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.
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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: 111
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Sporting Events
Wadhurst
The Bewl 15 & 5 mile race follows the footpaths, trails and quiet country lanes of the around Bewl. It's a beautiful but challenging course that appeals to both endurance runners and those new to trail and wanting to explore a different kind of race.
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
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…
Shopping
Portfield Way, Chichester
One of the most important meals of the year deserves a decor to match. Join the Home Design Stylist at John Lewis Chichester for an exclusive masterclass and unlock the secrets of festive tablescaping.
Mother's Day
Henfield
Treat your special mum to a delicious Mother's Day lunch or afternoon tea at Tottington Manor, located in the heart of the South Downs.
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.
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
This Christmas Wreath making workshop in West Sussex is suitable for complete crafting beginners and includes all equipment, materials and to create your very own faux wreath to take home.
Christmas
Warner's Lane,, Selsey
Seal Bay Ice Rink returns to Selsey from 11 December 2026 to 1 January 2027, offering festive real ice skating on the West Sussex coast. Open to both day visitors and holiday guests, the rink combines Christmas atmosphere, seasonal treats and…
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
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…
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…
Music
Tunbridge Wells
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells on 24th December with an evening of carols.
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Head to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex for a festive wreath making workshop. All tools and materials are included for you to make and decorate your own enchanting wreath, ready to hang on your door at home.
Christmas
Eastbourne
Little Chelsea at Christmas is back! Come along and enjoy festive food and drink, shopping, children's rides, music, entertainment and much more. Plus light show and festive fireworks!
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!
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.
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…
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…
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.
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…
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