Go Ape Crawley, 16 October - 8 November 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.
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: 148
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Christmas
Petworth
Find your Christmas presents and a treat for yourself at the festive makers market at Petworth House and Gardens in West Sussex. Featuring high quality artisan gifts.
Fireworks
Robertsbridge
The Sussex bonfire season goes out with a bang with the Robertsbridge Bonfire and Torchlight Procession.
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*.
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.
Sporting Events
Haywards Heath
This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 1st of May 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…
Theatre
Chichester
Winner of the Olivier, Critics' Circle and London Standard Awards for Best New Play: a powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change. Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, and simultaneous openings…
Arts
Chichester
Join us at Pallant House Gallery, West Sussex for a three-part series of engaging art history lectures exploring the British landscape through key movements in 20th century British art.
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…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Step into a world of wonder and join us on the hunt for marvellous mushrooms in the enchanting woodland gardens at Leonardslee.
Markets
Woodchurch, Ashford
There's something truly special about a Christmas gift market, the twinkling lights and the cheerful buzz of shoppers hunting for that perfect gift. But this year, why not swap the high street for something a little more enchanting? Head to the Rare…
Heritage & History
Bluebell Railwa, Uckfield
The Bluebell Railway is pleased to announce the return of the giants at our Giants of Steam Autumn Gala from the 16th - 18th October.
Experience power, heritage, and atmosphere at one of the Bluebell Railway’s biggest annual events!
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.
Christmas
Uckfield
Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.
Other
Brighton
Discover the best of Brighton with a seaside stay at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Perfectly positioned on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, this package combines a relaxing overnight break with tickets to the magnificent Royal…
Arts
Chichester
Join us at Pallant House Gallery for an evening of music and poetry in a collaboration with South Downs Poetry Festival.
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…
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.
Workshop
Horsham
Want to start a new hobby or learn more about photography and escape auto mode? Learn the fundamentals indoors and practice it all outdoors exploring Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens.
New Year
Tenterden
Come and join the team from Kent & East Sussex Railway for a cracking day out this Festive Season and don't miss the chance to join us on New Years Day to welcome in 2027.
Arts
Alfriston
Join contemporary landscape artist Jo Starkey for an inspiring and immersive day at The Star, Alfriston, exploring the expressive techniques she uses in her own professional painting practice.
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