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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

Number of results:

Number of results: 143

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. 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:
    17 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    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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    26 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    27 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
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    28 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
  2. 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
  3. SteamLights at Bluebell Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Uckfield

    Join us for a truly enchanting evening 'Somewhere over the Rainbows' as SteamLights at Bluebell Railway returns for 2026.

    Venue

    Bluebell Railway, Wealden

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026to29 Nov 2026
    From:
    2 Dec 2026to30 Dec 2026
  4. 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
  5. Dinosaur Adventure Live!

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Eastbourne

    Surely The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth! 65 million years in the making… Are you ready for the adventure?

    Join our intrepid Dinosaur Adventurers as we journey to a world of living, breathing, life-like Dinosaurs. Walk with us through the…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Feb 2027Open 14:00 -
  6. 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
  7. Autumn Sketching and Painting Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lewes

    Join us at Farleys for our popular Autumn Sketching Workshop, with painting being added for 2026!

    A workshop suitable for beginners and experienced artists. Improve your observational and creative skills by sketching and painting foliage and seed…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  8. 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
  9. Chichester Cathedral | Light Experience

    Type

    Type:

    School Holidays

    Chichester

    Returning this October, Illuminating Art offers visitors the chance to journey through four centuries of artistic imagination from the 23 - 31 October 26 at Chichester Cathedral. This immersive light and sound show culminates in the Cathedral nave…

    Venue

    Chichester Cathedral, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    23 Oct 2026to31 Oct 2026
  10. Drink and Draw

    Type

    Type:

    Community

    Chichester

    Join us for a laid-back Studio session where you'll have the chance to sketch and enjoy a drink or two in a friendly and informal environment, supported by one of our experienced artist educators.

    We will set up the studio tables with a selection…

    Venue

    Pallant House Gallery, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    15 Oct 2026Open 18:00 - 20:00
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole & Royal Pavilion

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    31 July 2026to4 Nov 2026
  14. 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
  15. Christmas Afternoon Tea with Santa

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Step into the magic of Christmas Afternoon Tea at Leonardslee Wine Estate

    A festive family afternoon filled with sweet treats, seasonal cheer and a special visit from Santa himself.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026to20 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 15:00
  16. 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
  17. Aqua Park Autumn Savings Sessions

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Lydd

    Summer holidays might be over, but the Aqua Park fun definitely isn't. Even better, pre-book a session for 5 or more people and enjoy the Aqua Park for just £19.99pp!

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    28 Sept 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 11:00 - 16:00
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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