What’s on in Sussex in September 2026: music, comedy, theatre and days out

Freya Ridings and Anastacia are bringing their tours to Brighton, Death Cab for Cutie are heading to Bexhill, and Goodwood Revival returns for a weekend of historic racing and vintage style.

Elsewhere, September brings seafront music festivals, free heritage visits, touring comedy and a distinctly Sussex version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There is also a new play following Brighton & Hove Albion supporters from the Goldstone years to European football.

Our guide brings together major events and worthwhile local outings across Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex. It is arranged by date, with ongoing festivals first, so you can plan a particular evening or weekend.

Updated 11 September 2026. This edition covers events still to come during the month, alongside productions and festivals already running. It is a selection of highlights rather than a directory of every local performance.

September events in Sussex at a glance

Jump to: ongoing festivals, 11–13 September, 14–20 September, 21–27 September or 28–30 September.

Prices below are advertised prices, not a guarantee that tickets remain in the lowest band. Where a dependable price was not published on the event page, the official booking link is provided instead.

Festivals running across September

Until 27 September: Rye Arts Festival

Arts, music and talks | Various venues, Rye | Programme runs 10–27 September

Rye Arts Festival brings together concerts, author events, theatre and activities exploring the town’s history and surroundings. It is a useful option for anyone who would rather build a day around several smaller events than book one large arena show.

The festival is already under way, but continues through the final full weekend of September. Choose individual events from the official Rye Arts Festival programme, checking the venue as well as the time. Events take place across the town rather than at a single festival site.

11–20 September: Heritage Open Days across Sussex

Heritage and free days out | Participating buildings, gardens and community venues

Heritage Open Days provides an opportunity to explore places that may normally charge admission or have limited public access. Participating events are free, but opening dates and booking requirements are set individually.

Use the Heritage Open Days event finder to search locally. Do not assume a building is open throughout the ten-day festival simply because it is taking part.

11–13 September: seafront festivals, family shows and music

11–13 September: Southdowns Music Festival, Bognor Regis

Music and community festival | Bognor Regis seafront, town centre and Venue 24

Bognor’s three-day festival combines live music, shanty singing, ukulele events, dance, workshops and markets. It offers both a daytime outing around the town and ticketed evening concerts.

The evening performances are at Venue 24 on Bognor Pier, rather than an evening marquee. Advertised concert tickets are £20 per night or £45 for all three evenings, including the stated booking and administration fees.

Check the Southdowns festival programme and Venue 24 concert information separately: access to the free programme does not include the evening concerts.

11–13 September: Hastings Seafood, Wine & Music Festival

Food and live music | The Stade, Hastings Old Town

The Stade hosts a weekend combining seafood, street food, drinks producers, cooking demonstrations and live music. The programme uses two stages, with different musical themes across the weekend.

This is more than a food market, so it is worth choosing a visit around the music programme as well as lunch. Check the organiser’s festival information for day tickets, evening arrangements and separately ticketed activities rather than assuming one booking covers every part of the weekend.

Until 12 September: a small and quiet light, Chichester

Theatre | Minerva Theatre | Final performances

There is still a short window to catch Stephanie Street’s play about wartime agent Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan, with Priyanga Burford in the central role.

The story has a local connection: Noor was sent undercover into France from RAF Tangmere, near Chichester. The production runs for two hours and 15 minutes, including an interval, with published regular-performance prices from £15, subject to the remaining seats.

See the production and booking information for the final performances and content guidance.

12 September: In the Night Garden Live, Brighton

Family theatre | Brighton Dome Concert Hall | 10am, noon and 3pm

Igglepiggle’s Busy Day brings the television characters to the stage through costumes, puppets and music. The hour-long running time and three daytime performances make this one of the month’s more accessible starting points for a young child’s theatre visit.

Tickets are advertised at £21, £27 and £37. Children aged six months and over need their own ticket, so include them when comparing the family total. Check In the Night Garden Live at Brighton Dome for the selected performance.

12 September: Jane Horrocks, David Shrigley and Norman Cook, Brighton

Conversation and fundraiser | Brighton Dome Corn Exchange | 7pm

Jane Horrocks, artist David Shrigley and Norman Cook come together for a conversation conducted over a game of table tennis, raising money for Brighton Table Tennis Club.

Afterwards, the tables open to the audience, with music from DJ Best Enjoyed Now. Tickets are £17, or £12 for concessions. This is a conversation and community fundraiser, not a Fatboy Slim concert.

The Corn Exchange also opens for free table tennis between 2pm and 5pm. The event page explains the separate afternoon and evening arrangements.

From 12 September: Dogtember, Saltdean Lido

Dog swimming and charity event | Saltdean Lido | September weekends: 12–13, 19–20 and 26–27

Dogtember opens the lido’s heated pool to dogs and their owners, with a programme of swimming sessions and quieter options. The volunteer-run fundraiser supports Saltdean Lido Trust and continues on 3–4 October.

Dogs and people need separate tickets. Owners can choose a human swimming ticket or a spectator ticket, then add the dog’s ticket. Under-16s cannot enter the main pool during these sessions, although supervised use of the splash pool is permitted.

Read the Dogtember booking instructions before buying, particularly when arranging tickets for several people or dogs.

13 September: Isata Kanneh-Mason and Worthing Symphony Orchestra

Classical music | Assembly Hall, Worthing | 2.45pm

Pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason joins Worthing Symphony Orchestra to open its centenary season. The programme includes Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27, Kalinnikov’s Tsar Boris overture and Tchaikovsky’s final symphony, the Pathétique.

Standard tickets are advertised from £17, plus a £1.75 transaction fee. The venue also lists £6 tickets for under-26s. The afternoon concert runs for approximately 135 minutes.

See the Worthing Symphony Orchestra concert information for seats and concessions.

13 September: Marillion, Brighton

Live music | Brighton Dome Concert Hall | Support from 7pm

Marillion bring their live show to the Dome, with Haunt the Woods supporting. Tickets are advertised at £62, £72 and £82.

The published schedule gives doors at 6.15pm, support at 7pm and Marillion at approximately 8pm. Those are different stages of the evening, so check the current concert timings when planning arrival and the journey home.

13 September: Caitlin Moran, Brighton

Books and conversation | Brighton Dome Corn Exchange | 7.30pm

Caitlin Moran discusses How to Be Hopeful, with an audience question-and-answer session and book signing.

Admission is £33.50, while £44.50 includes a hardback copy. Choose the intended option on the Caitlin Moran event page rather than assuming every ticket comes with the book.

14–20 September: touring comedy, Goodwood Revival and a Sussex Shakespeare

14–15 September: Suzy Eddie Izzard’s Hamlet, Brighton — sold out

Theatre | Brighton Open Air Theatre | 7pm | Sold out

Suzy Eddie Izzard’s solo performance of Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet is listed as sold out on both dates. This is a theatre production rather than a stand-up set.

Existing ticket holders should check the official performance information and outdoor venue guidance before travelling.

16 September: Eric Idle, Brighton — cancelled

Book event | Brighton Dome Concert Hall | Cancelled

Eric Idle’s Idle in Provence event, originally advertised for 16 September, has been cancelled. Brighton Dome cites unforeseen circumstances.

The date remains here because older listings may still show the event. It should not be treated as a booking recommendation. Ticket holders should consult the venue’s cancellation notice and follow instructions from their original ticket seller.

16 September: Micky Flanagan, Brighton — sold out

Comedy warm-up | Theatre Royal Brighton | 7.30pm | Sold out

Micky Flanagan’s Brighton warm-up is sold out. The age guidance is 16+, and the advertised running time is two hours including the interval.

There is an important instruction for existing ticket holders: ATG asks customers to bring ID and the card used to buy the tickets, and to arrive 30 minutes before showtime. Check the Micky Flanagan booking conditions before the evening.

16 September: Chris McCausland, Zoe Lyons and Iain Stirling, Brighton — sold out

Comedy | Brighton Open Air Theatre | Sold out

This Funny That Comedy bill brings together Chris McCausland and Zoe Lyons, with Iain Stirling hosting. The venue currently marks the performance as sold out.

Use the official event page for performance information and any updates, rather than assuming tickets will be available at the gate.

17 September: Freya Ridings, Brighton

Live music | Brighton Dome Concert Hall | Doors 7pm

Freya Ridings brings her Mother of Pearl tour to the Dome, with Bea supporting. It is one of the month’s larger pop bookings, with advertised ticket prices from £40.75 to £58.25.

The venue currently gives Bea’s set as 8pm and Ridings’ performance as approximately 9pm. The 7pm listing is the doors time, not the headline start.

Check the selected ticket type and current schedule before arranging dinner around the performance.

17–18 September: Daniel Kitson, Brighton — fully booked

Comedy | Brighton Dome Corn Exchange | 7.30pm | Fully booked

Daniel Kitson’s new show, Thrum, is fully booked on both dates. Brighton Dome directs anyone enquiring about returns to its ticket office on 01273 709709.

The Thrum event page gives a recommended age of 16+. Returns are a possibility to enquire about, not a promise of admission.

18–20 September: Goodwood Revival, near Chichester

Motorsport, fashion and vintage entertainment | Goodwood Motor Circuit

Goodwood Revival combines historic motor racing with a wider celebration of the clothing, design and entertainment of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. It is one of the larger outings in this guide, suited to a planned day rather than a brief visit between other appointments.

Saturday admission and three-day passes are sold out. Goodwood is advertising limited Friday and Sunday tickets. Check the exact day and package before making travel arrangements, as general admission, grandstands and hospitality are not interchangeable.

From 18 September: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Chichester

Theatre | Chichester Festival Theatre | 18 September–17 October

Shakespeare’s enchanted woodland becomes the South Downs in a production set in 1994 Sussex, where an illicit rave collides with political authority, romantic confusion and amateur theatricals.

Munya Chawawa plays Bottom, with Justin Audibert and Hannah Joss co-directing. The local setting gives this production a different character from a conventional period-costume Dream.

Published prices start at £10 for previews and £15 for regular performances, subject to availability and demand. The venue flags strobe effects, flashing lights, lasers and loud music.

Check the A Midsummer Night’s Dream production page for individual dates, prices and access information.

19 September: Urzila Carlson, Brighton

Comedy | Brighton Dome Concert Hall | 4pm and 8pm

Urzila Carlson’s Fatty on a Yacht explores not fitting in, whether socially or more literally. An extra performance has been added, giving readers a choice between an afternoon and evening show.

Tickets are advertised at £27 and £29, with age guidance of 16+. The 4pm performance is BSL interpreted by Sue Maclaine. Make sure you select that performance when the interpretation is part of your booking decision.

See the Urzila Carlson event page for the two performances.

19 September: Sara Pascoe, Jack Skipper and Stephen Grant, Brighton — sold out

Comedy | Brighton Open Air Theatre | Sold out

Sara Pascoe and Jack Skipper appear on a bill hosted by Stephen Grant. Brighton Open Air Theatre currently lists the show as sold out.

Keep the official event information handy for any updates and arrival arrangements when you already have tickets.

21–27 September: big concerts, touring comedy and countryside events

22 September: Michael Ball, Brighton

Live music | Brighton Dome Concert Hall | Support from 7.30pm

Michael Ball’s Glow concert brings a major musical-theatre voice to the Dome, with Liss Jones supporting.

Standard tickets are advertised at £69.50, £89.50 and £104.50, with VIP packages priced separately. The published schedule gives doors at 6.45pm, support at 7.30pm and Ball’s set at approximately 8.20pm.

Check the Michael Ball concert information for the current schedule and the difference between standard seats and premium packages.

23–24 September: Jonathan Pie, Brighton

Political comedy | Brighton Dome Concert Hall | 7.30pm

The End of the World According to Jonathan Pie brings the fictional reporter’s political anger and satirical monologues to the stage for two nights.

It is one of the month’s substantial comedy runs, with tickets advertised at £24.50 and £34. Readers looking for political satire have a choice of Wednesday or Thursday, rather than a single tour date.

23–26 September: Stand or Fall, Brighton

Theatre and football | Theatre Royal Brighton | Evenings 7.30pm; Saturday matinee 2.30pm

Stand or Fall follows a group of Albion supporters through the last days at the Goldstone, the Withdean years, Wembley and European football.

Written by Mark Brailsford, creator of The Treason Show and a lifelong supporter, the new play approaches the club’s journey through the experiences of its fans. That makes it a particularly local choice among September’s touring productions.

Age guidance is 12+. Check the Stand or Fall booking page for seat prices and your preferred performance.

24 September: Stitches Comedy Club, Eastbourne

Comedy | Devonshire Park Theatre | Tickets advertised from £25

Stephen K Amos, Laura Lexx and Milton Jones share the bill at this Eastbourne comedy night, offering three established performers rather than a single touring headliner.

The venue gives age guidance of 14+. Check the selected performance time and remaining seats through the official Stitches Comedy Club listing.

25 September: Saint Etienne, Brighton — concert fully booked

Live music | Brighton Dome Concert Hall | Fully booked

Saint Etienne’s farewell concert is fully booked, with Brighton Dome directing enquiries about returns to 01273 709709. The concert listing names Marsy and Gwenno alongside the band.

There is also a separately advertised after-party in the Studio Theatre from 10.30pm to 2am, featuring Pete Wiggs and Heavenly Jukebox DJ sets. Check its own admission arrangements: an after-party booking is not a ticket to the sold-out concert.

25–27 September: Toto the Ninja Cat, Eastbourne

Family theatre | Devonshire Park Theatre | Tickets advertised from £19

The stage version of Dermot O’Leary’s children’s adventure arrives in Eastbourne for three days. It provides a family-theatre alternative to the month’s evening concerts and adult comedy.

The venue lists an hour-long running time. Check the Toto the Ninja Cat booking page for the daytime performance schedule and the total cost for your group.

From 26 September: Antigone Exits, Chichester

Theatre | Minerva Theatre | 26 September–17 October

Nina Segal’s new adaptation brings Antigone into the present, with seven performers retelling the story of a woman determined to bury her brother despite the king’s prohibition.

Jeff James directs. The production has no interval, and the theatre flags strong language, stage violence and adult themes including death, suicide and war.

Preview prices are advertised from £10, with regular performances from £15, subject to availability. Consult the Antigone Exits production page for the selected performance and detailed content guidance.

26 September: Jen Brister, Hastings

Comedy | White Rock | 7.30pm, with support | 18+

Jen Brister brings Reactive to Hastings, turning her exasperation with the world and the people in it into the subject of the show.

Tickets are advertised at £30.75, including the stated booking fee, and the running time is approximately 130 minutes. The 18+ restriction is worth noticing, as it is higher than the age guidance on several other comedy shows in this guide.

See the White Rock event information before booking.

26 September: Simon Brodkin, Eastbourne

Comedy | Congress Theatre | Tickets advertised from £31.50

Simon Brodkin brings Unleashed to the Congress Theatre, providing another substantial East Sussex comedy option on the same evening as Jen Brister’s Hastings date.

The venue lists a two-hour running time including the interval, with age guidance of 14+. Check the performance time and available prices through the official Simon Brodkin listing.

26–27 September: Autumn Show & Horse Trials, Ardingly

Countryside and family day out | South of England Showground | 9am–5pm both days

The Autumn Show and South of England Horse Trials combine equestrian competition with countryside displays and activities. Visitors can watch dressage, showjumping and cross-country, alongside dog displays, farm animals, falconry and a funfair.

It is an option for a longer daytime outing rather than just an evening performance, with food stalls and opportunities to try activities around the showground.

Check the organiser’s tickets and programme for admission categories and any additional activity charges. Do not assume every attraction is included in the entry price.

27 September: Death Cab for Cutie, Bexhill

Live music | De La Warr Pavilion | Doors 6pm

Death Cab for Cutie headline the De La Warr Pavilion, with Pool Kids supporting. The Bexhill date is one of the month’s strongest options for readers looking for a major band outside Brighton.

Tickets are advertised at £40 or £45, including fees. The venue lists a 10pm curfew but has not confirmed the performance start time, so treat 6pm as doors rather than the beginning of the headline set.

Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult and seated. Check the ticket type as well as the remaining availability.

27 September: Anastacia, Brighton

Live music | Brighton Centre | Doors 6.30pm

Anastacia’s #NTK tour arrives at Brighton Centre, with Acrobvt supporting. This is an all-seated concert.

The public event page does not display a dependable ticket-price range, so use the official booking link to check the seats and total currently offered. Under-14s must attend with an adult.

See the Brighton Centre’s Anastacia information. The 6.30pm time is doors, not a confirmed headline start.

28–30 September: touring theatre arrives for the month’s final week

From 28 September: Mean Girls, Crawley

Musical theatre | The Hawth | 28 September–3 October

The touring musical brings Tina Fey’s high-school comedy to Crawley, following Cady Heron’s arrival at North Shore High and her involvement with its dominant friendship group, The Plastics.

The advertised cast includes Faye Tozer, Emily Lane as Cady and Vivian Panka as Regina. Running time is 140 minutes including the interval, with age guidance of 10+ and warnings about mature content, strong language and bullying.

The Hawth lists audio description, BSL interpretation and captions for the 2.30pm performance on Saturday 3 October. Although that performance falls just outside September, it is useful when choosing a date within the same run.

From 29 September: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Brighton

Theatre | Theatre Royal Brighton | 29 September–3 October

A new staging of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time arrives with Joe McFadden and Charlie Brooks playing the central character’s parents, Ed and Judy.

The investigation into a neighbour’s dog’s death becomes a story about family secrets, trust and independence. This production’s central character is Chris Boone.

Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Running time is two hours and 25 minutes including the interval. Age guidance is 10+, with strong language, distressing themes, flashing lights and sound effects flagged.

Use the official production page to compare performances and current seat prices.

Planning a September night out in Sussex

Check the venue as well as the town. Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall, Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre have separate event listings, while Brighton Centre, Theatre Royal Brighton and Brighton Open Air Theatre are different venues. In Eastbourne, the Congress and Devonshire Park theatres also have separate programmes.

Use stage times rather than doors times when planning the evening. Several concerts in this guide publish separate times for entry, support acts and the headliner. Confirm the latest schedule before arranging dinner or a return journey.

Compare the full ticket total. A starting price may apply only to a particular seating band, concession or performance. Book-inclusive talks, VIP packages and festival hospitality should not be mistaken for standard admission.

Book access requirements for the right performance. Urzila Carlson’s BSL-interpreted show is the 4pm performance on 19 September, while Mean Girls’ advertised accessible performance is on 3 October. Check sightlines, wheelchair spaces, companion arrangements and the venue’s access-booking process directly.

For outdoor events, read the organiser’s arrival and weather information. Allow time for parking and entry, and check the route home before setting out. A forecast alone does not establish that an event has been cancelled.

Frequently asked questions

Are there free events in Sussex this September?

Yes. Heritage Open Days events are free, although some need advance booking. Petworth is offering free entry on 12–13 September, while Southdowns Music Festival includes a free programme alongside its paid evening concerts. Check what the free admission covers rather than assuming every part of an event is included.

Can I still get tickets for a sold-out show?

Possibly, but only when tickets are released or returned through an authorised route. Brighton Dome specifically invites enquiries about returns for Daniel Kitson and Saint Etienne on 01273 709709. There is no guarantee of a return, and a sold-out listing should not be treated as an invitation to arrive without a ticket.

What should I do about the cancelled Eric Idle event?

Check Brighton Dome’s cancellation notice and communications from the seller you booked through. Follow that seller’s instructions about the booking rather than assuming the old event page or ticket time still applies.

Which events are worth considering for children?

In the Night Garden Live and Toto the Ninja Cat are family-theatre options, while Petworth’s free weekend and the Autumn Show & Horse Trials offer daytime outings. Check age guidance and ticket requirements individually. At In the Night Garden Live, children aged six months and over require a ticket.

Why are some October dates included?

Several productions begin in September and continue into October. Their full run is shown so readers can compare performances, particularly where an accessible performance falls after the end of September. Events that only begin in October are outside this guide.

Is The Capitol in Horsham open during September?

The Capitol’s current website says the venue is closed until November 2026 for refurbishment. Check the actual location of any separately advertised activity rather than assuming it takes place inside the main venue.

Dates, advertised prices, age guidance and published booking statuses checked on 11 September 2026. Ticket availability, running times, line-ups and arrangements can change. Consult the official event page before booking or travelling.

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