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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. 

Sundown Adventures Now Live at Go Ape Crawley

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: 144

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Grand Winters Makers Fair at The British Engineerium

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 17:00
  2. 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
  3. Hastings Half Marathon 2027

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
  4. Christmas Market at Weald & Downland Living Museum

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to22 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. Christmas Afternoon Tea at West Dean

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Chichester

    Treat yourself to a Christmas-themed afternoon tea in the luxurious surroundings of West Dean House. Nestled in the heart of the South Downs, this historic country estate offers a truly enchanting setting, where you can relax by a roaring fire and…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
    From:
    11 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
    From:
    17 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
    From:
    18 Dec 2026Open 14:00 - 16:30
  6. Christmas Wreath Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    26 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026Open 09:30 - 15:00
  7. The Fragrant Garden: Perfume Creation Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Horsham

    Discover the hidden secrets of perfumery in this fascinating, half-day workshop with Jonathan Gilhooly at Lenoardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex. Explore the captivating world of scent as you're introduced to a range of essential oils and…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    11 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 13:30
  8. A Tale of Two Cities

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Adapted by Terence Rattigan (The Winslow Boy, The Deep Blue Sea) and John Gielgud, based on Dickens' classic novel, this epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption asks: is there any price too great to pay for love? A Tale of Two Cities at…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    9 Feb 2027to13 Feb 2027
  9. Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  10. Christmas Makers Market at Petworth

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Petworth

    Find your Christmas presents and a treat for yourself at the festive makers market at Petworth House and Gardens in West Sussex. Featuring high quality artisan gifts.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 18:30
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. Bewl 15 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2027Open 09:30 - 14:30
  12. Haywards Heath 10 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Haywards Heath

    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:
    2 May 2027Open 09:30 - 13:30
  13. Bogan Bingo

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 20:00 -
    From:
    15 Dec 2026Open 20:00 -
  14. Little Crafters: Christmas @ Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Let your little ones get stuck into this fun and creative crafting session for 18 months - 4 year olds with Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 11:40
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. Go Ape Crawley Sundown Adventures

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Crawley

    Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Crawley, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark

    Venue

    Go Ape Crawley, Crawley

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to8 Nov 2026
  18. 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
  19. Exclusive Lake Jet Ski Owner Session

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Lydd

    Three hours of dedicated Jet Ski time with exclusive use of the lake for Jet Skis at Action Watersports in Kent.

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  20. Birdwatching for Beginners

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30