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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Sussex is ready to welcome you for a year filled with colour, creativity and coast-to-countryside events. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant seaside cities, peaceful gardens, world‑class culture or family‑friendly days out, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across East and West Sussex in every season.

2026 brings an exciting line‑up of celebrations. At Borde Hill, the much‑loved Jay Robin’s Rose Garden marks its 30th anniversary, with more than 750 David Austin roses across 100 varieties taking centre stage. Across the county, the Brighton Festival celebrates its 60th year, bringing theatre, music, dance and visual art to venues and open spaces throughout the city from 2–25 May 2026. East Sussex honours the 100th anniversary of Winnie‑the‑Pooh, with Ashdown Forest hosting themed walks, family activities and exhibitions inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood. Whilst in West Sussex, Chichester Cathedral welcomes visitors back to its spectacular Festival of Flowers, returning from 3rd – 6th June to mark 30 years with more than 50,000 blooms filling the historic nave and cloisters.For foodie fans the tasty Rye Bay Scallops festival is a great way to indulge in this delicious seafood running from 21st February - 1st March 26.

From dramatic coastline and rolling South Downs landscapes to headline festivals, historic re‑enactments and flourishing gardens, Sussex is the perfect place for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Sussex experience is waiting.

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What's on in Sussex this weekend?

To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date, explore the featured list or head to the bottom of the page and explore the list of events in Sussex. If you are on a budget look out for the free events (F) taking place across the county. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.

Staying overnight 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

Sussex events near me

Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers to enjoy. The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.

What's on in East Sussex and West Sussex

Inspiration

  1. Dinosaur Adventure Live!
    Surely The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth! 65…
    1. Stargazing at Helen Garden
      Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical…
      1. 21 Feb 2026

    Number of results:

    Number of results: 171

    , currently showing 61 to 80.

    1. Roses in Bloom at Borde Hill

      Type

      Type:

      Show / Display

      Haywards Heath

      June is a wonderful time to admire Jay Robin’s Rose Garden at Borde Hill, designed by RHS Gold medal winner Robin Williams in 1996 and named after Andrewjohn and Eleni Stephenson Clarke’s daughter. With over 750 David Austin rose plants and 100…

      Venue

      Borde Hill Garden, Mid Sussex

      Dates

      From:
      9 June 2026to20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    2. Go Ape x Summer Adventures 2025 - Boring Ends Here

      Type

      Type:

      Outdoor Event / Activities

      Titmus Drive, Crawley

      Looking for things to do this February half term in Sussex? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Crawley, set in the heart of Tilgate Park near Crawley, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

      Perfect for families, friends, and thrill seekers, Go…

      Dates

      From:
      14 Feb 2026to22 Feb 2026Open 10:30 - 14:30
    3. Peacehaven Trail 10k

      Type

      Type:

      Special Events

      Peacehaven

      Experience the thrill of this gripping and scenic race beginning in Peacehaven. The route winds through stunning bridleways, the iconic South Downs Way, and the historic Greenwich Meridian Trail, finishing with a loop through the charming village of…

      Dates

      From:
      28 June 2026
    4. 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
    5. Pashley Manor Gardens Tulip Festival

      Type

      Type:

      Bank Holiday

      Near Wadhurst

      Pashley Manor's spectacular Tulip Festival is a riot of colour in East Sussex with over 40,000 tulips to experience.

      Venue

      Pashley Manor Gardens, Rother

      Dates

      From:
      16 Apr 2026to1 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    6. Rye Summer Series Race Three

      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:
      10 July 2026
    7. Painting party at The Royal Oak & Castle in Pevensey

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Pevensey

      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 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      7 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      20 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      18 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      2 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      15 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    8. Stained Glass Workshop – Two Day Course

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Hailsham

      Design and make your own stained-glass panel using traditional techniques. Perfect for complete beginners or those with some experience.

      You'll learn:
      • Glass cutting, leading, soldering & cementing
      • How to design and build a hanging panel (6–12…

      Dates

      From:
      14 Mar 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
      From:
      15 Mar 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
    9. 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:
      11 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      8 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      13 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      10 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      8 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      12 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    10. Bogan Bingo Bottomless Brunch

      Type

      Type:

      Comedy

      Brighton and Hove

      Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!

      What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!

      Tickets include:

      - 90…

      Venue

      Komedia, Brighton and Hove

      Dates

      From:
      28 Feb 2026Open 12:30 -
      From:
      28 Mar 2026Open 12:30 -
      From:
      27 June 2026Open 12:30 -
      From:
      24 Oct 2026Open 12:30 -
      From:
      21 Nov 2026Open 12:30 -
    11. Dawn Chorus Walk

      Type

      Type:

      Outdoor Event / Activities

      Haywards Heath

      It may be an early start… but it's worth getting up extra early to experience the full power and majesty of the Dawn Chorus choir set against a beautiful spring sunrise.

      Join Sussex naturalist Michael Blencowe for a gentle walk through Borde Hill's…

      Dates

      From:
      25 Apr 2026Open 05:30 - 07:30
    12. Bluebell Spectacular & Woodland Walk 2026

      Type

      Type:

      Participatory Event

      Polegate

      Enjoy vistas of bluebells in 23 acres of ancient woodland. Walks and trails through three farms. Countryside exhibition. One walk is wheelchair friendly.

      Dates

      From:
      3 Apr 2026to10 May 2026
    13. Hands-On Half Term

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      brighton

      Hands-On Half Term - 8 days of mad science. Learn to cook like a chemist (explosively), make slime, escape from a black hole, mend the world, build an Incredible Machine, and disappear down rabbit holes with Alice. It's ALL a week of wonderland.

      Dates

      From:
      14 Feb 2026to21 Feb 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
    14. Spring Wreath Workshops

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Arundel

      £25 per person, 18+ only, book online
      This spring wreath workshop invites participants to craft a unique seasonal wreath using wetland willow, natural materials and foraged foliage. Guided by seasonal inspiration, the session teaches the basics of…

      Dates

      From:
      21 Mar 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
      From:
      21 Mar 2026Open 13:30 - 15:30
    15. 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.

      Dates

      From:
      20 July 2024to1 July 2026
    16. Rathfinny Run

      Type

      Type:

      Sporting Events

      Polegate

      This race has sold out every year since its inception five years ago - so it's in high demand! The Rathfinny Run is an exceptionally special running experience. It focuses on reducing it's environmental impact and encourages runners to reduce their…

      Dates

      From:
      10 May 2026
    17. Jack in the Green Festival, Hastings

      Type

      Type:

      Festival

      HASTINGS

      A festival of Morris and other traditional dance with visiting teams from all over England and Europe. Jack of the Green takes place on the May Day Bank Holiday Monday with music, dance, singing and street entertainment and the traditional crowning…

      Dates

      From:
      1 May 2026to4 May 2026
    18. Celebrate Mother's Day on the Farm

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Ashford

      Make this Mother's Day truly special with a memorable visit to the Rare Breeds Centre. On Sunday, 15th March 2026, we're delighted to offer one complimentary parent or carer day ticket for every group booking with at least one paid adult or child…

      Dates

      From:
      15 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    19. Optics Day at WWT Arundel

      Type

      Type:

      Outdoor Event / Activities

      Arundel

      In Visitor Centre gallery
      WWT Arundel's Optics Days give visitors the chance to test a wide range of binoculars and spotting scopes and receive expert advice on choosing the best equipment for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Running from…

      Dates

      From:
      7 Mar 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    20. Kids Trail: Ludo's Easter Adventure

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Haywards Heath

      This Easter holiday, follow the adventures of Ludo the Lamb on his quest to win the Lamb National Race!

      Bring your family and follow the story trail around the Garden as Ludo races to victory. Along the way, search for Easter eggs hidden within the…

      Dates

      From:
      28 Mar 2026to20 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00