Utopia Spa inside Alexander House Hotel in West Sussex

Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex

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

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Number of results: 145

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Dinosaur Adventure Live!

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2027Open 14:00 -
  5. 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:
    7 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  6. Painting party in Henfield at Tottington Manor

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Henfield

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting at Henfield's Tottington Manor!

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    17 Nov 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    15 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  7. DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole & Royal Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026to4 Nov 2026
  8. 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
  9. Burgess Hill 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2027Open 09:30 - 12:30
  10. A Magical Christmas at Petworth House and Park

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to3 Jan 2027Open 10:30 - 16:00
  11. 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
  12. Christmas 2026 - Lunch & Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Burgess Hill

    Festive Lunch & Dinner at The Oak Barn

    Gather with friends and family & celebrate Christmas in style at The Oak Barn Restaurant & Bar

    Freshly Crafted Festive Three‑Course Menu

    Options for everyone: classic roasts, fresh fish and…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 23:50
  13. SteamLights at Bluebell Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Uckfield

    Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.

    Venue

    Bluebell Railway, Wealden

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026
    From:
    2 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  14. Christmas Concerts

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Chichester

    The Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines Collingwood and Chichester Cathedral Choir return for the Festival Theatre's traditional, uplifting Christmas Concerts

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    1 Dec 2026to5 Dec 2026
  15. 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
  16. Fireworks Night at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    West Sussex

    Join us for one of West Sussex's most spectacular fireworks displays at the beautiful Leonardslee Wine Estate. Set across 240 acres of historic gardens and rolling countryside, this magical evening is perfect for families, couples, and friends…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to6 Nov 2026Open 17:00 - 21:00
  17. Backstage Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Brighton

    Our popular backstage tours are back!

    Venue

    Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
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    14 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
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    21 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
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    28 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
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    5 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
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    12 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
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    19 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
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    9 Jan 2027Open 10:30 -
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    16 Jan 2027Open 10:30 -
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    23 Jan 2027Open 10:30 -
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    30 Jan 2027Open 10:30 -
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    6 Feb 2027Open 10:30 -
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    13 Feb 2027Open 10:30 -
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    20 Feb 2027Open 10:30 -
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    27 Feb 2027Open 10:30 -
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    13 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
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    20 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
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    27 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
  18. West Dean Christmas Market 2026

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 14:00 - 18:00
    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
  19. Santa Specials 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Tenterden

    Santa Specials with the Kent and East Sussex Railway - we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026to24 Dec 2026
  20. Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Lewes

    An major exhibition from the Lee Miller Archives will be on display for the second half of the 2026 open season in the Lee Miller Gallery.

    Arriving in Britain just as war was declared Lee Miller, an American with no permit to work, used her camera…

    Dates

    From:
    30 July 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30