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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. 

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: 162

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. From the Lee Miller Archives: Lee's Surreal Menagerie

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    East Sussex

    Infused with wit and shaped by her surrealist sensibility, this playful display in the Farleys Gallery Café focuses on Lee Miller's animal subjects. From taking 'pet portraits' at the request of rich clients in her New York Studio, to rescuing a…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Apr 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  2. 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
  3. Forest Bathing

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
    From:
    21 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:30
  4. Antigone Exits

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Twenty-five centuries after Antigone, seven performers gather to re-tell the tale of what is buried and what comes of it. Ancient Greece crashes into the contemporary, as Sophocles' classic tragedy shines a scorching light onto our current world at…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  5. Farmyard Frights and Trick or Treat Delights

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Woodchurch, Ashford

    Join us this Halloween at the Rare Breeds Centre for heaps of spooky fun, silly surprises and fang-tastic activities for all ages! Effel Fartwaffer is back once again, bringing plenty of Halloween fun and mischief to the farm for another…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  6. 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
  7. Garden Tour & Cream Tea at West Dean Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Chichester

    Enjoy an exclusive tour of the famous West Dean Gardens in West Sussex, with the senior Garden Team followed by a delicious cream tea in the prestigious Oak Hall. Seasonal highlights will be explored, including the Walled Kitchen Garden, Victorian…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    29 Sept 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
  8. Evening Roost Watch

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arundel

    The wildlife hides and viewing platform are open an extra hour to watch the pied wagtails, little egrets and marsh harriers arrive for their evening roost at Arundel Wetland Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 17:30
    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 17:30
  9. 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
  10. Autumn Sketching and Painting Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys for our popular Autumn Sketching Workshop, with painting being added for 2026!

    A workshop suitable for beginners and experienced artists. Improve your observational and creative skills by sketching and painting foliage and seed…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  11. Autumn Walk with our Head Gardener

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Come and enjoy a seasonal walk with the Head Gardener at Leonardslee Gardens. See the best places to enjoy Autumnal colour and learn about how we manage the garden and estate at this magical time of year. 

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    14 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    22 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  12. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Brighton

    A smalltown mystery is a digital activity where you read a story, search for clues, answer questions and solve a mystery. You walk in the town centre for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  13. Supper Club at The Clocktower Kitchen

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into the evening ambience of The Clocktower Kitchen, where themed suppers bring global flavours to life while highlighting seasonal inspiration. Each event celebrates the best seasonal ingredients through creative menus, offering an…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    25 Sept 2026Open 19:00 - 21:30
  14. Midhurst Rother College Contemporary Craft Show

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
  15. Thursday Late | October

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    We stay open until 8.30pm once a month, inviting you to explore the collection and exhibitions after hours. This October, we're delighted to be collaborating with the South Downs Poetry Festival for a concert and poetry promenade responding to the…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 17:00 - 20:30
  16. Little Crafters: Crafts for Pre-schoolers

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Let your little ones get stuck into this fun and creative crafting session for 18 months - 4 year olds with Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    28 Sept 2026Open 10:30 - 11:40
  17. 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
  18. Special Event | Echoes of Landscape: Piano, Poetry & Song

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join us at Pallant House Gallery for an evening of music and poetry in a collaboration with South Downs Poetry Festival.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  19. 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
  20. The Spellbound Express

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    This October half term, join us at Kent and East Sussex Railway on a spellbinding steam train adventure bursting with Halloween fun for little witches, wizards, and magical mischief-makers.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026