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

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Number of results: 207

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. 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
  2. ABBA Under the Stars

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    Following their 2025 sell-out concert, ABBA Gold Europe returns to Borde Hill!

    Get ready to dance the night away with a spectacular tribute to ABBA's timeless hits! Leading tribute band ABBA Gold Europe delivers an electrifying live performance,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  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. Eclipse

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    In the kitchen of an old Devon rectory, the daughter who stayed and the son who moved away make conversation with their current and former partners, the milkman, the postman, the care workers. They talk about the weather, the roads, the toaster, the…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    8 May 2026to6 June 2026
  5. Special Rose Week at Pashley Manor Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Ticehurst, Near Wadhurst

    Come mid-June the roses are glorious at Pashley – the perfect time to celebrate these gorgeous blooms with a Special Rose Week at this quintessentially English garden on the border of Sussex and Kent.

    Masses of gorgeous pinks can be found spilling…

    Venue

    Pashley Manor Gardens, Rother

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026to20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. Expressions in Blue at Petworth House

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Petworth

    Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff come to Petworth House and Park for the first time.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to27 Sept 2026
  7. 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
  8. Burning the Clocks

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brighton

    The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2026
  9. The Paint Club painting party at The Longshore

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Shoreham-by-sea, 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:
    9 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    14 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    11 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  10. Film Screening: 'Seeing Daylight: The Photography of Dorothy Bohm'

    Type

    Type:

    Film

    East Sussex

    Experience an intimate cinematic portrait of a remarkable life with a special screening of Seeing Daylight: The Photography of Dorothy Bohm at Farleys House & Gallery. Directed by Richard Shaw, the film traces Bohm's extraordinary journey; from her…

    Dates

    From:
    18 June 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  11. 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:
    6 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  12. Rye Summer Series Race Four

    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:
    7 Aug 2026
  13. Cyanotype Printmaking: Botanical Postcards

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    A little bit of nature's photography and a whole lot of botanical beauty!

    Join us for a hands-on cyanotype workshop inspired by nature, where you'll create your own beautifully blue postcards using this historic photographic printmaking process…

    Dates

    From:
    14 June 2026Open 11:00 - 13:00
  14. 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
  15. 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:
    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
  16. Parham House and Gardens Plant Fair Roadshow

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Pulborough

    The Plant Fairs Roadshow will be visiting Parham House and Gardens in West Sussex on Sunday 5th July. The Roadshow has some of the South East's best specialist nurseries and visitors will be able to browse and buy a wide range of locally grown and…

    Venue

    Parham House & Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 12:00 - 17:00
  17. Tree Identification Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arlington, Polegate

    As you walk the shady summer woods, you'll gather leaves to make your own identification guide for future reference. With your guide, Sarah, learn to tell Beech from Hornbeam, Alder from Elder, the properties of birch bark, and the folklore and uses…

    Dates

    From:
    25 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  18. The Paint Club painting party at Grounded @ The Forge

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Ringmer, Lewes

    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 Oct 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  19. 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
  20. The Lord Chamberlain's Men: Shakespeare's Othello

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    West Sussex

    This summer, Leonardslee Gardens is proud to welcome The Lord Chamberlain's Men for the very first time, presenting Shakespeare's Othello- one of the most powerful tragedies ever written.

    Step back in time and experience Shakespeare as it was…

    Dates

    From:
    10 June 2026Open 18:00 - 21:10