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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: 160

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Christmas Gift Market

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Woodchurch, Ashford

    There's something truly special about a Christmas gift market, the twinkling lights and the cheerful buzz of shoppers hunting for that perfect gift. But this year, why not swap the high street for something a little more enchanting? Head to the Rare…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
  2. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington

    Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968.  The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. 

    Dates

    From:
    25 Feb 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  3. Painting Workshop with Jo Starkey at The Star in Alfriston

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Alfriston

    Join contemporary landscape artist Jo Starkey for an inspiring and immersive day at The Star, Alfriston, exploring the expressive techniques she uses in her own professional painting practice.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Exclusive Lake Jet Ski Owner Session

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Lydd

    Three hours of dedicated Jet Ski time with exclusive use of the lake for Jet Skis at Action Watersports in Kent.

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  7. Winter Wildlife Guided walk

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arundel

    This walk at Arundel Wetland Centre is for anyone who would like to gain a greater understanding of winter wetland bird species that visit the UK in the colder months. With a focus on ducks, geese and swans, you will learn useful identification tips…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    7 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  8. Santa's Grotto & Christmas Kids Trail

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Borde Hill Garden, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. 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
  10. Wallace & Gromit Fantastic Fungi Trail

    Wallace & Gromit Fantastic Fungi Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ardingly, Haywards Heath

    Feathers McGraw is up to his old tricks, and Wallace and Gromit need your help to stop him at Kew Wakehurst this October half term. Follow a fun-filled family trail through Wakehurst's autumn landscape and discover the fascinating world of fungi.…

    Venue

    Kew Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
  11. Christmas Market at Weald & Downland Living Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Chichester

    The annual Weald & Downland Christmas Christmas Market - booking essential. Come and explore boutique market stalls located around the Weald & Downland Living Museum, with around 100 hand-selected stallholders offering a selection of arts, crafts…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  12. 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
  13. Ardingly Fireworks Spectacular

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Haywards Heath

    Ignite your autumn evening with a sky full of color at the Ardingly Fireworks Spectacular!

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026
  14. Steam into the New Year

    Type

    Type:

    New Year

    Tenterden

    Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.

    Dates

    From:
    31 Dec 2026to1 Jan 2027
  15. 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
  16. Hove Prom 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hove

    The accurately measured 10k course is two laps along the promenade with lots of great support from Arena 80 Athletics Club. The event is a Sussex Grand Prix Championship event and attracts both seasoned and beginner runners alike. The course is…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  17. Bedgebury HM & 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  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. Half Term Horrors | Knockhatch Adventure Park

    Half Term Horrors | Knockhatch Adventure Park

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Hailsham

    This October, Half Term Horrors returns to Knockhatch Adventure Park! Saturday 24th October to Friday 30th October 2026.

    Venue

    Knockhatch Adventure Park, Eastbourne

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  20. 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