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.
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: 146
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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,…
Food
Lewes
Enjoy a traditional full afternoon tea on the terrace or in the tea room at Firle Place near Lewes.
Community
Chichester
Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.
We will set up the studio tables with a selection…
Arts
Eastbourne
The Sussex Guild is delighted to be exhibiting at Eastbourne College, another new venue for the Guild this year. It's a stone's throw from Towner gallery, in this culturally rich coastal town.
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…
Theatre
Chichester
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story at Chichester Festival Theatre this November.
Guided Walk
Brighton
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 centre for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…
Festival
Halland, Lewes
One Love / One Sun Festival returns to Bentley Estate, East Sussex, from 20–22 August 2027 for a weekend of reggae, dub, sound-system culture and electronic music set among the Sussex countryside and woodland.
One Love celebrates roots reggae, dub…
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.
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…
Special Events
Lydd
A rare opportunity to bring your own Jet Ski and ride on our private freshwater lake in the South of England.
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…
Childrens Events
Tenterden
Join us for an evening of entertainment at Kent & East Sussex Railway from Drummers & a fire eater to a dazzling firework display at Northiam (subject to the weather)
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…
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…
Sporting Events
Crowborough
The Crowborough 10k has been a superb race offering from hosts, Crowborough Runners, for over the last thirty years. The 5k, which is a more recent addition to the event, has also proven an incredibly popular running race in East Sussex.
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…
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.
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Come and enjoy a seasonal walk with the Head Gardener at Leonardslee Gardens. See the best places to enjoy Autumnal colour and learn about how we manage the garden and estate at this magical time of year.
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