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

Number of results:

Number of results: 172

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. Beach Life Music Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Beach Life returns this summer to a new venue at Eastbourne's iconic Bandstand, with non-stop live music, street food, stalls and entertainment. 

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to31 May 2026
  2. Atonement

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    On an English country estate during the blazing summer of 1935, 13 year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a passionate scene between her elder sister Cecilia and the son of their housekeeper, Robbie. In a disastrous desire for drama but only a dim…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    29 May 2026to20 June 2026
  3. Curious About Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Hastings

    Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  4. 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
  5. Birdsong Identification Walk

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arlington, Polegate

    Take an early morning amble through the spring woods to discover and learn some birdsongs. Sarah Wilesmith has worked in the woods for over a decade, and can help you tell your Coal Tit from your Great Tit, and Nuthatch from Treecreeper. We may even…

    Dates

    From:
    21 May 2026Open 08:30 - 10:30
  6. Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers display

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    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:
    10 May 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. The Choral Pilgrimage 2026: Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Chichester

    Spain's Siglo de Oro, the Age of Gold, gave rise to some of the greatest sacred choral music of the Renaissance. The majestic music of the Spanish Renaissance will be the theme of our 2026 Choral Pilgrimage programme, 'Lead, kindly light.' This…

    Venue

    Chichester Cathedral, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    19 Sept 2026Open 19:30 - 21:10
  10. Battle Medieval Fayre

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Battle

    Battle Medieval Fayre, fun for all the family! Our community fayre is filled with games, stalls and entertainment. Located outside the historic Battle Abbey.

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    From:
    25 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Hastings Half Marathon 2027

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Grosvenor Crescent, Saint Leonards on Sea

    The energy: electric
    The crowd support: epic
    The course: achievably challenging
    The vibes: unmatched

    WINNER OF MIDSIZED EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 RUNNING INDUSTRY AWARDS!

    Join thousands of runners on the start line at the iconic - and…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
  12. New Hall Centenary Grand Ball

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Winchelsea

    The Grand Centenary Ball! Please join us to Celebrate 100 years of the Winchelsea New Hall (Winchelsea's own 'Village Hall) on Saturday 27th June (7 pm for 7.30 pm). Music, Dancing, Cocktails, and a Pay Bar. Dress to Impress (1920's style, black and…

    Dates

    From:
    27 June 2026Open 19:00 - 22:30
  13. 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
  14. Art in Nature: Community Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Ardingly

    Art in Nature: Wakehurst Community Festival
    8–9 May 2026 | Free Event (Booking Essential)

    Ignite your creativity at Wakehurst's two‑day Community Festival celebrating Art in Nature. Enjoy a vibrant programme of accessible, hands‑on activities…

    Dates

    From:
    8 May 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
    From:
    9 May 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  15. The Paint Club painting party at The Queen's Head

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Redhill, Nutfield

    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:
    14 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    11 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    9 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    13 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  16. Eridge Park 10 Trail Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Eridge

    This corker of a race returns in 2026 to bring us 10 miles of trail delights and glory. Dubbed the 'favourite of off-road' races, the course is renowned for its captivating views, steep & narrow climbs and copious quanties of mud. Prepare to fall in…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026
  17. Rye Summer Series Race Two

    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:
    5 June 2026
  18. Autumn Garden Tutorial

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington, Polegate

    Join us for the autumn garden tutorial at Bates Green Garden, to celebrate the unique beauty and challenges of autumn. Guided by Head Gardener Emma Reece, this walk will immerse participants in the art of border planning and maintenance, garden…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  19. Barefoot Waterski Jump Evening

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    An evening of Barefoot Waterskiing at Action Watersports.
    Watch the GB Barefoot Waterski Team train at Action Watersports, skimming across the water at 45mph on their barefeet.
    Food available from our lakeside cafe
    This is weather dependent…

    Dates

    From:
    10 May 2026Open 16:00 - 20:00
  20. McFly - Borde Hill Summer Series

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    With Special Guests The Feeling & Remember Monday

    McFly are set to light up our stunning Parkland at Borde Hill on Friday 14th August, headlining an unmissable summer concert filled with huge hits and a stellar supporting lineup. With gates opening…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 22:30