Horsham, West 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: 146
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Glow Wild at Wakehurst is an award-winning festive light trail featuring stunning illuminations, immersive performances and magical seasonal displays. Explore enchanting landscapes, discover Nature's Gifts, enjoy festive food and marvel at 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…
Music
Alfriston
Four well-known local singers get us into the festive mood once again with a varied programme of Advent and Christmas music ranging from the sacred to the downright silly – all in the magical atmosphere of a candle lit 14th century church.
Arts
Haywards Heath
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting in Haywards Heath at Hart Country Stores
Our friendly local artist will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cranbrook
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent!
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…
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.
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!
Sporting Events
Tunbridge Wells
Voted the No.2 Half Marathon in the UK by Runners World readers in 2011 the Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon event combines beautiful scenery with a challenging route.
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.
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.
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
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…
Food
Horsham
Celebrate 15 years of The Velvet Rooms with an unforgettable evening inspired by the dazzling decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Slip into your finest flapper dresses, fedoras, and feathers, and prepare to become part of an immersive, interactive…
Christmas
Hawkhurst, Cranbrook
Water Lane Walled Garden welcomes you this November for three days of Christmas shopping, seasonal food and festive atmosphere, set amongst our historic walled garden and Victorian glasshouses.
From Friday 27 to Sunday 29 November, the Christmas…
Workshop
Horsham
Discover the hidden secrets of perfumery in this fascinating, half-day workshop with Jonathan Gilhooly at Lenoardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex. Explore the captivating world of scent as you're introduced to a range of essential oils and…
Childrens Events
Aldingbourne
Step into a magical Halloween world filled with spooky games, enchanting activities and plenty of Halloween fun at Aldingbourne Country Centre. A child-friendly experience perfect for little witches, wizards, fairies and monsters wanting a day out…
Shopping
Horsham
Enjoy fun on-counter games, indulge in luxurious treats, a prize draw and much more at John Lewis Horsham next beauty takeover. Tickets are £15 and redeemable on the day against any purchase in the beauty hall.
Halloween
Chichester
Dare to take on the Monster Maze this Halloween? Friday Fright Night on 30 October, 3:30pm - 7pm at Aldingbourne Country Centre, near Chichester, West Sussex
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