Alexander House Hotel, West 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 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.
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: 109
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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.
Christmas
Chichester
The annual Weald & Downland Christmas Christmas Market - booking essential. Come and explore boutique market stalls located around the Weald & Downland Living Museum, with around 100 hand-selected stallholders offering a selection of arts, crafts…
Christmas
Eastbourne
See Eastbourne's Christmas lights and giant interactive LED tree switch on with late night shopping, entertainment and market.
Christmas lights to be turned on at 6pm.
New Year
Tenterden
Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.
Music
Tunbridge Wells
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells on 24th December with an evening of carols.
Food
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Enjoy a relaxed, flavour-led evening made for food lovers and wine enthusiasts alike at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham.
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join artist Jo Starkey in The Studio for a fun and inspiring day creating a vibrant abstract forest painting at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens.
Festival
Halland, Lewes
One Love / One Sun Festival returns to Bentley Estate, East Sussex, from 20–22 August 2027 for a weekend of reggae, dub, sound-system culture and electronic music set among the Sussex countryside and woodland.
One Love celebrates roots reggae, dub…
Sporting Events
Uckfield
The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…
Theatre
Chichester
One of the most beloved stories of all time, in a wonderful version with songs by Stiles & Drewe (Honk!, The Three Little Pigs, Half a Sixpence), Peter Pan – A musical adventure is the perfect Christmas show for all the family.
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,…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Music
Alfriston
Four well-known local singers get us into the festive mood once again with a varied programme of Advent and Christmas music ranging from the sacred to the downright silly – all in the magical atmosphere of a candle lit 14th century church.
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…
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Celebrating 10 years of mullets & mayhem at Komedia Brighton!
Strap in and prepare to experience the simmering chaos of the comedy game-show Bogan Bingo – one of the UK’s longest running bingo shows.
Expect a unique night of hilarious…
Christmas
Uckfield
Santa Specials Are Back! Christmas won't be Christmas without seeing Santa, and The Bluebell Railway is delighted to welcome back these highly popular running days this winter!
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.
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,…
Christmas
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Step into the magic of Christmas Afternoon Tea at Leonardslee Wine Estate
A festive family afternoon filled with sweet treats, seasonal cheer and a special visit from Santa himself.
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