West Dean Gardens, 3, 11, 17 & 18 December 26
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 resorts, the rolling South Downs, historic market towns, world-class culture or family-friendly attractions, Sussex offers memorable days out, short breaks and events throughout the year.
Home to the South Downs National Park, historic 1066 Country, award-winning gardens and vibrant coastal destinations including Brighton, Eastbourne and Chichester, Sussex offers one of the most varied calendars of events in South East England. 2026 brings an exciting line‑up of events and celebrations across the county, from outdoor adventures to festivals, workshops and seasonal events, you'll always find lots of exciting events in Sussex.
Eastbourne welcomes the start of the Christmas season with its Christmas Light Switch-On (28 November) (F), ahead of some festive fun in Little Chelsea, with the twinkling lights and fireworks on (4 December) (F). Don't miss the chance to meet Santa with the Kent & East Sussex Railway travelling from town of Tenterden in Kent to the village of Bodiam (29 November - 23 December), or enjoy some Christmas shopping at the Crafted Christmas Makers Market in Battle (6 December). Now is the time to start planning your visit to 1066 Country as we celebrate The Year of the Normans in 2027.
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 2026/2027 adventure today.
Explore our featured events list and discover what's on in East and West Sussex, from theatre shows and live music to sporting occasions, family trails and outdoor adventures.
From coastal celebrations and Christmas lights to family attractions, theatre performances and countryside adventures, Sussex offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
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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.
Yes. Sussex is easily accessible from London by road or rail, making it ideal for day trips, short breaks and event visits. Regular Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services connect London Victoria, London Bridge and St Pancras International with destinations including Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne, Hastings and Arundel. By road, the M23 and A27 provide convenient road access to many parts of East and West Sussex in one to two hours from central London.
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: 112
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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…
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…
Theatre
Chichester
Actor, author and podcaster Giovanna Fletcher stars in the world stage premiere of Before I Go To Sleep at Chichester Festival Theatre, West Sussex. Based on the international bestselling novel by S.J. Watson which became a hit film, this tense,…
Christmas
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.
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…
Christmas
Eastbourne
Three Nights. One Epic Christmas Party. Zero Dry Turkey.
After multiple sold-out Christmas events, Eastbourne Music Fest returns with Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026 – bigger, louder, snowier, and more party-focused than ever before.
This year,…
Arts
10 Military Road, Rye
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting in Rye at The Globe Inn!
Christmas
Henfield
Choose a two or three course lunch at Tottington Manor in the heart of the South Downs and celebrate Christmas with friends or family.
Walking
Arundel
Want to know the difference between a coot and a moorhen? Or how to recognise the different species of geese and gulls? This guided walk is ideal for adults who are new to birdwatching and would like to gain confidence in identification of common…
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…
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…
Christmas
Hastings
Celebrate the festive season with Snow White at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings. Running from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, this magical Christmas pantomime combines a star-studded cast, spectacular staging, laugh-out-loud comedy and…
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.
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Emma Weaver leads regular soothing Forest Bathing experiences at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham, guiding you on a slow-paced circular walk of around 5 - 51/2 km through our West Sussex woodlands. In small, intimate groups, you'll pause at…
Sporting Events
Lydd, Romney Marsh
This long-established and highly coveted 20 mile and half marathon event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. Runners of all standards are welcome to join this running…
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…
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…
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!
What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!
Tickets include:
- 90…
Sporting Events
Tunbridge Wells
Voted the No.2 Half Marathon in the UK by Runners World readers in 2011 the Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon event combines beautiful scenery with a challenging route.
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