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

Number of results:

Number of results: 204

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Cricketers

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Worthing

    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:
    15 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  2. Optics Demo Day at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Arundel

    Want to experience wildlife in stunning detail? Our monthly Optics Days are here to help you find the perfect binoculars or scope, for your birding and wildlife adventures. These events are designed for nature lovers at every level. Buy when you try…

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  3. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 July 2026
  4. 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
  5. Botanical Illustration Workshop: Summer

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Our botanical illustration workshop will teach you how to draw and illustrate a unique piece of art from start to finish. Professional botanical artist Leigh Ann, who is part of our Leonardslee Florilegium will guide you step-by-step, to produce…

    Dates

    From:
    16 July 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  6. 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 -
  7. 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
  8. The Paint Club painting party at The Victory

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Brighton

    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:
    7 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  9. Dragonfly Drop-in Craft with Nature Makers

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
    From:
    16 Aug 2026Open 13:30 - 15:30
  10. 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
  11. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington

    Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968.  The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. 

    Dates

    From:
    25 Feb 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  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. 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
  14. Sketch Booking Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arlington, Polegate

    Join us for a 3-hour sketchbooking workshop in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Bates Green Garden, led by talented local artist Emma Lindsay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the garden as you explore a range of drawing, mark making,…

    Dates

    From:
    2 July 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  15. In the Turning Light - A Morning Yoga Practice with Emily Phillips

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Haywards Heath

    This session will be run by Emily Phillips of The Embodied Beings.

    As the season begins to turn and the pace subtly shifts, so do we. As leaves change on the trees, nature reminds us of the beauty found in letting go.

    Join us for a one-hour…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 10:00
  16. South Downs Food Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Rowlands Castle

    The South Downs Food Festival returns to Stansted Park on the 6th and 7th of June 2026, bringing a spectacular weekend of food, drink, and celebration.

    Dates

    From:
    6 June 2026to7 June 2026
  17. Rustic Jar Craft Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Join Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend for this popular workshop, where you'll craft beautiful, personalised Kilner jars — with colours chosen to perfectly match your home décor.

    In this creative session, you'll decorate two jars using a mix of…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Sept 2026Various Opening Times
  18. 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
  19. Leonardslee Wine and 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
  20. 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