Bluebell Railway, East 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 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.
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.
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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.
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.
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: 141
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Book a 30-minute experience filled with festive fun and challenges at Elf Training Camp – before heading into Santa's Grotto to receive a special Christmas gift.
Step into Elf Training Camp
Begin your adventure by joining Elf Training Camp, where…
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!
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…
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…
Workshop
Arundel
Spend a morning at WWT Arundel, crafting birdfeeders to decorate your garden!
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
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!
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?
Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…
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.
Christmas
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.
Arts
Chichester
Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed tour of the Gallery with a member of our curatorial team.
Each tour will focus on a different theme, including the works in our permanent collection and our temporary exhibitions.
Thursday 25 June 2026: Our…
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Halloween
Hailsham
This October, Half Term Horrors returns to Knockhatch Adventure Park! Saturday 24th October to Friday 30th October 2026.
Water Based Activities
Lydd
Summer holidays might be over, but the Aqua Park fun definitely isn't. Even better, pre-book a session for 5 or more people and enjoy the Aqua Park for just £19.99pp!
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