Roald Dahl's The BFG comes to Chichester Festival Theatre from the 9th March

Roald Dahl's The BFG

Chichester Festival Theatre, 9th March - 11th April

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. Fascinating and free exhibition train

      Type

      Type:

      Exhibitions

      Worthing

      An exhibition inside a train is heading to Worthing – and it's totally free to visit.

      Co-curated with the National Railway Museum and packed full of interactive exhibits and amazing stories, 'Inspiration' reveals how railways transformed the world…

      Dates

      From:
      27 Feb 2026to28 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    2. Paint a Parisian stroll at The Junction Inn

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Groombridge

      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:
      22 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    3. 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
    4. Children's Workshop | Easter Holiday Club: A Toy's Story

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Chichester

      Create book illustrations inspired by your favourite toy!

      Inspired by William Nicholson's enchanting illustrations for The Velveteen Rabbit, children will explore storytelling and illustration through their favourite toy.

      In this hands-on…

      Dates

      From:
      7 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
    5. 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:
      16 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      20 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      18 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      15 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      20 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      17 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    6. Rye Ancient Trails 30k & 15k

      Type

      Type:

      Sporting Events

      Rye

      The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. This spectatular event starts off on the high street…

      Dates

      From:
      13 Sept 2026
    7. The Paint Club painting party at Hart Country Stores

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      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:
      16 Mar 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
      From:
      20 Apr 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
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      18 May 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
      From:
      15 June 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
      From:
      20 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
      From:
      17 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    8. 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:
      5 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      2 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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      7 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      4 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      2 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      6 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    9. Worthing Rock Choir

      Type

      Type:

      General event

      Worthing

      If you have ever wondered 'are there any community choirs near me?' then the answer is firmly yes!

      The Worthing Rock Choir is led by local musician Emma Steele. People who have already joined the choir, who hail from Worthing and further afield in…

      Dates

      From:
      26 Feb 2026Open 10:30 -
      From:
      5 Mar 2026Open 10:30 -
    10. 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
    11. Backstage Tour

      Type

      Type:

      Theatre

      Brighton

      Our popular backstage tours are back!

      Venue

      Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

      Dates

      From:
      28 Feb 2026Open 10:30 -
      From:
      14 Mar 2026Open 10:30 -
      From:
      11 Apr 2026Open 10:30 -
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      25 Apr 2026Open 10:30 -
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      9 May 2026Open 10:30 -
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      23 May 2026Open 10:30 -
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      13 June 2026Open 10:30 -
      From:
      27 June 2026Open 10:30 -
      From:
      11 July 2026Open 10:30 -
    12. Rose Alchemy - Aromatherapy Workshop

      Type

      Type:

      Gardens

      Haywards Heath

      Join us for a relaxing, hands-on workshop where you'll capture the essence of roses. Learn to infuse oil with your favourite rose petals, blend a personalised perfume using rose and other plant-based essential oils, and craft aromatic balms to…

      Dates

      From:
      13 June 2026Open 10:00 - 14:00
    13. 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
    14. Heads On – Living Histories Exhibition

      Type

      Type:

      Exhibitions

      Bexhill On Sea

      Living Histories is a collaboration between Heads On and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, sharing the unheard oral histories of people who have used or worked in NHS mental health services in Sussex.

      Through a series of podcasts, we explore…

      Dates

      From:
      21 Feb 2026to3 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    15. Mothers Day at Amberley Museum

      Type

      Type:

      Mother's Day

      Amberley

      As a thank you, any Mum visiting on Mothers’ Day can enjoy free admission to the Museum. Tickets must be pre-booked online for this event. Make sure to book Mum a complimentary admission ticket!

      Dates

      From:
      15 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
    16. Noughty '90s Festival

      Type

      Type:

      Music

      Brighton

      Boasting four huge stages of music, the biggest '00s and '90s bands, artists and DJs from around the world, funfair rides, a '90s arcade, Retro Bars, an RnB Roller Disco, Gormet Street Food, Exclusive VIP area and so much more, this is the ultimate…

      Dates

      From:
      23 May 2026Open 12:00 - 22:30
    17. The Art of Illumination

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      Hailsham

      Illumination is the art of applying gold to paper or vellum, with the resulting artworks traditionally bound within manuscripts. Medieval illuminated manuscripts were highly prized items created by teams of skilled artisans. Herbals were manuscripts…

      Dates

      From:
      28 Mar 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
      From:
      29 Mar 2026Open 10:30 - 16:30
    18. February Half Term at Drusillas Park

      Type

      Type:

      Childrens Events

      Alfriston

      Make wild memories this February 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:
      14 Feb 2026to22 Feb 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
    19. 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
    20. The Paint Club painting party at The Victory

      Type

      Type:

      Arts

      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:
      3 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      7 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      5 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      2 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      7 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
      From:
      4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00