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: 118

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. 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
  2. Heathers The Musical

    Type

    Type:

    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.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    10 Nov 2026to14 Nov 2026
  3. Eastbourne Christmas Lights Switch On

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Eastbourne

    See Eastbourne's Christmas lights and giant interactive LED tree switch on with late night shopping, entertainment and market.

    Christmas lights to be turned on at 6pm.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Nov 2026Open 09:00 - 19:00
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Bogan Bingo Bottomless Brunch

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton and Hove

    Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!

    What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!

    Tickets include:

    - 90…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 12:30 -
    From:
    27 Feb 2027Open 13:15 -
    From:
    24 Apr 2027Open 13:15 -
  7. Abstract Forest Painting Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Join artist Jo Starkey in The Studio for a fun and inspiring day creating a vibrant abstract forest painting at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 09:30 - 15:30
  8. Painting party in Rye at The Globe Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    10 Military Road, Rye

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting in Rye at The Globe Inn!

    Venue

    The Paint Club, East Sussex

    Dates

    From:
    2 Dec 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    6 Jan 2027Open 19:00 - 21:00
  9. 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
  10. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story at Chichester Festival Theatre this November.

    Venue

    Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

    Dates

    From:
    17 Nov 2026to21 Nov 2026
  11. 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
  12. Exclusive Lake Jet Ski Owner Session

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Lydd

    Three hours of dedicated Jet Ski time with exclusive use of the lake for Jet Skis at Action Watersports in Kent.

    Venue

    Action Watersports, Kent

    Dates

    From:
    7 Nov 2026Open 11:00 - 14:00
  13. Winter Wildlife Detective Trail

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Lower Beeding, Horsham

    Uncover mysterious footprints, match them to the correct animal and discover fascinating facts about how wildlife adapts to the colder months at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens this February half term.

    Venue

    Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2027to1 Mar 2027Open 09:00 - 17:00
  14. Christmas Pudding Dash

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Pett, Hastings

    This cross country event is great for all the family, with the main race being accompanied by a Fun Run and the Children's Scurry. There truly is something for everyone and afterwards, bask in the festive spirit and enjoy a yummy mince pie. Explore…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Dec 2026Open 10:30 -
  15. Christmas at Bedgebury

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Goudhurst

    Christmas at Bedgebury returns from 20 November to 31 December 2026, transforming Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest into a magical illuminated trail. Discover glowing woodland displays, spectacular light installations, festive food and seasonal…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Nov 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times
  16. Set the Perfect Table for Christmas Masterclass

    Type

    Type:

    Shopping

    Portfield Way, Chichester

    One of the most important meals of the year deserves a decor to match. Join the Home Design Stylist at John Lewis Chichester for an exclusive masterclass and unlock the secrets of festive tablescaping.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 12:50
    From:
    17 Dec 2026Open 12:00 - 12:50
  17. 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
  18. 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
  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. Eastbourne International Airshow

    Type

    Type:

    Free Event

    Eastbourne

    Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow is scheduled to return for its 33rd year from 12 – 15 August 2027, bringing one of the South East's top events back to the South Coast. 

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2027to15 Aug 2027Various Opening Times