1st - 4th May 26 c Jonny Thompson
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.
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.
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 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.
Number of results: 161
, currently showing 61 to 80.
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…
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…
Arts
East Grinstead
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…
Sporting Events
Nutley
The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…
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…
Childrens Events
Chichester
Create your own pantomime scene in this theatre-in-a-box workshop.
Inspired by classic stories such as Peter Pan and Cinderella, enter the magical world of pantomime and build your very own theatre in a box! With expert guidance from our artist…
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
Sporting Events
Peasmarsh near Rye
This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…
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…
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…
Arts
Blackboys, Uckfield
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…
Music
Chichester
Join us as we celebrate the talent and creativity of young composers and performance students from the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Enjoy this musical performance exploring the wonderful connections that can be made between music and art.…
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…
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…
Childrens Events
brighton
Hands-On Half Term - 8 days of mad science. Learn to cook like a chemist (explosively), make slime, escape from a black hole, mend the world, build an Incredible Machine, and disappear down rabbit holes with Alice. It's ALL a week of wonderland.
Countryside
Arlington, Polegate
Come and dip into the fascinating world of fungi. From Beefstakes to Birds Nests, Fly Agaric to Fibrecaps, we have identified sixty types of fungi in Beatons Wood, and there are many more! Discover a little about the woodland web, and maybe discover…
Bank Holiday
Near Wadhurst
Pashley Manor's spectacular Tulip Festival is a riot of colour in East Sussex with over 40,000 tulips to experience.
Arts
Chichester
Create a unique textile artwork inspired by Rana Begum's stairwell installation using hand-stitching and fabric manipulation techniques, led by textile artist Helen Peters.
Explore the interplay of form, colour, and light in this hands-on textile…
Indoor
Turners Hill, Crawley
Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.
Music
Brighton
Brighton's most popular live music nights, last Thursday of every month at this popular city centre venue, with free entry.
From cover pop, funk & soul bands, to rock covers and even steam punk and blues…there is something for everyone to tap along…
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