The weather is getting warmer, and now is the perfect time to kick back, relax and do something fun. With that in mind, here’s our pick of the best Sussex summer festivals for 2026.
Petworth Festival
Petworth is awash with festivals and in 2026, look out for:
- Petworth Prom: 14 – 15 May
- Petworth Summer Festival: 16 July – 1 August
- Petworth Literary Festival: 28 October – 8 November
The Summer Festival is a world-class arts festival with an exceptionally high quality programme of classical concerts and recitals, chamber music, song, jazz, cabaret, theatre, comedy, visual arts, talks and walks in and around Petworth.
Bournefest
29 – 30 August 2026, Eastbourne
A new beach-side festival on Eastbourne‘s Western Lawns with a line up that includes a lineup including Artful Dodger, Baby D, and Lisa Mafia & Romeo.
Bexhill’s Big Summer Sounds
27 June – 4 July, De La Warr Pavilion
Join The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a festival of orchestral performances by the sea. Enjoy unforgettable live music like you’ve never heard it before with outdoor performances. Or step inside the auditorium and be swept away by classical masterpieces.
Steyning Festival
22 – 31 May 2026, Steyning
The Steyning festival features a variety of events including art trails, children’s events, community events, literature and talks, music and dance, theatre, comedy and film, walks and tours, and other events.
Worthing Festival
19 – 21 June 2026, Worthing
New last year, this year’s festival promises more than 50 bands, performers, artists and community groups spanning national and international talent, creative workshops for adults and children and a new dedicated children’s tent and immersive, site-wide art installations.
Forest Row Festival
19 – 21 June 2026
Featuring literature, spoken word, music, dance, food, art, and crafts and with something for everyone.
Festival of Chichester
13 June to 19 July 2026
A month-long celebration of the arts with over 100 events in Chichester. For entertainment seekers, theatre and cinema events are included as well as a classical music programme to indulge in. From classical concerts to theatre to a whole range of talks, poetry and guided walks as well as the best in jazz, blues, folk, rock, pop and world music.
The Big Gig
20 June 2026, Horsham
This Horsham event features live music and tribute acts which include Retronic, Spice Girls Experience, Dhol Collective, Abba Revival and This is Queen, plus lots, lots more.
Arundel Festival of the Arts
22 – 31 August, 2026
An inclusive festival of the arts with spectacular events across ten summertime days, showcasing a wide range of outstanding talent in the beautiful, historic and thriving town of Arundel.
Worthing Pride
4 – 5 July 2026, Worthing
Held every year at Steyne Gardens, Marine Parade, in Worthing as you might expect this festival celebrates the great diversity of the LGBTQI+ community, and includes a fabulous line-up of amazing artists and some great local stallholders offering a delicious selection of yummy food.
Medieval Festival Weekend
4 – 5 July 2026, Arundel
The lower lawns of Arundel Castle will be ringing with the clash of armor this summer as their Medieval tournament re-enactment takes place. Explore a tented encampment and see demonstrations of historical crafts, including forging, cooking, leather work, as well as combat, falconry and the Knights and archery tournament.
Battle Festival
10 – 26 July 2026
This is an art and music festival in Battle which also includes workshops and demonstrations and even a scarecrow festival.
Gossops Rocks Summer Festival
19 July, Dormans Crawley
See a line up of classic cars, bikes, scooters and trucks – old & modern, British, American, European, all makes, models. Plus great live music.
Ardingly Summer Fest
6 September 2026, South of England Showground
Promising the perfect day for music lovers, adventure seekers, and families looking for a day jam packed with entertainment, fun, and a touch of magic.
Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival
21 – 25 August 2026, Rye
A wonderful line up of world class headline concerts at the stunning setting of St Mary’s church and fabulous free live music performances at an array of local fringe venues, a dedicated outdoor music performance stage, educational music workshops, seminars, and vibrant street music!
Living History Festival
23 – 25 August 2026, near Hailsham
Head to gorgeous Michelham Priory in East Sussex for a festival that includes historical living encampments starting with the Medieval period and moving forward in time. There will be traditional food, blacksmiths, and activities to take part in all designed to immerse you in the past.
Boundary Brighton Festival
25 – 26 September 2026, Stanmer Park
Ending our line up of Sussex summer festivals, this Sussex music festival is big, bold and electric. Boundary Brighton is a festival with five stages of music, a funfair, delicious local food and other unexpected treats. Full line up to be announced.
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