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: 156

, currently showing 21 to 40.

  1. The Spellbound Express

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Tenterden

    This October half term, join us at Kent and East Sussex Railway on a spellbinding steam train adventure bursting with Halloween fun for little witches, wizards, and magical mischief-makers.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026
  2. Curious About Hastings

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Hastings

    Get ready to explore Hastings like a real‑life detective!

    Curious About Hastings takes you to famous places and secret corners, with surprises hiding around every turn. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly, so…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2026to3 May 2027
  3. Battel Bonfire Boyes Guy Fawkes Celebrations

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Battle

    The world’s oldest bonfire society

    In 1646, St Mary’s Church allocated 2 shillings and 6 pence in funds for gunpowder treason rejoicing. Since then there have been annual celebrations in the town of Battle.

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026
  4. Robertsbridge Bonfire Night 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Robertsbridge

    The Sussex bonfire season goes out with a bang with the Robertsbridge Bonfire and Torchlight Procession.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026
  5. Punch

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Winner of the Olivier, Critics' Circle and London Standard Awards for Best New Play: a powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change. Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, and simultaneous openings…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 Feb 2027to27 Feb 2027
  6. Antigone Exits

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    26 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  7. Afternoon Tea at Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Crawley

    Experience one of the finest Afternoon Tea experiences in West Sussex at Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa. Served daily between 12pm and 4:30pm, guests can relax in the elegant Drawing Room and enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Sept 2026to30 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 16:30
  8. 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
  9. A Truly Magical Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  10. Halloween at Leonardslee: The Potion Master's Quest

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  11. St Michael's Hospice Run

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2027Open 10:30 - 12:30
  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. Pups on SUPs

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Dengemarsh Road, Lydd

    Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?

    Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    22 June 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 09:30 - 18:00
  14. Adults Only Sundown Adventures at Go Ape Crawley

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    23 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  15. Special Event | Echoes of Landscape: Piano, Poetry & Song

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Join us at Pallant House Gallery for an evening of music and poetry in a collaboration with South Downs Poetry Festival.

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  16. Smalltown Mysteries Worthing

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Smalltown Mysteries Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. Murder Mystery Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Horsham

    Celebrate 15 years of The Velvet Rooms with an unforgettable evening inspired by the dazzling decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Slip into your finest flapper dresses, fedoras, and feathers, and prepare to become part of an immersive, interactive…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  20. Spooky Family Silent Disco

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Horsham

    Dance, sing and celebrate Halloween at Leonardslee

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026Open 16:10 - 20:30