Roald Dahl's The BFG comes to Chichester Festival Theatre from the 9th March

Roald Dahl's The BFG

Chichester Festival Theatre, 9th March - 11th April

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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.

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What's on in Sussex this weekend?

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.

Staying overnight 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.

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Sussex events near me

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.

What's on in East Sussex and West Sussex

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Number of results: 156

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  1. BBB10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Battle

    The BBB10k is truly a treat to race. It takes runners through the pretty and historic streets of Battle, exploring the surrounding villages before finishing at the ancient Battle Abbey. It's a fast course with some hilly sections and a great race…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Sept 2026
  2. 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
  3. Kids Trail: Eco Explorers

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Haywards Heath

    This half term, bring your family and join Ethan, the Eco Explorer, who loves discovering ways to look after nature and care for our planet.

    As you explore the Garden, uncover fun facts, solve puzzles, and collect natural treasures in your 'nature…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  4. Painting party at Ninkaci in Eastbourne

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Eastbourne

    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:
    21 Apr 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    19 May 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    16 June 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    21 July 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    18 Aug 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  5. Dog and Duck Show

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    As part of our May Half Term events, we are welcoming Stuart Barnes and his highly popular Dog and Duck show, to the Rare Breeds Centre!
    In the show, talented rescue dogs team up as a coordinated pack, showcasing their incredible communication…

    Dates

    From:
    25 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. Cyanotype Printing Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arlington, Polegate

    The workshop will begin with an introduction to the cyanotype process, what it is, its history and show you all examples by artists and myself. I'll explain the chemicals involved which are non toxic and then perform a demonstration to show everyone…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Aug 2026Open 09:30 - 12:30
  7. Peacehaven Trail 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026
  8. Birdsong Identification Walk

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 May 2026Open 08:30 - 10:30
  9. Easter on the Farm

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Hop on over to the Farm this Easter, from Friday 3rd April to Sunday 19th April, for fun filled activities the whole family will enjoy!
    What's on Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April:
    - Meet Noreen Carrots, Lavendar Lamb and Farrington T Fox
    - See them…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Apr 2026to19 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  10. Thursday Late | Art of Appearance

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    Join us in April for a Thursday Late event looking at the art of appearance.

    In a special talk (tickets sold separately), celebrated curator and aesthete Stephen Calloway invites us into the fascinating world of self-fashioning – revealing how…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Apr 2026Open 17:00 - 20:30
  11. William Nicholson

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    This is the first major exhibition of the celebrated artist William Nicholson (1872 – 1949) in more than 20 years.
    Spanning Nicholson's entire career, this landmark show reveals the breadth of his artistic vision – from world-renowned still lifes,…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2025to10 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. Begin Wood Carving – Redstart

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Arundel

    £48 per person, 18+ only, book online
    This full‑day wood carving workshop introduces participants to the craft of wildlife carving under the guidance of the Bentley Wildlife Carvers. Attendees learn the fundamentals of carving as they shape a…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  13. Curious About Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Brighton

    Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, 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. Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but…

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  14. Kids Trail: Ludo's Easter Adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Haywards Heath

    This Easter holiday, follow the adventures of Ludo the Lamb on his quest to win the Lamb National Race!

    Bring your family and follow the story trail around the Garden as Ludo races to victory. Along the way, search for Easter eggs hidden within the…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Mar 2026to20 Apr 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  15. Season Opener 2026 ft ABBA The Party

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Brighton

    Kick off the 2026 flat racing season in style at Brighton Racecourse on Saturday 18 April. Set against sweeping coastal views and the rolling Sussex Downs, this vibrant evening blends thrilling live racing with an unforgettable ABBA party atmosphere…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2026Open 14:00 - 23:00
  16. Beer & Cider by the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Eastbourne

    Enthusiasts can enjoy a mouth-watering weekend in Eastbourne - a great way to get ready for Summer!

    Dates

    From:
    15 May 2026to17 May 2026
  17. A Midsummer Night's Dream

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Join us in the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

    Artistic Director Justin Audibert follows Hamlet and his hugely popular Festival Theatre production of Redlands, turning from the rock 'n' roll of…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  18. The Rogate Pumpkin Patch

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Rogate, Petersfield

    The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event will open on Friday 16th October, running through to Sunday 1st November. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH! Autumn Finale! a one-day ONLY event…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
  19. The Paint Club painting party at The Longshore

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Shoreham-by-sea, 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:
    14 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    12 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    9 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    14 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    11 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  20. Easter at Leonardslee: Become a Garden Explorer

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Horsham

    An Easter adventure made for curious kids.
    A trail of clues, stickers, and challenges across the gardens, finishing with a fun obstacle course and an Easter prize.

    Armed with a trail booklet and a pocket full of stickers, children set off across…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026Open 09:00 - 17:00