Take to the trees after dark with the Go Ape Sundown Adventures at Tilegate Park in Crawley, West Sussex

Sundown Adventures

Go Ape Crawley, 16 October - 8 November 26

What's On in Sussex

Share this with

x

  • Accommodation Search

  • Things to Do Search

  • What's On Search

  • Food & Drink Search

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Accommodation Search

Arrival Date:
Add Room
Type:
Area:
Keyword:

Things to Do Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

What's On Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:
Dates

Food & Drink Search

Type:
Area:
Keyword:

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: 121

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Pallant Proms: A Harmonious Revival

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Chichester

    Head to Pallant House Gallery in Chichester for a celebration of exceptional music featuring talented pianists over three afternoons. Pallant Proms offers three captivating daytime piano concerts, featuring young pianists from the Royal College of…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 13:00
    From:
    18 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 13:00
  2. 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
  3. Hey! Christmas Tree

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo, returns to the Minerva following its hugely…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to27 Dec 2026
  4. 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
  5. Creative Taster Sessions At West Dean

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Follow your curiosity and try something new at West Dean Gardens, Chichester.
    As part of A Summer of Imagination at West Dean, our Creative Taster Sessions offer two unhurried hours around the Gardens Gatehouse craft table to follow your curiosity,…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to7 Nov 2026
  6. 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 -
  7. Painting party in Horsham at The Kings Arms

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting in Horsham, West Sussex

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    11 Jan 2027Open 19:00 - 21:00
  8. Hand Crafted Birdfeeder workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Arundel

    Spend a morning at WWT Arundel, crafting birdfeeders to decorate your garden!

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Christmas Afternoon Tea with Santa

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00
  14. Fireworks Night at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    West Sussex

    Join us for one of West Sussex's most spectacular fireworks displays at the beautiful Leonardslee Wine Estate. Set across 240 acres of historic gardens and rolling countryside, this magical evening is perfect for families, couples, and friends…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to6 Nov 2026Open 17:00 - 21:00
  15. Christmas Pudding Dash

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
  16. Autumn Fungi Walks

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into a world of wonder and join us on the hunt for marvellous mushrooms in the enchanting woodland gardens at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  17. Backstage Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Brighton

    Our popular backstage tours are back!

    Venue

    Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
    From:
    9 Jan 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    16 Jan 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    23 Jan 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    30 Jan 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    6 Feb 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    13 Feb 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    20 Feb 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    27 Feb 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    6 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    13 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    20 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
    From:
    27 Mar 2027Open 10:30 -
  18. Leonardslee Comedy Club

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Head along to the fun Leonardslee Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up and plenty of laughs!

    Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in West Sussex for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    13 Nov 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  19. West Dean Christmas Market 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Chichester

    Experience the magic of the festive season at the West Dean Christmas Market, a celebration of makers and their craft, showing the best in art, craft, food and drink.

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 14:00 - 18:00
    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
  20. Lydd 20 Mile & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Lydd, Romney Marsh

    This long-established and highly coveted 20 mile and half marathon event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. Runners of all standards are welcome to join this running…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    29 Mar 2027Open 09:00 -