Chichester Festival Theatre, 1 - 5 December 26
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: 134
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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…
Christmas
Eastbourne
Winterland Eastbourne brings festive skating to Sovereign Harbour with a real open-air ice rink, seasonal entertainment and a magical waterfront setting. Alongside skating, visitors can enjoy Christmas market stalls, festive food, family attractions…
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
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.
Theatre
Chichester
Following smash hit runs in London, New York and Melbourne, Heathers the Musical comes to Chichester - wickedly funny, deliciously dark and full of big fun.
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…
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.
Arts
Henfield
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting at Henfield's Tottington Manor!
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.
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.
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.
Childrens Events
Chichester
Join us at Pallant House Gallery, Chichester for a relaxed, creative workshop inspired by artworks in our collections and exhibitions. From block printing to collage, each session offers a simple, hands-on activity designed for all abilities –…
Music
Tunbridge Wells
Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells on 24th December with an evening of carols.
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.
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.
Christmas
Haywards Heath
Enjoy some festive fun and challenges at Elf Training Camp – before heading into Santa's Grotto to receive a special Christmas gift at Borde Hill Gardens this Christmas.
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.
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.
Special Events
Uckfield
The Ghost Train is back at Bluebell Railway! Step aboard if you dare… the Ghost Train returns to The Bluebell Railway this October!
Journey into the darkness for a spine-tingling ride through the Sussex countryside, with eerie surprises lurking…
Arts
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Get into the Christmas spirit with a relaxed session creating your own Christmas crackers, greeting cards and gift tags at Leonardslee Lakes at Gardens in West Sussex
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