10 - 11 October 2026
Discover what's on in Sussex, including festivals, family-friendly events, theatre shows, garden open days, food festivals, outdoor experiences 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 of upcoming events to suit all ages and interests.
2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county of Sussex. From airshows to outdoor festivals, family attractions and seasonal events, you'll always find lots of exciting events in Sussex. This summer it's time to look to ths skies in Sussex with the return of Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow (F), offering a day of high flying free family-friendly action along Eastbourne seafront (3 August - 16 August). The partial solar eclipse will darken the skies over Sussex on the 12 August, ahead of the Astronomy Festival in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, which offers the chance to enjoy camping, children's activities, stargazing and planetarium shows (28th - 30th August). Not quite as high as the skies - but not far off - take to the trees with Go Ape at Tilgate Park, Crawley - this summer you can save with the Great British Summer Savings scheme.
Autumn doesn't mean the Sussex events diary gets any quieter, as a host of outdoor and immersive events arrive on the calendar. Garden lovers shouldn't miss the chance to visit the Autumn Plant Fair at West Dean Gardens (13 September) or to see McFly headlining the summer concerts at Borde Hill Gardens. For immersive events fans, over 300 re-enactors take part in The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought (10 - 11 October) and the sell-out Bluebell Railway Ghost Train returns (22 October - 1st November) with some spine-tingling family fun, ahead of a Murder Mystery Dinner at Leonardslee Gardens (31 October).
From dramatic coastlines and the rolling South Downs to headline festivals, historic re-enactments and award-winning gardens, Sussex is the perfect destination for a seaside stay or countryside escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today.
Explore our featured events list and discover what's on this July, August and September in East and West Sussex, from garden events and live music to sporting occasions, family trails and outdoor adventures.
From coastal airshows and outdoor adventures to theatre, art, gardening and heritage events, Sussex offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. Look for events marked (F) or add free to the keyword search box and you will find airshows, festivals, community celebrations and seasonal events taking place across East and West Sussex throughout the year.
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.
Number of results: 169
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Food
Alfriston
On Friday, 4 September, Nick Wolridge from Champagnes and Chateaux will host a special event featuring four different Champagne Cuvées at The Star, Alfriston, all paired with a delicious seafood platter of fresh oysters, half lobster, prawns,…
Childrens Events
Petworth
Step into a world of colour, creativity, and imagination on this fun, buggy-friendly family trail at Petworth House and Gardens near Chichester.
Follow Pipkin, a young dragon, on a journey through landscapes, play spaces, and creative challenges to…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cranbrook
Stop scrolling Go Ape! On a staycation in Kent and searching for nearby activities? We've got you covered, right in the heart of the stunning Bedgebury National Pinetum. Go Ape is one of the best outdoor activities in the area.
Heritage & History
South Harting
On the 13th and 14th September we are taking part in Heritage Open Days. This is your invitation to explore Uppark House for free!
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Learn the art of Lino printing in the peaceful setting of The Studio here at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex
Arts
Chichester
Follow your curiosity and try something new.
There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up a brush, maybe. Making a print, or working with colour, texture or thread.
This summer, there's time to begin.
As part of A Summer of…
Exhibitions
Chichester
This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…
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…
Arts
Eastbourne
The Sussex Guild is delighted to be exhibiting at Eastbourne College, another new venue for the Guild this year. It's a stone's throw from Towner gallery, in this culturally rich coastal town.
Walking
Alfriston
Join Alex Polizzi for one of her favourite walks. This route takes you over the Seven Sisters to the village of East Dean and the Tiger Inn for lunch, returning to Alfriston via Friston Forest.
Itinerary:
On Tuesday 29 September, you are invited…
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.
Sporting Events
Pett, Hastings
This cross country event is great for all the family, with the main race being accompanied by a Fun Run and the Children's Scurry. There truly is something for everyone and afterwards, bask in the festive spirit and enjoy a yummy mince pie. Explore…
Halloween
Petworth
We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ this Halloween at Petworth. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run!
Health & Wellbeing
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.
Childrens Events
Chichester
Join us at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester for a relaxed, creative workshop inspired by artworks in our collections and exhibitions. From block printing to collage, each session offers a simple, hands-on activity designed for all abilities –…
Pop Up Event
Horsham
Join us for a high-energy monthly Quiz Night hosted by Paul from PJ Quiz, set in The Courtyard and packed with everything from Mash-Up Music and Cryptic Conundrums to Family Fortunes, TV Themes and the ever-popular Wipeout Round. It's fast, clever,…
Exhibition
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Whatever the weather with more exhibitors, vehicles, and interactive experiences being brought indoors you can experience an unforgettable journey through time! Battles Through History, is the unique and exciting multi period living history military…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Come and enjoy a seasonal walk with the Head Gardener at Leonardslee Gardens. See the best places to enjoy Autumnal colour and learn about how we manage the garden and estate at this magical time of year.
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…
Theatre
Chichester
Cockney Eliza Doolittle scrapes a living selling flowers on the streets of London. Her dream of being a lady in a florist's shop is out of reach unless she can speak 'proper English'. So when she encounters Henry Higgins, a professor of phonetics,…
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