow Weaving workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    Willow Weaving Workshop: Arundel
    Feeling inspired? Take part in a relaxing and creative willow weaving workshop and craft your very own handmade dragonfly sculpture.
    Join us at WWT Arundel for a calming, hands-on experience where you'll learn the…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 10:10 - 11:50
    From:
    22 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
  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. 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 14:00 - 16:30
    From:
    20 Aug 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
    From:
    17 Sept 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  19. Special Event | Babes in Arms Guided Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed tour of the Gallery with a member of our curatorial team.

    Each tour will focus on a different theme, including the works in our permanent collection and our temporary exhibitions.

    Thursday 25 June 2026: Our…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
    From:
    3 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 11:20
  20. Ashdown Forest Open Studios

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Locations in and around the Ashdown Forest

    Artist and makers Open Studios. Visit over 80 different artists and makers in 21 different venues in and around the Ashdown Forest, home of Winnie-the-Pooh!

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026to6 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00