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: 207

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. 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
  2. Sussex Craft Week 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    32-33 North Street, Lewes,

    Launched to wide acclaim in 2025, Sussex Craft Week celebrates the region's excellence in craftsmanship and its place as the hub of the contemporary craft revival. The second edition takes place 20-28 June, with an ambitious programme of over 60…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026to28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Forest Bathing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5–5.5 km through our woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at several points along the trail for sensory and mindfulness…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  6. Saturday Art and Craft

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    29 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  7. Open Air Opera: The Marriage of Figaro

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Haywards Heath

    Open-air opera returns to Borde Hill the summer as leading touring companyWild Artspresents Mozart's comic masterpiece,The Marriage of Figaro– a sparkling tale of secret lovers, clever disguises and theatrical mischief.

    Taking place on the South…

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
  8. GIANT Dragonfly Outdoor Games

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026Open 10:10 - 16:00
  9. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    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 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. 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
  11. The Paint Club painting party at The Heathfield Tavern

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Heathfield

    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:
    10 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    8 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    12 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  13. BBB10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Battle

    The BBB10k is truly a treat to race. It takes runners through the pretty and historic streets of Battle, exploring the surrounding villages before finishing at the ancient Battle Abbey. It's a fast course with some hilly sections and a great race…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Sept 2026
  14. Pop Inspired Portraits

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Explore portraiture through a Pop Art lens with award winning artist Wendy Barratt, creating bold and expressive works inspired by the Pop and the Figure exhibition at Pallant House Gallery.

    In this one-day workshop, you'll work directly from a…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  15. Thursday Late | Celebrating Pride

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join us for our fifth annual evening of performance, art and celebration in collaboration with Chichester Pride, a volunteer led organisation created to support the local LGBTQIA+ community and its allies. This event is very popular so book early to…

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  16. Dragonfly Willow Weaving for children 10-17 yrs workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Arundel

    Fly into a willow weaving workshop and create a 3-D dragonfly sculpture.
    Zsofi from Nature Makers will guide children aged 10-17 years old through the basic techniques of working with flexible natural willow – a beautiful, sustainable wetland…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 10:10 - 11:50
    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
  17. Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers 2026: Nature's Embrace

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Chichester

    The Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral returns from 3 – 6 June 2026 for its 30th anniversary.

    This much-loved event will see the Cathedral transformed by more than 50,000 blooms in a spectacular celebration of colour, scent and creativity.…

    Venue

    Chichester Cathedral, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 June 2026to6 June 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  18. 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
  19. Outdoor Family Theatre - Pinocchio

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Haywards Heath

    Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, adapted by Oliver Gray

    Illyria brings Carlo Collodi's magical coming-of-age classic Pinocchio to Borde Hill's stunning Azalea Ring in a joyful, music-filled outdoor theatre performance perfect for all ages.

    Since its…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 15:00 - 16:50
  20. 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