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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

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Number of results: 146

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. 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
  2. Burning the Clocks

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brighton

    The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2026
  3. The Rogate Pumpkin Patch

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Rogate, Petersfield

    The Rogate Pumpkin Patch is now in its 12th year, the pick your own autumn pumpkin event will open on Friday 16th October, running through to Sunday 1st November. We'll close with our much-loved Pumpkin SMASH! Autumn Finale! a one-day ONLY event…

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026
  4. Halloween Spooktacular

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    1 Oct 2026to29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 14:30
    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
    From:
    31 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. 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 -
  6. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Winter Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Uckfield

    The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Jan 2027Open 10:00 - 13:00
  7. Hove Prom 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Hove

    The accurately measured 10k course is two laps along the promenade with lots of great support from Arena 80 Athletics Club. The event is a Sussex Grand Prix Championship event and attracts both seasoned and beginner runners alike. The course is…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026
  8. Murder Mystery Dinner

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  9. The Battle of Hastings Re-enactment 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Family

    Battle

    The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 300 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. Drink and Draw

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  11. Beachy Head Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Eastbourne

    The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. It starts and finished on Eastbourne Seafront and is now part of an event that also sees the Ultra-Marathon,10k and Half-marathon all take place over the same weekend with…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to25 Oct 2026
  12. Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Eastbourne

    Three Nights. One Epic Christmas Party. Zero Dry Turkey.

    After multiple sold-out Christmas events, Eastbourne Music Fest returns with Ultimate Christmas Party Fest 2026 – bigger, louder, snowier, and more party-focused than ever before.

    This year,…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 18:20 - 23:30
  13. 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
  14. Adults' Halloween Silent Disco

    Type

    Type:

    Dance / Dancing

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Celebrate Halloween with an adults-only silent disco as The Silent DJs return to Leonardslee Gardens.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    31 Oct 2026Open 18:30 - 23:50
  15. 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
  16. Peter Pan: A musical adventure

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    14 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  17. Forbidden Nights

    Forbidden Nights

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Eastbourne

    Forbidden Nights is made up of a male vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all with an element of strip tease -- think Cirque du Soleil meets *Magic Mike*.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 19:30 -
  18. 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
  19. Little Chelsea Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    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!

    Dates

    From:
    4 Dec 2026Open 15:45 - 20:30
  20. Go Ape Bedgebury Sundown Adventures

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Cranbrook

    Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent!

    Venue

    Go Ape Bedgebury, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    16 Oct 2026to8 Nov 2026