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: 147
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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.
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…
Arts
Chichester
Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed tour of the Gallery with a member of our curatorial team.
Each tour will focus on a different theme, including the works in our permanent collection and our temporary exhibitions.
Thursday 25 June 2026: Our…
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
A mysterious quest begins in the gardens this October and throughout half-term. Young alchemists are invited to collect their Alchemist's Activity Book before setting off on a self-led journey through Leonardslee's beautiful autumn gardens.
Along…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Come and enjoy a seasonal walk with the Head Gardener at Leonardslee Gardens. See the best places to enjoy Autumnal colour and learn about how we manage the garden and estate at this magical time of year.
Music
Mayfield
Mayfield Consort (Director: David Force)
Minstrels of Melodious Melancholy (Director: Michael Fields)
The luscious sound world of the Jacobean royal court comes to St Dunstan's with a rare opportunity to hear works for voices accompanied by the…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cranbrook
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent!
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
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee.
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
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.
Exhibitions
Chichester
This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo
institutional show. Hayward will present a new body of work,
created in dialogue with artworks in Pallant House Gallery's
collection by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Paul Nash,…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Crawley
Go Ape’s popular adults-only sessions are back at Tilgate Park, this time for Sundown Adventures, running across two exclusive nights only.
Community
Chichester
Welcome to the Summer season's drop-in Life Drawing workshops, being held in the Gallery spaces from 6–8pm as part of our Thursday Late events on:
16 July 2026
17 September 2026
15 October 2026
Experienced tutor Wendy Barratt, Sky Portrait…
Childrens Events
Arundel
Swap the spooky for a SUPER Natural family-friendly Halloween adventure this October half-term at WWT Arundel. Perfect for younger children, this magical experience offers a scare-free day out in nature to explore the magical superpowers and…
Christmas
Hove, Brighton & Hove
Paper Daisy Events return to the beautiful & iconic British Engineerium in Hove for a spectacular & much anticipated Grand Winter Makers Fair over the weekend 21st & 22nd November, showcasing in excess of 120 small creative businesses, all specially…
Comedy
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Head along to the fun Leonardslee Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up and plenty of laughs!
Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in West Sussex for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate…
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