Tilegate Park, West Sussex
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: 161
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
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…
Christmas
Eastbourne
Three Nights. One Epic Christmas Party. Zero Dry Turkey.
After multiple sold-out Christmas events, Eastbourne Music Fest returns with Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026 – bigger, louder, snowier, and more party-focused than ever before.
This year,…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Returning for one special evening, Leonardslee Lates offers a relaxed late summer evening for the whole family, with live music, local street food and beautiful gardens to explore.
Workshop
East Grinstead
Set within the tranquil surroundings of Gravetye Manor, the workshop offers an opportunity to explore the warm colours of the garden as it moves from late summer into autumn, and practice simple techniques to capture flower form and character. The…
Fireworks
West Sussex
Join us for one of West Sussex's most spectacular fireworks displays at the beautiful Leonardslee Wine Estate. Set across 240 acres of historic gardens and rolling countryside, this magical evening is perfect for families, couples, and friends…
Arts
Arundel
Willow Weaving Workshop: Arundel
Feeling inspired? Take part in a relaxing and creative willow weaving workshop and craft your very own handmade dragonfly sculpture.
Join us at WWT Arundel for a calming, hands-on experience where you'll learn the…
Christmas
Station Road, Tenterden
We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!
There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…
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
Childrens Events
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join Daisy First Aid at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens for a fun, superhero-themed first aid class designed especially for children aged 5–10. Through relaxed, hands-on activities, children will learn valuable lifesaving skills in a friendly,…
Arts
Chichester
Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed tour of the Gallery with a member of our curatorial team.
Each tour will focus on a different theme, including the works in our permanent collection and our temporary exhibitions.
Thursday 25 June 2026: Our…
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…
Childrens Events
Pembury
Kids activities
Now until Friday 28 August - Free activity trail - pick up your clue sheet at The Bluebell Cafe and take back when complete to receive a prize
Monday 10 - Friday 28 August, Lucky Dip - £1 per go (no booking required)
Wednesday 12…
Tour
Chichester
Enjoy an exclusive tour of the famous West Dean Gardens in West Sussex, with the senior Garden Team followed by a delicious cream tea in the prestigious Oak Hall. Seasonal highlights will be explored, including the Walled Kitchen Garden, Victorian…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Chichester
West Dean Gardens in West Sussex is hosting the Plant Fairs Roadshow for the second time on Sunday 13 September 2026, 10am - 3pm!
Set at the foot of the South Downs, historic West Dean is home to one of the finest Walled Kitchen Gardens in the…
Arts
Boat, Chichester
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…
Theatre
Chichester
Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo, returns to the Minerva following its hugely…
Arts
Chichester
Join one of our experienced guides for a tour of our current exhibition, British Landscapes: A Sense of Place.
Explore our current exhibition British Landscapes: A Sense of Place with one of our guides and let them share their knowledge and passion…
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