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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: 140

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  1. Bates Green Garden

    Type

    Type:

    Gardens

    Arlington

    Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968.  The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814. 

    Dates

    From:
    25 Feb 2026to28 Oct 2026Various Opening Times
  2. Beer & Cider by the Sea

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Eastbourne

    Beer & Cider By The Sea will serve up another selection of real ales, craft beers, artisan ciders and perries for summer 2027, after its sell-out success. The three-day music, food and drink festival, which is one of the biggest on the south coast,…

    Dates

    From:
    14 May 2027to16 May 2027
  3. Backstage Tour

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Brighton

    Our popular backstage tours are back!

    Venue

    Theatre Royal Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 10:30 -
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  4. Curious About Chichester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    West Street, Chichester

    Have fun (re)discovering Chichester with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before.
    It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to31 Mar 2027Open 10:00 - 16:00
  5. Smalltown Mysteries Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  6. Sompting Pumpkins

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sompting, Lancing

    Join us for pumpkin-picking fun at our family-run pumpkin field Sompting Pumpkins, Halewick Lane, Sompting, BN15 0NE, next to the A27.
    Open 10am-4pm (last entry 3:30pm) on the 3rd/4th, 10th/11th, 17th/18th and 24th-31st October 2026
    Free entry, free…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    24 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    25 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    29 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    30 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    31 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Evening Roost Watch

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arundel

    The wildlife hides and viewing platform are open an extra hour to watch the pied wagtails, little egrets and marsh harriers arrive for their evening roost at Arundel Wetland Centre.

    Dates

    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 17:30
    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 15:30 - 17:30
  10. Brett Lydd Half Marathon & 20 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    4 Apr 2027Open 09:00 - 14:30
  11. Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers Showcase

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    8 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  12. 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
  13. Birdwatching for Beginners

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Arundel

    Want to know the difference between a coot and a moorhen? Or how to recognise the different species of geese and gulls? This guided walk is ideal for adults who are new to birdwatching and would like to gain confidence in identification of common…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  14. 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
  15. Winter Wildlife Guided walk

    Type

    Type:

    Countryside

    Arundel

    This walk at Arundel Wetland Centre is for anyone who would like to gain a greater understanding of winter wetland bird species that visit the UK in the colder months. With a focus on ducks, geese and swans, you will learn useful identification tips…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
    From:
    7 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  16. Hand Crafted Birdfeeder workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Workshop

    Arundel

    Spend a morning at WWT Arundel, crafting birdfeeders to decorate your garden!

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
  17. Friday Fright Night

    Type

    Type:

    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

    Venue

    Aldingbourne Country Centre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    30 Oct 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
  18. 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
  19. Smalltown Mysteries Worthing

    Type

    Type:

    Guided Walk

    Worthing

    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 center for about an hour. After the walk it’s perfect to finish off with a coffee break to solve the…

    Venue

    Smalltown Mysteries Brighton, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026
  20. Fireworks Night at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    Type

    Type:

    Fireworks

    West Sussex

    Join us for one of West Sussex's most spectacular fireworks displays at the beautiful Leonardslee Wine Estate. Set across 240 acres of historic gardens and rolling countryside, this magical evening is perfect for families, couples, and friends…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Wine Estate, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    5 Nov 2026to6 Nov 2026Open 17:00 - 21:00