Enjoy your leisure time with a visit to John Lewis at Horsham, a fun day out shopping with friends.

Shopping Time at John Lewis

Horsham, 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. 

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: 161

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. Thursday Late | October

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    We stay open until 8.30pm once a month, inviting you to explore the collection and exhibitions after hours. This October, we're delighted to be collaborating with the South Downs Poetry Festival for a concert and poetry promenade responding to the…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 17:00 - 20:30
  2. Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Uckfield

    This winter, enjoy time in the great outdoors at Sheffield Park and Garden with their family-friendly Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas Trail.

    Venue

    Sheffield Park and Gardens, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to10 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  3. 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
  4. Autumn/Winter Home Showcase

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Chichester

    Join us for a showcase event at John Lewis, Chichester, where our partners will share all the latest and greatest products from our new season collection. Be inspired by new lighting choices, soft textures and thoughtful layering, whilst discovering…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 12:00 - 12:50
  5. Life Drawing

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  6. 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
  7. Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Health & Wellbeing

    Ashford

    This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 15:30
  8. Fungal Foray

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arlington, Polegate

    Come and dip into the fascinating world of fungi. From Beefstakes to Birds Nests, Fly Agaric to Fibrecaps, we have identified sixty types of fungi in Beatons Wood, and there are many more! Discover a little about the woodland web, and maybe discover…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  9. 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
  10. Heathers The Musical

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Following smash hit runs in London, New York and Melbourne, Heathers the Musical comes to Chichester - wickedly funny, deliciously dark and full of big fun.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    10 Nov 2026to14 Nov 2026
  11. Present Laughter

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    24 Nov 2026to28 Nov 2026
  12. Sketching Workshop with Anna Ribo

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    East Grinstead

    Set within the tranquil surroundings of Gravetye Manor, the workshop offers an opportunity to explore the warm colours of the garden as it moves from late summer into autumn, and practice simple techniques to capture flower form and character. The…

    Dates

    From:
    30 Sept 2026
  13. East Grinstead 10 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    East Grinstead

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 May 2027Open 09:30 - 13:30
  14. The National Town Criers Championship

    Type

    Type:

    Performance

    RYE

    Join MC Rye Town Crier Paul Goring as he hosts the 72nd National Town Criers' Championship in beautiful Rye, Sussex.

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026
  15. Saturday Art and Craft

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Chichester

    Join us at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester for a relaxed, creative workshop inspired by artworks in our collections and exhibitions. From block printing to collage, each session offers a simple, hands-on activity designed for all abilities –…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  16. 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
  17. Beachy Head Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Eastbourne

    The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. It starts and finished on Eastbourne Seafront and is now part of an event that also sees the Ultra-Marathon,10k and Half-marathon all take place over the same weekend with…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to25 Oct 2026
  18. Workshop | Felted Landscapes

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Create a richly textured landscape using wet felting in this hands-on textile workshop with artist Helen Peters at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester. Take inspiration from the British Landscapes: A Sense of Place exhibition.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 16:00
  19. 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
  20. 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