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: 119

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. Christmas Makers Market at Petworth

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Petworth House & Park, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 18:30
    From:
    29 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  2. Present Laughter

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    24 Nov 2026to28 Nov 2026
  3. Bogan Bingo

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton and Hove

    Celebrating 10 years of mullets & mayhem at Komedia Brighton!

    Strap in and prepare to experience the simmering chaos of the comedy game-show Bogan Bingo – one of the UK’s longest running bingo shows.

    Expect a unique night of hilarious…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 20:00 -
    From:
    15 Dec 2026Open 20:00 -
    From:
    18 Mar 2027Open 20:00 -
  4. Beauty Takeover at John Lewis Horsham

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Dates

    From:
    19 Nov 2026Open 14:00 - 15:00
    From:
    19 Nov 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
  5. Midhurst Rother College Contemporary Craft Show

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Midhurst

    The Sussex Guild is delighted to be returning to the spacious, modern surroundings of Midhurst Rother College to showcase our contemporary crafts this Christmas.

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
  6. Hey! Christmas Tree

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo, returns to the Minerva following its hugely…

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    5 Dec 2026to27 Dec 2026
  7. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974!

    There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2026
    From:
    5 Dec 2026to6 Dec 2026
    From:
    12 Dec 2026to13 Dec 2026
    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026
    From:
    23 Dec 2026to24 Dec 2026
  8. 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
  9. Saturday Art and Craft

    Type

    Type:

    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 –…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  10. 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
  11. Reusable Christmas Wreath Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    This Christmas Wreath making workshop in West Sussex is suitable for complete crafting beginners and includes all equipment, materials and to create your very own faux wreath to take home.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 12:30 - 14:30
    From:
    22 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  12. Festive Paper Decorations

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into the festive season with a creative Christmas workshop at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens. Discover the art of paper folding and crafting by Helen Wallace as you create elegant handmade decorations to brighten your tree, mantelpiece or festive…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    4 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 12:00
  13. Leonardslee Wine & Dine

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Enjoy a relaxed, flavour-led evening made for food lovers and wine enthusiasts alike at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Horsham.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026Open 19:00 - 22:00
  14. Festive Candle Making Workshop @ Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Horsham

    This festive workshop is the perfect holiday self-spoil or an opportunity to hand-craft deeply personal gifts for loved ones. Set within a warm, festive atmosphere, you'll learn to work with natural wax and seasonal botanicals to create a beautiful,…

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    18 Nov 2026Open 10:30 - 12:30
  15. St Michael's Hospice Run

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Seafront, Bexhill-on-Sea

    Join us for this coastal charity run and help support the incredible work of St Michael's Hospice. Whether you choose the 5k or 10k route, you'll enjoy a beautiful stretch of seafront while raising vital funds for local hospice care.

    Race…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Jan 2027Open 10:30 - 12:30
  16. 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 -
  17. Festive Botanical Pottery

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into a joyful, hands-on creative experience where you'll design and make four beautiful, personalised pottery pieces, from charming coasters and decorative tiles to elegant hanging ornaments at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    8 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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