Alexander House Hotel, West Sussex
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: 150
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Arts
Ringmer, Lewes
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Water Based Activities
Lydd
Want to feel more confident on a paddleboard? The BSUPA Ready to Ride Course at Action Watersports, Kent is a practical two-hour session designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to enjoy paddleboarding safely and independently.
Halloween
Chichester
Dare to take on the Monster Maze this Halloween? Friday Fright Night on 30 October, 3:30pm - 7pm at Aldingbourne Country Centre, near Chichester, West Sussex
Festival
Halland, Lewes
One Love / One Sun Festival returns to Bentley Estate, East Sussex, from 20–22 August 2027 for a weekend of reggae, dub, sound-system culture and electronic music set among the Sussex countryside and woodland.
One Love celebrates roots reggae, dub…
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted running event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent.
Sporting Events
Grosvenor Crescent, Saint Leonards on Sea
The energy: electric
The crowd support: epic
The course: achievably challenging
The vibes: unmatched
WINNER OF MIDSIZED EVENT OF THE YEAR AT THE 2025 RUNNING INDUSTRY AWARDS!
Join thousands of runners on the start line at the iconic - and…
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.
Arts
Chichester
We stay open until 8.30pm once a month, inviting you to explore the collection and exhibitions after hours. This October, we're delighted to be collaborating with the South Downs Poetry Festival for a concert and poetry promenade responding to the…
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Enjoy the epic scenery, the race day buzz and delight in every twist and turn of this traffic free trail. Perfect for novices and experienced athletes alike, the course meanders through the narrow trails of this beautiful woodland. If the weather…
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!
Workshop
Horsham
This two-day practical workshop gives participants the opportunity to develop sketchbook studies and create their own landscape painting in acrylic on canvas, working both outdoors and in the studio with guided instruction.
Fireworks
Haywards Heath
Ignite your autumn evening with a sky full of color at the Ardingly Fireworks Spectacular!
Walking
Brighton
Explore Brighton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.
Special Events
Uckfield
The Ghost Train is back at Bluebell Railway! Step aboard if you dare… the Ghost Train returns to The Bluebell Railway this October!
Journey into the darkness for a spine-tingling ride through the Sussex countryside, with eerie surprises lurking…
Christmas
Uckfield
This winter, enjoy time in the great outdoors at Sheffield Park and Garden with their family-friendly Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas Trail.
Countryside
Arundel
This walk at Arundel Wetland Centre is for anyone who would like to gain a greater understanding of winter wetland bird species that visit the UK in the colder months. With a focus on ducks, geese and swans, you will learn useful identification tips…
Halloween
Hailsham
This October, Half Term Horrors returns to Knockhatch Adventure Park! Saturday 24th October to Friday 30th October 2026.
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…
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.
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.
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