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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. 

Sundown Adventures Now Live at Go Ape Crawley

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: 146

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Haywards Heath 10 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Haywards Heath

    This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May 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…

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2027Open 09:30 - 13:30
  2. Friday Fright Night

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Chichester

    Dare to take on the Monster Maze this Halloween? Friday Fright Night on 30 October, 3:30pm - 7pm at Aldingbourne Country Centre, near Chichester, West Sussex

    Venue

    Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
  3. Halloween Spooktacular

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Aldingbourne

    Step into a magical Halloween world filled with spooky games, enchanting activities and plenty of Halloween fun at Aldingbourne Country Centre. A child-friendly experience perfect for little witches, wizards, fairies and monsters wanting a day out…

    Venue

    Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026to29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 14:30
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
    From:
    31 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  4. Sompting Pumpkins

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    25 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    26 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    28 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. Beer & Cider by the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Eastbourne

    Beer & Cider By The Sea will serve up another selection of real ales, craft beers, artisan ciders and perries for summer 2027, after its sell-out success. The three-day music, food and drink festival, which is one of the biggest on the south coast,…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2027to16 May 2027
  6. Smalltown Mysteries Worthing

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Worthing

    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 center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…

    Venue

    Smalltown Mysteries Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  7. 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
  8. The Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Tunbridge Wells

    Voted the No.2 Half Marathon in the UK by Runners World readers in 2011 the Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon event combines beautiful scenery with a challenging route.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    28 Feb 2027Open 09:00 - 12:30
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Leonardslee Lights

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    This winter, Leonardslee Lights returns to the West Sussex countryside with a dazzling new route and an expanded cast of light, sound and spectacle.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026to30 Dec 2026Open 16:10 - 20:30
  13. East Grinstead 10 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    East Grinstead

    This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May 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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2027Open 09:30 - 13:30
  14. Painting party at Hart Country Stores in Haywards Heath

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    16 Nov 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  15. Go Ape Crawley Sundown Adventures

    Type

    Type:

    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

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to8 Nov 2026
  16. 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:
    27 Oct 2026Open 13:00 - 16:00
  17. Festive Candle Making Workshop @ Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    This festive workshop is the perfect holiday self-spoil or an opportunity to hand-craft deeply personal gifts for loved ones. Set within a warm, festive atmosphere, you'll learn to work with natural wax and seasonal botanicals to create a beautiful,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    18 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  18. Adults' Halloween Silent Disco

    Type

    Type:

    Dance / Dancing

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Celebrate Halloween with an adults-only silent disco as The Silent DJs return to Leonardslee Gardens.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 18:30 - 23:50
  19. Pallant Proms: A Harmonious Revival

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Chichester

    Head to Pallant House Gallery in Chichester for a celebration of exceptional music featuring talented pianists over three afternoons. Pallant Proms offers three captivating daytime piano concerts, featuring young pianists from the Royal College of…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 12:00 - 13:00
    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 13:00
    From:
    18 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 13:00
  20. Painting Party in Pevensey: The Royal Oak & Castle

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Pevensey

    Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    16 Nov 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    1 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00