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. 

Sundown Adventures Now Live at Go Ape Crawley

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: 144

, currently showing 41 to 60.

  1. Battel Bonfire Boyes Guy Fawkes Celebrations

    Type

    Type:

    Bonfire Night

    Battle

    The world’s oldest bonfire society

    In 1646, St Mary’s Church allocated 2 shillings and 6 pence in funds for gunpowder treason rejoicing. Since then there have been annual celebrations in the town of Battle.

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026
  2. Burgess Hill 10k

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Burgess Hill

    This 3-day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May 2027 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…

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2027Open 09:30 - 12:30
  3. Painting party in Horsham at The Kings Arms

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting in Horsham, West Sussex

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    11 Jan 2027Open 19:00 - 21:00
  4. Optics Day at WWT Arundel

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  5. Painting party in Henfield at Tottington Manor

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Henfield

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting at Henfield's Tottington Manor!

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    17 Nov 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    15 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  6. Kent Spring Marathon & Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Health & Wellbeing

    Ashford

    This popular Kent Spring race has relocated to Woodchurch for 2027 and sees a two-lap marathon and a single lap half marathon, explores the undulating, quiet, wide lanes outside Woodchurch in Ashford, Kent.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    18 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 15:30
  7. Creative Taster Sessions At West Dean

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Follow your curiosity and try something new at West Dean Gardens, Chichester.
    As part of A Summer of Imagination at West Dean, our Creative Taster Sessions offer two unhurried hours around the Gardens Gatehouse craft table to follow your curiosity,…

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to7 Nov 2026
  8. Painting party in Rye at The Globe Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    10 Military Road, Rye

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting in Rye at The Globe Inn!

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 Jan 2027Open 19:00 - 21:00
  9. 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
  10. Water Lane Christmas Market | 27–29 November 2026

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 18:00 - 21:00
    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 16:00
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  11. 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 -
  12. Christmas Carols at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Tunbridge Wells

    Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells on 24th December with an evening of carols.

    Dates

    From:
    24 Dec 2026Open 19:30 - 21:00
  13. From the Lee Miller Archives: Lee's Surreal Menagerie

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    East Sussex

    Infused with wit and shaped by her surrealist sensibility, this playful display in the Farleys Gallery Café focuses on Lee Miller's animal subjects. From taking 'pet portraits' at the request of rich clients in her New York Studio, to rescuing a…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Apr 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  14. Robertsbridge Bonfire Night 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    Robertsbridge

    The Sussex bonfire season goes out with a bang with the Robertsbridge Bonfire and Torchlight Procession.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026
  15. Painting party at Hart Country Stores in Haywards Heath

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
    From:
    16 Nov 2026Open 18:30 - 20:30
  16. The Nutcracker

    Type

    Type:

    Dance / Dancing

    Chichester

    New English Ballet Theatre (NEBT) presents a bold reimagining of The Nutcracker, performed live on stage to Tchaikovsky's original, much-loved score. Blending classical tradition with imaginative storytelling, this production at Chichester Festival…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    6 Jan 2027to10 Jan 2027
  17. 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
  18. SUPER Natural October Half Term 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Arundel

    Swap the spooky for a SUPER Natural family-friendly Halloween adventure this October half-term at WWT Arundel. Perfect for younger children, this magical experience offers a scare-free day out in nature to explore the magical superpowers and…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:30
  19. Treetorial: How To Style & Decorate Your Tree This Year

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Portfield Way, Chichester

    Ready to wow your guests this year with the ultimate Christmas tree? Join the Home Design Stylists at John Lewis Chichester, for an exclusive Christmas tree masterclass.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 12:50
    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 12:50
    From:
    30 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 12:50
  20. Sussex History & Heritage Events with Kevin Newman

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join Sussex historian, author, and Pages Magazine columnist Kevin Newman for a lively and entertaining series of history events in The Courtyard here at Leonardslee.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    13 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30