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. 

Stop Scrolling and Go Ape

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: 149

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. A Truly Magical Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Step into the magic of Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre and make memories to treasure all season long!

    Meet Father Christmas and his cheerful team of elves
    Our festive celebrations on the farm, begin on Saturday 28th November and run every…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026to23 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole & Royal Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    Other

    Brighton

    Discover the best of Brighton with a seaside stay at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Perfectly positioned on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, this package combines a relaxing overnight break with tickets to the magnificent Royal…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026to4 Nov 2026
  3. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington

    Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968.  The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. 

    Dates

    From:
    25 Feb 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  4. Eastbourne International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 33rd year from 12 – 15 August 2027, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast. 

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2027to15 Aug 2027Various Opening Times
  5. Present Laughter

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Tracy-Ann Oberman – known to millions from roles in EastEnders, Doctor Who and Friday Night Dinner – stars as Geri Essendine in this new production of Noël Coward's celebrated Present Laughter - comes to Chichester Festival Theatre this November.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    24 Nov 2026to28 Nov 2026
  6. We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure​

    Type

    Type:

    Halloween

    Petworth

    We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ this Halloween at Petworth. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run!​

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  7. Halloween at Leonardslee: The Potion Master's Quest

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    A spellbinding Halloween adventure awaits at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens...

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 14:00
  8. Halloween at Leonardslee: The Potion Master's Quest

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Horsham

    A mysterious quest begins in the gardens this October and throughout half-term. Young alchemists are invited to collect their Alchemist's Activity Book before setting off on a self-led journey through Leonardslee's beautiful autumn gardens.

    Along…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
  9. Adults Only Sundown Adventures at Go Ape Bedgebury

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Cranbrook

    Forget the usual night out. Gather your mates and take on an unforgettable after-dark adventure through the forest at Go Ape Bedgebury. Climb through the canopy on a high ropes course illuminated by glowing lights and spectacularly lit trees,…

    Venue

    Go Ape Bedgebury, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
    From:
    23 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  10. Midhurst Rother College Contemporary Craft Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Midhurst

    The Sussex Guild is delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of Midhurst Rother College to showcase our contemporary crafts this Christmas.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
  11. Farmyard Frights and Trick or Treat Delights

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Woodchurch, Ashford

    Join us this Halloween at the Rare Breeds Centre for heaps of spooky fun, silly surprises and fang-tastic activities for all ages! Effel Fartwaffer is back once again, bringing plenty of Halloween fun and mischief to the farm for another…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  12. 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
  13. The Sussex Peasant Big Autumn Market - Preston Park

    Type

    Type:

    Markets

    Brighton and Hove, Brighton

    The Sussex Peasant's Big Markets return this October, with the Big Autumn Market, bringing the abundance of the Sussex autumn harvest directly into local communities across the county.
    The Big Autumn Markets will bring together Sussex farmers,…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Oct 2026Open 09:00 - 15:00
  14. Thursday Late | October

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    We stay open until 8.30pm once a month, inviting you to explore the collection and exhibitions after hours. This October, we're delighted to be collaborating with the South Downs Poetry Festival for a concert and poetry promenade responding to the…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 17:00 - 20:30
  15. Leonardslee Lights

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    This winter, Leonardslee Lights returns to the West Sussex countryside with a dazzling new route and an expanded cast of light, sound and spectacle.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026to30 Dec 2026Open 16:10 - 20:30
  16. Christmas Carols at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Tunbridge Wells

    Join us for an evening of exceptional wine and cuisine with renown wine producer Chateau Musar and Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells.
    Allow us to take you through a journey of delectable flavours, paired alongside the beautiful wines of Chateau Musar.…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  17. A Midsummer Night's Dream

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Join us at Chichester Festival Theatre for the exuberant, enchanted world of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    18 Sept 2026to17 Oct 2026
  18. Bedgebury Forest 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Goudhurst

    Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury! If the weather has been inclement in the days leading up to race day, you can expect mud! mud! mud! - all adding to the joy of racing this iconic trail. You can expect a start…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027Open 09:00 -
  19. Evening Roost Watch

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arundel

    The wildlife hides and viewing platform are open an extra hour to watch the pied wagtails, little egrets and marsh harriers arrive for their evening roost at Arundel Wetland Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 17:30
    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 17:30
  20. Haroun Hayward: Path Through Trees

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    This exhibition will mark Haroun Hayward's (b. 1983) first solo
    institutional show. Hayward will present a new body of work,
    created in dialogue with artworks in Pallant House Gallery's
    collection by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham, Paul Nash,…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 May 2026to1 Nov 2026