Events in Sussex - look to the skies and celebrate Airbourne - Eastbourne International Airshow, East Sussex in August - credit Mark Jarvis

Eastbourne International Airshow

13th - 16th August 26 credit Mark Jarvis

What's On in Sussex

Share this with

x

  • Accommodation Search

  • Things to Do Search

  • What's On Search

  • Food & Drink Search

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Discover what's on in Sussex, including festivals, family-friendly events, theatre shows, garden open days, food festivals 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 to upcoming events to suit all ages and interests.

Events in Sussex

Top Sussex Events Not To Miss in 2026

2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county of Sussex

  • World of Wizardry, Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, Uckfield, East Sussex
    24th, 25th, 27th - 30th May 26
    A magical adventure of enchantment and adventure for all the family at Horsted Keynes Station.
  • Beach Life Music Festival, Eastbourne Bandstand, Eastbourne, East Sussex
    30th & 31st May 2026
    Family-friendly free seaside music festival (F).
  • Treetop Challenge, Go Ape, Tilegate Park, Crawley, West Sussex
    Ongoing 
    Exhilarating family-friendly adventure up in the tree canopy, with Tarzan swings and ziplines.
  • Rose Week, Pashley Manor Gardens, Wadhurst, East Sussex
    12th - 20th June 2026
    With rose themed talks and walks and the chance to enjoy the beautiful English Rose.
  • Summer Season, Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester, West Sussex
    Includes 45 Years (12th June – 11th July 2026) and My Fair Lady (6th July – 5th September 2026)
    Award-winning theatre shows full of secrets, intrigue and life-changing stories.
  • Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, Eastbourne Seafront, East Sussex
    13th - 16th August 2026
    Featuring the Red Arrows ,The Starlings Aerobatics Team and Aerosuperbatics Wing Walkers (F)
  • Battle of Hastings Re-enactment, Battle Abbey, Battle, East Sussex
    10th & 11th October 2026
    Dramatic living history event that changed the course of English history.

From dramatic coastline and rolling South Downs landscapes to headline festivals, historic re‑enactments and flourishing gardens, make Sussex the perfect place for a seaside stay or countryside escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today. 

What's on in Sussex this May, June and July?

Explore our featured events list and discover what's on this May, June and July in East and West Sussex, from spring garden festivals to sporting events to take part in, family trials and outdoor adventures all waiting to be explored.

Visiting Chichester for an event, book a stay at Stubcroft Farm campsite

Planning your visit to Sussex events

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.

Planning a short break around an event 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

What's on in Sussex today or this weekend?

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.

Are there any family-friendly events in Sussex?

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.

Are there free events in Sussex?

Yes. Look for events marked (F), including airshows, festivals and community celebrations. 

Sussex events near me

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.

What's on in East Sussex and West Sussex

Number of results:

Number of results: 184

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. RYA Jet Ski Course

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    RYA Personal Watercraft Course

    Turn your next day on the water into something bigger. Gain your RYA qualification, improve your skills, and enjoy a fantastic day riding a Jet Ski on our private lake. Bring your own Jet Ski or hire one of ours, with…

    Dates

    From:
    23 June 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00
  2. 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:
    3 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    1 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    5 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  3. 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
  4. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    From:
    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  5. Sheltered Lake Paddleboarding in Kent

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Romney Marsh

    Paddleboarding is a great fun activity for all the family (and dogs are welcome too). Head along to Lydd in Kent and try the Action Watersports paddleboarding experience package which includes tuition before you head out onto the water, handy tips…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    5 May 2026to30 June 2026
  6. Grand Tasting at the Winelands Festival of English Wine in Lewes

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Lewes

    Raise a glass to English Wine with WINELANDS – an exciting festival in Lewes to showcase the world-class quality of Sussex sparkling and still wines. WINELANDS brings together wine lovers, local producers, and industry experts for a week-long…

    Dates

    From:
    13 June 2026Open 12:00 - 18:00
  7. Silent Disco at Leonardslee

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    West Sussex

    After a hugely popular run of events since 2024, The Silent DJs return to Leonardslee for an unforgettable themed night on the dancefloor.

    Join The Silent DJs as they bring their signature high-energy atmosphere, with three DJs spinning the biggest…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026Open 06:00 - 22:00
  8. Alice in Wonderland trail

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Uckfield

    Sat 2 May – Sun 7 June 2026
    Step into the magical world of Alice in Wonderland at Sheffield Park and Garden for an enchanting trail through the garden, filled with characters and games inspired by Lewis Carroll's classic tale.

    Follow the white…

    Venue

    Sheffield Park and Gardens, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to7 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. Forest Bathing

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5–5.5 km through our woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at several points along the trail for sensory and mindfulness…

    Dates

    From:
    20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  10. Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
  11. The Paint Club painting party at The Victory

    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:
    2 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    7 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    4 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  12. Roses in Bloom at Borde Hill

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Haywards Heath

    June is a wonderful time to admire Jay Robin’s Rose Garden at Borde Hill, designed by RHS Gold medal winner Robin Williams in 1996 and named after Andrewjohn and Eleni Stephenson Clarke’s daughter. With over 750 David Austin rose plants and 100…

    Venue

    Borde Hill Garden, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    9 June 2026to20 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. Mindfulness Photography Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Horsham

    Mindful photography is perfect for finding calm in your day, de-stressing and boosting your mood. Who doesn't need more of that?!

    Photography lends itself amazingly well to the practice of being mindful, and being mindful also improves your…

    Dates

    From:
    5 June 2026Open 09:00 - 11:30
  14. The High Weald Walking Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Flimwell

    Now in its 9th year, the High Weald Walking Festival is inviting you to get your boots on and explore the High Weald National Landscape, and discover local history and admire breath-taking views.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Sept 2026to20 Sept 2026
  15. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  16. Expressions in Blue at Petworth House

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Petworth

    Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff come to Petworth House and Park for the first time.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to27 Sept 2026
  17. The Paint Club painting party at The Blackboys

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    7 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  18. Pukka Putters at the Rare Breeds Centre

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Pukka Putters is coming to the Rare Breeds Centre this May!
    Pukka Putters is the UK's only self-contained, walk in mini golf course built entirely inside a lorry! You don't just play mini golf you step into a themed jungle world on wheels!
    The…

    Dates

    From:
    15 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  19. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Summer Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026
  20. Robertsbridge Midsummer 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    19 June 2026