Take part in one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK at Beachy Head, Eastbourne

Beachy Head Marathon, Ultra & 10K

24 - 25 October, Eastbourne

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: 118

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Curious About Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Brighton

    Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. Arm Knitting Blanket Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Create a beautifully soft throw using nothing but your arms as needles. Perfect for beginners and seasoned knitters alike, this relaxing workshop is led by Paula from Cocoon & Me, who will guide you through each step.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    12 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 13:10
  3. Set the perfect table for Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Horsham

    Learn how to lay the perfect table for this year's gathering. Join the John Lewis Horsham home design stylists in store for an exclusive masterclass and unlock the secrets of festive tablescaping.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Dec 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
    From:
    17 Dec 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
  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. Creative Taster Sessions At West Dean

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Follow your curiosity and try something new.

    There are some things we always mean to try. Picking up a brush, maybe. Making a print, or working with colour, texture or thread.

    This summer, there's time to begin.

    As part of A Summer of…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to7 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Peter Pan: A musical adventure

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  9. 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 -
    From:
    18 Mar 2027Open 20:00 -
  10. Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Turners Hill, Crawley

    Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to30 Nov 2026
  11. 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
  12. Winter Wildlife Detective Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Uncover mysterious footprints, match them to the correct animal and discover fascinating facts about how wildlife adapts to the colder months at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens this February half term.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027to1 Mar 2027Open 09:00 - 17:00
  13. The Last Laugh

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Direct from a London run, The Last Laugh imagines three of Britain's all-time greatest comedy heroes – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – in a dressing room, discussing the secrets of life, death, comedy and what it means to be really…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    3 Nov 2026to7 Nov 2026
  14. Optics Day at WWT Arundel

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Arundel

    Want to experience wildlife in stunning detail? Our monthly Optics Days are here to help you find the perfect binoculars or scope, for your birding and wildlife adventures.

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  15. Heathers The Musical

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Following smash hit runs in London, New York and Melbourne, Heathers the Musical comes to Chichester - wickedly funny, deliciously dark and full of big fun.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    10 Nov 2026to14 Nov 2026
  16. By Royal Appointment

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    By Royal Appointment comes to Chichester Festival Theatre this winter. This funny, poignant and celebratory new play and a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of our most popular monarch and the image she presented to the world. Starring Jane…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    19 Jan 2027to23 Jan 2027
  17. Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers Showcase

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arundel

    Whether you're an art lover, nature enthusiast, or curious crafter, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of wildlife through wood carving at Arundel Wetland Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    8 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  18. A Thousand Splendid Suns

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Birmingham Rep presents its powerful production of Khaled Hosseini's bestselling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns – which has sold over 38 million copies worldwide, this touring production comes to Chichester Festival Theatre in February 27.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    16 Feb 2027to20 Feb 2027
  19. Leonardslee Wine & Dine

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Enjoy a relaxed, flavour-led evening made for food lovers and wine enthusiasts alike at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
  20. Burgess Hill 10k

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2027Open 09:30 - 12:30