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.
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: 142
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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.
Christmas
Chichester
Experience the magic of the festive season at the West Dean Christmas Market, a celebration of makers and their craft, showing the best in art, craft, food and drink.
Halloween
Horsham
Dance, sing and celebrate Halloween at Leonardslee
Christmas
Tenterden
Santa Specials with the Kent and East Sussex Railway - we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!
Christmas
Petworth
This Christmas, journey through grand state rooms of Petworth House where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world.
Indoor
Turners Hill, Crawley
Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.
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…
Heritage & History
Bluebell Railwa, Uckfield
The Bluebell Railway is pleased to announce the return of the giants at our Giants of Steam Autumn Gala from the 16th - 18th October.
Experience power, heritage, and atmosphere at one of the Bluebell Railway’s biggest annual events!
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…
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…
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…
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.
Christmas
Station Road, Tenterden
We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!
There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…
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.
Sporting Events
Pett, Hastings
This cross country event is great for all the family, with the main race being accompanied by a Fun Run and the Children's Scurry. There truly is something for everyone and afterwards, bask in the festive spirit and enjoy a yummy mince pie. Explore…
Food
Lewes
Enjoy a traditional full afternoon tea on the terrace or in the tea room at Firle Place near Lewes.
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…
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.
Dance / Dancing
Chichester
New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) presents a bold reimagining of The Nutcracker, performed live on stage to Tchaikovsky's original, much-loved score. Blending classical tradition with imaginative storytelling, this production at Chichester Festival…
Arts
Chichester
Join us at Pallant House Gallery, West Sussex for a three-part series of engaging art history lectures exploring the British landscape through key movements in 20th century British art.
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