Bluebell Railway, East Sussex
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Number of results: 144
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Sporting Events
Grosvenor Crescent, Saint Leonards on Sea
The energy: electric
The crowd support: epic
The course: achievably challenging
The vibes: unmatched
WINNER OF MIDSIZED EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 RUNNING INDUSTRY AWARDS!
Join thousands of runners on the start line at the iconic - and…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
A spellbinding Halloween adventure awaits at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens...
Christmas
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Step into a joyful, hands-on creative experience where you'll design and make four beautiful, personalised pottery pieces, from charming coasters and decorative tiles to elegant hanging ornaments at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens.
Bonfire Night
Battle
The world’s oldest bonfire society
In 1646, St Mary’s Church allocated 2 shillings and 6 pence in funds for gunpowder treason rejoicing. Since then there have been annual celebrations in the town of Battle.
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
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…
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5 - 51/2 km through our West Sussex woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at…
Arts
Haywards Heath
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting in Haywards Heath at Hart Country Stores
Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Halloween
Hailsham
This October, Half Term Horrors returns to Knockhatch Adventure Park! Saturday 24th October to Friday 30th October 2026.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sompting, Lancing
Join us for pumpkin-picking fun at our family-run pumpkin field Sompting Pumpkins, Halewick Lane, Sompting, BN15 0NE, next to the A27.
Open 10am-4pm (last entry 3:30pm) on the 3rd/4th, 10th/11th, 17th/18th and 24th-31st October 2026
Free entry, free…
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Enjoy some festive fun and challenges at Elf Training Camp – before heading into Santa's Grotto to receive a special Christmas gift at Borde Hill Gardens this Christmas.
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…
Sporting Events
Robertsbridge
Open to runners of all abilities, the Robertsbridge Midsummer Race is an ideal first 5k or 10k and a perfect summer race for more seasoned runners looking to stretch their legs along a beautiful course.
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…
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Get into the Christmas spirit with a relaxed session creating your own Christmas crackers, greeting cards and gift tags at Leonardslee Lakes at Gardens in West Sussex
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.
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…
Childrens Events
Tenterden
Join us for an evening of entertainment at Kent & East Sussex Railway from Drummers & a fire eater to a dazzling firework display at Northiam (subject to the weather)
Christmas
Midhurst
The Sussex Guild is delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of Midhurst Rother College to showcase our contemporary crafts this Christmas.
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