Utopia Spa inside Alexander House Hotel in West Sussex

Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex

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. 

Stop Scrolling and Go Ape

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: 148

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Steam into the New Year

    Type

    Type:

    New Year

    Tenterden

    Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027
  2. A Tale of Two Cities

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Adapted by Terence Rattigan (The Winslow Boy, The Deep Blue Sea) and John Gielgud, based on Dickens' classic novel, this epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption asks: is there any price too great to pay for love? A Tale of Two Cities at…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    9 Feb 2027to13 Feb 2027
  3. Hand Crafted Birdfeeder workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Arundel

    Spend a morning at WWT Arundel, crafting birdfeeders to decorate your garden!

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  4. Autumn Blooms Buttercream Cupcake Decorating Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Enjoy a relaxed and creative 2.5-hour workshop at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, inspired by the colours and foliage of autumn.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 13:00
  5. Leonardslee Comedy Club

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Head along to the fun Leonardslee Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up and plenty of laughs!

    Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in West Sussex for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
    From:
    13 Nov 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  6. Halloween Potion Hunt at Go Ape Crawley

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Crawley

    Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family? Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Crawley’s Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special…

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  7. St Michael's Hospice Run

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Seafront, Bexhill-on-Sea

    Join us for this coastal charity run and help support the incredible work of St Michael's Hospice. Whether you choose the 5k or 10k route, you'll enjoy a beautiful stretch of seafront while raising vital funds for local hospice care.

    Race…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2027Open 10:30 - 12:30
  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. Discover the Wild: Foraging Walk at West Dean

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Chichester

    Step away from the everyday and discover the delicious wild foods growing across the West Dean estate. Whether you're new to foraging or want to deepen existing knowledge, join a professional forager for a relaxed, hands-on walk through the…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to18 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 13:30
  10. Fireworks Night at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    West Sussex

    Join us for one of West Sussex's most spectacular fireworks displays at the beautiful Leonardslee Wine Estate. Set across 240 acres of historic gardens and rolling countryside, this magical evening is perfect for families, couples, and friends…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to6 Nov 2026Open 17:00 - 21:00
  11. Autumn Fungi Walks

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into a world of wonder and join us on the hunt for marvellous mushrooms in the enchanting woodland gardens at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    21 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  12. Beachy Head Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Eastbourne

    The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. It starts and finished on Eastbourne Seafront and is now part of an event that also sees the Ultra-Marathon,10k and Half-marathon all take place over the same weekend with…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to25 Oct 2026
  13. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington

    Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968.  The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. 

    Dates

    From:
    25 Feb 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  14. Creative Taster Sessions At West Dean

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Follow your curiosity and try something new.

    There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up a brush, maybe. Making a print, or working with colour, texture or thread.

    This summer, there's time to begin.

    As part of A Summer of…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to7 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  15. Murder Mystery Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Horsham

    Celebrate 15 years of The Velvet Rooms with an unforgettable evening inspired by the dazzling decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Slip into your finest flapper dresses, fedoras, and feathers, and prepare to become part of an immersive, interactive…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  16. Pups on SUPs

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?

    Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  17. Bewl New Year 10k & 5k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lamberhurst

    Whilst the mornings are still crisp and cold, come and celebrate your New Year beside the water at Bewl. With a clean slate and renewed energy for the year ahead, enjoy striking out along the Bewl Water trail, winding between the trees and taking in…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Jan 2027Open 09:30 - 12:00
  18. We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure​

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Petworth

    We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ this Halloween at Petworth. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run!​

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  19. 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 -
  20. Grand Winters Makers Fair at The British Engineerium

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Hove, Brighton & Hove

    Paper Daisy Events return to the beautiful & iconic British Engineerium in Hove for a spectacular & much anticipated Grand Winter Makers Fair over the weekend 21st & 22nd November, showcasing in excess of 120 small creative businesses, all specially…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00