Horsham, West 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.
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: 148
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Halloween
Hailsham
This October, Half Term Horrors returns to Knockhatch Adventure Park! Saturday 24th October to Friday 30th October 2026.
Food
Crawley
Experience one of the finest Afternoon Tea experiences in West Sussex at Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa. Served daily between 12pm and 4:30pm, guests can relax in the elegant Drawing Room and enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in…
Childrens Events
Rogate, Petersfield
The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event will open on Friday 16th October, running through to Sunday 1st November. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH! Autumn Finale! a one-day ONLY event…
Walking
Brighton
Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cranbrook
Forget the usual night out. Gather your mates and take on an unforgettable after-dark adventure through the forest at Go Ape Bedgebury. Climb through the canopy on a high ropes course illuminated by glowing lights and spectacularly lit trees,…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Crawley
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Crawley, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark
Health & Wellbeing
Ashford
This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.
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.
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.
Arts
Ringmer, Lewes
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Childrens Events
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.
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…
Arts
Chichester
Join us at Pallant House Gallery for an evening of music and poetry in a collaboration with South Downs Poetry Festival.
Christmas
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.
Christmas
Petworth
Find your Christmas presents and a treat for yourself at the festive makers market at Petworth House and Gardens in West Sussex. Featuring high quality artisan gifts.
Sporting Events
Burgess Hill
This 3-day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May 2027 with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile on the 2nd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 3rd of May with a 10k. Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex…
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…
Workshop
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join Jenney Kelly in The Studio at Leonardslee Gardens for a relaxed and creative half-day workshop exploring the delicate art of botanical printing, also known as eco printing.
Christmas
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Step into the magic of Christmas Afternoon Tea at Leonardslee Wine Estate
A festive family afternoon filled with sweet treats, seasonal cheer and a special visit from Santa himself.
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