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

Planning your visit to Sussex events

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.

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

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

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Number of results: 185

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  1. The High Weald Walking Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Flimwell

    Now in its 9th year, the High Weald Walking Festival is inviting you to get your boots on and explore the High Weald National Landscape, and discover local history and admire breath-taking views.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  2. 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
  3. 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:
    21 May 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    28 May 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    From:
    4 June 2026Open 21:30 - 23:30
    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
  4. The Paint Club painting party at 180 Degrees Bar & Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Cuckfield, Haywards Heath

    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:
    4 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    2 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  5. Two-Day Course: Spring Landscape Painting

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    This two-day practical workshop gives participants the opportunity to develop sketchbook studies and to produce their own personalised landscape painting, or paintings, in acrylic on canvas working both outdoors and in the studio with guided…

    Dates

    From:
    21 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    From:
    22 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  6. Traditional Indian Block Printing

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Learn the age old process of block printing with Jenney Kelly in The Studio here at Leonardslee. Using traditional wooden printing blocks, you will immerse yourself in a creative and fun few hours, experimenting with pattern and colour.

    Following a…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
  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. 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
  9. The Paint Club painting party at The Spur

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    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:
    3 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  10. A-May-zing half term at Drusillas Park

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Alfriston

    Make wild memories this May half term at Drusillas Zoo Park!

    Keep the kids half term happy with a zooper day out at Drusillas Park - voted one of the best days out with kids in Sussex!

    Get nose-to-nose with 80 species of animal in our…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
  11. 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:
    18 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    15 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. 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
  13. The Paint Club painting party at The Wheatsheaf

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea

    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:
    8 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    13 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    10 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  14. The Paint Club painting party at The Royal Oak & Castle

    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:
    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
  15. 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
  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. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Highlands Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Uckfield

    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:
    25 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    27 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  18. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Summer Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Nutley

    The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026
  19. Music in the Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Sunday Afternoons of Live Music in the Garden

    Our much-loved Music in the Garden events return on selected Sunday afternoons this summer, bringing the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing family day out.

    Settle into the stunning surroundings of our…

    Dates

    From:
    12 July 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 13:00 - 15:00
  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