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: 156
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Theatre
Haywards Heath
Open-air opera returns to Borde Hill the summer as leading touring companyWild Artspresents Mozart's comic masterpiece,The Marriage of Figaro– a sparkling tale of secret lovers, clever disguises and theatrical mischief.
Taking place on the South…
Special Events
Peacehaven
Experience the thrill of this gripping and scenic race beginning in Peacehaven. The route winds through stunning bridleways, the iconic South Downs Way, and the historic Greenwich Meridian Trail, finishing with a loop through the charming village of…
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…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Arts
Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea
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
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,…
Theatre
Chichester
October 1943. In a small office on the Avenue Foch in Paris, a Gestapo interrogator is questioning a young woman who has been known by many different names: Babuli, Jeanne-Marie, Nora, Madeleine.
As one of the secret agents of Britain's Special…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Whether your child is a first-timer or an experienced paddler, our 3-week Home Ed SUP Programme is the perfect way to get out on the water, have fun, and develop new skills. All while gaining the BSUPA Ready to Ride certification, a recognised SUP…
Arts
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…
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…
Walking
Hastings
Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, 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, whilst exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…
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…
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…
Theatre
Eastbourne
Forbidden Nights is made up of a male vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all with an element of strip tease -- think Cirque du Soleil meets *Magic Mike*.
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…
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…
Childrens Events
Station Road, Tenterden
"May the Fourth Be With You"
Bank Holiday Monday • 4th May 2026
Join us aboard the EWOK EXPRESS for an out-of-this-world Star Wars adventure!
⭐ Highlights & Activities
Duelling Area – Are you Red or Blue Lightsaber?
Onboard Activity Booklet –…
Sporting Events
Robertsbridge
The Robertsbridge Bonfire Society return to present another wonderful instalment of their much loved Midsummer 10k & 5k race. This is a community affair. It boasts fantastic local support with some super volunteer marshals to cheer and guide runners…
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…
Childrens Events
Alfriston
Make wild memories this May 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…
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