DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, Brighton
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: 145
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School Holidays
Chichester
Returning this October, Illuminating Art offers visitors the chance to journey through four centuries of artistic imagination from the 23 - 31 October 26 at Chichester Cathedral. This immersive light and sound show culminates in the Cathedral nave…
Sporting Events
Seafront, Bexhill-on-Sea
Join us for this coastal charity run and help support the incredible work of St Michael's Hospice. Whether you choose the 5k or 10k route, you'll enjoy a beautiful stretch of seafront while raising vital funds for local hospice care.
Race…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
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…
Sporting Events
Grosvenor Crescent, Saint Leonards on Sea
The energy: electric
The crowd support: epic
The course: achievably challenging
The vibes: unmatched
WINNER OF MIDSIZED EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 RUNNING INDUSTRY AWARDS!
Join thousands of runners on the start line at the iconic - and…
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…
Community
Chichester
Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.
We will set up the studio tables with a selection…
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.
Theatre
Chichester
Join us at Chichester Festival Theatre for the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Christmas
Tenterden
Santa Specials with the Kent and East Sussex Railway - we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!
Childrens Events
Ashford
Step into the magic of Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre and make memories to treasure all season long!
Meet Father Christmas and his cheerful team of elves
Our festive celebrations on the farm, begin on Saturday 28th November and run every…
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…
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
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.
Exhibitions
Station Road, Tenterden
We're delighted to welcome back the Austin Counties Car Rally to the Kent & East Sussex Railway! Come and see a fantastic collection of beautiful classic Austin cars and related commercial vehicles, with some vehicles having celebrated their…
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,…
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Step into a world of wonder and join us on the hunt for marvellous mushrooms in the enchanting woodland gardens at Leonardslee.
Festival
Hastings
Hastings Storytelling Festival returns from 17–25 October with the theme Connections, celebrating imagination, creativity and the power of shared stories. Across nine days, venues, libraries, schools and public spaces will come alive with…
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…
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