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: 109

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. Punch

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 Feb 2027to27 Feb 2027
  2. By Royal Appointment

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    By Royal Appointment comes to Chichester Festival Theatre this winter. This funny, poignant and celebratory new play and a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of our most popular monarch and the image she presented to the world. Starring Jane…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    19 Jan 2027to23 Jan 2027
  3. Christmas Gift Market

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:30
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Spa Day at Award-Winning Utopia Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Indoor

    Turners Hill, Crawley

    Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.

    Dates

    From:
    24 July 2026to30 Nov 2026
  7. 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
  8. Cool-Aid Comedy - New Material Comedy Night

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton

    Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.

    Dates

    From:
    11 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    18 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    25 Nov 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
    From:
    9 Dec 2026Open 20:00 - 22:00
  9. 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
  10. Little Crafters: Christmas @ Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    Let your little ones get stuck into this fun and creative crafting session for 18 months - 4 year olds with Kirsty from Make, Do & Trend at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in Horsham, West Sussex

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    15 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 11:40
  11. 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
  12. How to build the perfect Winter capsule Wardrobe

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Horsham

    Want to discover the newest Winter fashion trends and brands for the upcoming season? Join the John Lewis personal stylists at their Horsham store for an intimate look at how to build a capsule wardrobe for the Winter.

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2026Open 11:30 - 12:20
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 11:30 - 12:20
  13. The Hendy Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Nice Work, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    28 Feb 2027Open 09:00 - 12:30
  14. Glow Wild

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Haywards Heath

    Glow Wild at Wakehurst is an award-winning festive light trail featuring stunning illuminations, immersive performances and magical seasonal displays. Explore enchanting landscapes, discover Nature's Gifts, enjoy festive food and marvel at the…

    Venue

    Kew Wakehurst, Mid Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    26 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026Open 16:00 - 20:15
    From:
    2 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Open 16:00 - 20:15
    From:
    9 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026Open 16:00 - 20:15
    From:
    27 Dec 2026to2 Jan 2027Open 16:00 - 20:15
  15. West Dean Christmas Market 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Chichester

    Experience the magic of the festive season at the West Dean Christmas Market, a celebration of makers and their craft, showing the best in art, craft, food and drink.

    Venue

    West Dean Gardens, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    27 Nov 2026Open 14:00 - 18:00
    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
  16. 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
  17. Crafted Christmas Makers Market

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Battle

    Sunday 6th December from 10am

    Christmas Makers Market - Join Crafted for a thoughtfully curated celebration of craft, creativity and community.

    The Makers Market will bring together a curated makers market, craft demonstrations and…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  18. Afternoon Tea at Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Crawley

    Experience one of the finest Afternoon Tea experiences in West Sussex at Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa. Served daily between 12pm and 4:30pm, guests can relax in the elegant Drawing Room and enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Sept 2026to30 Nov 2026Open 12:00 - 16:30
  19. Leonardslee Comedy Club

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Head along to the fun Leonardslee Comedy Club for an evening of live stand-up and plenty of laughs!

    Join us at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens in West Sussex for top-quality stand-up from Epic Comedy, enjoyed in a brilliant atmosphere and intimate…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    13 Nov 2026Open 17:30 - 21:30
  20. Christmas Wreath Workshops

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Head to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex for a festive wreath making workshop.  All tools and materials are included for you to make and decorate your own enchanting wreath, ready to hang on your door at home.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    26 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026Open 09:30 - 15:00