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What's On in Sussex

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

Images from around Sussex

Sussex Events

2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county of Sussex. From outdoor adventures to festivals, workshops to seasonal events, you'll always find lots of exciting events in Sussex. This autumn the Bonfire Society Procession returns along Eastbourne seafront, celebrating its 25th anniversary, with a beach-side bonfire and fireworks (3 October) (F) ahead of some festive fun in Little Chelsea, with the festive Christmas lights and fireworks on (4 December). The thrilling Go Ape Sundown Adventures returns to Tilgate Park, Crawley, offering visitors the chance to experience the treetops after dark (16 October - 8 November).  

Autumn doesn't mean the Sussex events diary gets any quieter, as a host of outdoor and immersive events arrive on the calendar. For living history fans, over 300 re-enactors take part in The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought (10 - 11 October) ahead of this year's Guy Fawkes Celebrations in Battle (7 November). The sell-out Bluebell Railway Ghost Train returns (22 October - 1 November) with some spine-tingling family fun, along with a Murder Mystery Dinner at Tottington Manor, West Sussex (31 October).

From dramatic coastlines and the rolling South Downs to fireworks, festivals, historic re-enactments and award-winning gardens, Sussex is the perfect destination for a seaside stay or countryside escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today. 

Sundown Adventures Now Live at Go Ape Crawley

What's on in Sussex

Explore our featured events list and discover what's on this September, October and November in East and West Sussex, from garden events and live music to sporting occasions, family trails and outdoor adventures.

From coastal celebrations and historic re-enactments to family attractions, theatre performances and countryside adventures, Sussex offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.

Exquisite Afternoon Tea at Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex

Plan your visit to Sussex

If you're 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.

Frequently asked questions about events in Sussex

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 to plan your visit.

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's 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) or add free to the keyword search box and you will find airshows, festivals, community celebrations and seasonal events taking place across East and West Sussex throughout the year.

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: 141

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. How to build the perfect Winter capsule Wardrobe

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Horsham

    Want to discover the newest Winter fashion trends and brands for the upcoming season? Join the John Lewis personal stylists at their Horsham store for an intimate look at how to build a capsule wardrobe for the Winter.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2026Open 11:30 - 12:20
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 11:30 - 12:20
  2. Spooky Family Silent Disco

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Horsham

    Dance, sing and celebrate Halloween at Leonardslee

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 16:10 - 20:30
  3. Festive Candle Making Workshop @ Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    This festive workshop is the perfect holiday self-spoil or an opportunity to hand-craft deeply personal gifts for loved ones. Set within a warm, festive atmosphere, you'll learn to work with natural wax and seasonal botanicals to create a beautiful,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    18 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  4. Hey! Christmas Tree

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo, returns to the Minerva following its hugely…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to27 Dec 2026
  5. Peter Pan: A musical adventure

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  6. Dinosaur Adventure Live!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Eastbourne

    Surely The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth! 65 million years in the making… Are you ready for the adventure?

    Join our intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as we journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like Dinosaurs. Walk with us through the…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2027Open 14:00 -
  7. Curious About Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    West Street, Chichester

    Have fun (re)discovering Chichester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
    It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  8. Birdwatching for Beginners

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Arundel

    Want to know the difference between a coot and a moorhen? Or how to recognise the different species of geese and gulls? This guided walk is ideal for adults who are new to birdwatching and would like to gain confidence in identification of common…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  9. DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole & Royal Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Brighton

    Discover the best of Brighton with a seaside stay at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Perfectly positioned on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, this package combines a relaxing overnight break with tickets to the magnificent Royal…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026to4 Nov 2026
  10. Halloween Spooktacular

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Aldingbourne

    Step into a magical Halloween world filled with spooky games, enchanting activities and plenty of Halloween fun at Aldingbourne Country Centre. A child-friendly experience perfect for little witches, wizards, fairies and monsters wanting a day out…

    Venue

    Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026to29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 14:30
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
    From:
    31 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Leonardslee Lights

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    This winter, Leonardslee Lights returns to the West Sussex countryside with a dazzling new route and an expanded cast of light, sound and spectacle.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026to30 Dec 2026Open 16:10 - 20:30
  12. Halloween at Leonardslee: The Potion Master's Quest

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    A mysterious quest begins in the gardens this October and throughout half-term. Young alchemists are invited to collect their Alchemist's Activity Book before setting off on a self-led journey through Leonardslee's beautiful autumn gardens.

    Along…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  13. Before I Go To Sleep

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Actor, author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher stars in the world stage premiere of Before I Go To Sleep at Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex. Based on the international bestselling novel by S.J. Watson which became a hit film, this tense,…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    2 Feb 2027to6 Feb 2027
  14. British Landscape: A Sense of Place

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
    through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
    artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
    the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to1 Nov 2026
  15. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story at Chichester Festival Theatre this November.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    17 Nov 2026to21 Nov 2026
  16. Punch

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Winner of the Olivier, Critics' Circle and London Standard Awards for Best New Play: a powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change. Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, and simultaneous openings…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 Feb 2027to27 Feb 2027
  17. Present Laughter

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Tracy-Ann Oberman – known to millions from roles in EastEnders, Doctor Who and Friday Night Dinner – stars as Geri Essendine in this new production of Noël Coward's celebrated Present Laughter - comes to Chichester Festival Theatre this November.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    24 Nov 2026to28 Nov 2026
  18. Burning the Clocks

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brighton

    The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2026
  19. Eastbourne International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 33rd year from 12 – 15 August 2027, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast. 

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2027to15 Aug 2027Various Opening Times
  20. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -