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

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Number of results: 166

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  1. Brett Lydd Half Marathon & 20 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd

    This long-established and highly coveted event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. It is the perfect opportunity to test your pace, hydration, and nutrition for…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2026
  2. Children's Workshop | Easter Holiday Club: Fabulous Footwear

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chichester

    Have fun designing and collaging your own fabulous footwear!

    Looking at William Nicholson's picture of Gertrude Jekyll's boots, other paintings and photographs of very fancy footwear, we will collect ideas and features we like the look of. Then…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  3. Beer & Cider by the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Eastbourne

    Enthusiasts can enjoy a mouth-watering weekend in Eastbourne - a great way to get ready for Summer!

    Dates

    From:
    15 May 2026to17 May 2026
  4. Curious About Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Brighton

    Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, 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. Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but…

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. The Paint Club painting party at Globe Inn Marsh Rye

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Rye

    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:
    1 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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    3 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
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    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  6. 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
  7. The Labyrinth Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham


    Take on one of the UK's biggest inflatable obstacle courses this summer!

    24 - 26 July

    Spanning 1,000ft with 34+ obstacles across 5 zones, it's a fun-filled test of skill and stamina for anyone over 1.2m tall.

    Quiet sessions: 24 July between 9:30…

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to26 July 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  8. Hawkhurst 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hawkhurst

    We are excited to announce the return of this fabulous community race for its sixth year. Working alongside Highgate Hawkhurst WI to support existing and new community projects, you can expect the usual delights: a free half pint in The Eight Bells…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026
  9. 45 Years

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Buried for decades, the body of a young woman is found in the melting ice. A thousand miles and 45 years away... a crack forms in the crystal of a marriage.

    It's the week leading up to Kate and Geoff's wedding anniversary and preparations for the…

    Dates

    From:
    12 June 2026to11 July 2026
  10. Spring Garden Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Arlington, Polegate

    Head along to Bates Green Garden for one of our inspiring Garden Tutorials in 2026, each thoughtfully timed to celebrate the unique beauty and challenges of spring, summer, and autumn.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  11. Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole

    Type

    Type:

    Mother's Day

    Brighton

    Celebrate the Mother-figure in your life with a classic afternoon tea, sea views and live music from Nadia Moon in the beautiful 1890 Restaurant.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Mar 2026
  12. Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    Painting party with The Paint Club at The Railway Inn

    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:
    24 Mar 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    26 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    23 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    25 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  13. Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers 2026: Nature's Embrace

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Chichester

    The Festival of Flowers at Chichester Cathedral returns from 3 – 6 June 2026 for its 30th anniversary.

    This much-loved event will see the Cathedral transformed by more than 50,000 blooms in a spectacular celebration of colour, scent and creativity.…

    Dates

    From:
    3 June 2026to6 June 2026Open 09:30 - 17:00
  14. 'Spring Bulbs' - Botanical Art Class with Penny Sanderson

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Haywards Heath

    Immerse yourself in the beauty of spring flowers at this relaxing two-hour watercolour workshop with talented Botanical artist, Penny Sanderson (Dip SBA).

    Using blooms from the stunning Garden at Borde Hill, Penny will guide you through the…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Apr 2026Open 14:00 - 16:00
  15. Backstage Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Brighton

    Our popular backstage tours are back!

    Venue

    Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    14 Mar 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    11 Apr 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    25 Apr 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    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 -
  16. 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
  17. 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:
    2 July 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  18. Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    East Grinstead

    This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 2nd of May with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile the 3rd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 4th of May with a 10k. Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex…

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to4 May 2026
  19. 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
    From:
    20 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    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
  20. 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