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: 161

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Robertsbridge Bonfire Night 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Robertsbridge

    The Sussex bonfire season goes out with a bang with the Robertsbridge Bonfire and Torchlight Procession.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026
  2. Landscape Photography Workshop at Farleys

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys, either as a complete beginner or a keen improver, for a workshop in which Andrew Hasson will introduce some theories of landscape photography and, equally importantly, introduce workshop attendees to the idea of forward planning…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. Giants of Steam

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Bluebell Railwa, Uckfield

    The Bluebell Railway is pleased to announce the return of the giants at our Giants of Steam Autumn Gala from the 16th - 18th October.
    Experience power, heritage, and atmosphere at one of the Bluebell Railway’s biggest annual events!

    Venue

    Bluebell Railway, Wealden

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to18 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 16:30
  4. Christmas Kids Trail & Santa's Grotto

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Haywards Heath

    Book a 30-minute experience filled with festive fun and challenges at Elf Training Camp – before heading into Santa's Grotto to receive a special Christmas gift.

    Step into Elf Training Camp

    Begin your adventure by joining Elf Training Camp, where…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  6. Brighton's Makers Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Brighton

    Described as Brighton's cutest market, Brighton Makers Market is a must visit if you love creative and unique shopping that is typical and full of Brighton vibes! Paper Daisy are renowned locally for high quality, fully curated and vibrant Makers &…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  7. 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
  8. 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 -
  9. A Thousand Splendid Suns

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Birmingham Rep presents its powerful production of Khaled Hosseini's bestselling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns – which has sold over 38 million copies worldwide, this touring production comes to Chichester Festival Theatre in February 27.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    16 Feb 2027to20 Feb 2027
  10. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Winter Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Uckfield

    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:
    24 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 13:00
  11. 'Landscape' Applique Freehand Embroidery Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    This relaxed and creative workshop is perfect for all abilities, with a focus on enjoying the process rather than perfection. Explore free stitching techniques, textured embroidery and expressive "wobbly" lines that bring character and charm to your…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  12. Brett Lydd Half Marathon & 20 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd

    This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    4 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 14:30
  13. Christmas Carols at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Tunbridge Wells

    Join us for an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine with renown wine producer Chateau Musar and Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.
    Allow us to take you through a journey of delectable flavours, paired alongside the beautiful wines of Chateau Musar.…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  14. 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
  15. The Sussex Peasant Big Autumn Market - Preston Park

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Brighton and Hove, Brighton

    The Sussex Peasant's Big Markets return this October, with the Big Autumn Market, bringing the abundance of the Sussex autumn harvest directly into local communities across the county.
    The Big Autumn Markets will bring together Sussex farmers,…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026Open 09:00 - 15:00
  16. 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
  17. Optics Day at WWT Arundel

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Arundel

    Want to experience wildlife in stunning detail? Our monthly Optics Days are here to help you find the perfect binoculars or scope, for your birding and wildlife adventures.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  18. Battles Through History Military Show

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibition

    Ardingly, Haywards Heath

    Whatever the weather with more exhibitors, vehicles, and interactive experiences being brought indoors you can experience an unforgettable journey through time! Battles Through History, is the unique and exciting multi period living history military…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  19. Eastbourne Bonfire Society Procession & Fireworks

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Eastbourne

    Eastbourne Bonfire Society stages a colourful procession along the seafront with a giant bonfire and firework display as the finale. Part of the local "bonfire" tradition it attracts other regional societies to the procession. Everyone welcome!

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 19:15 - 22:00
  20. 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