What's on
What's coming up in Lewes and across the district, sorted for a dog owner: what to bring the dog to, what to know before a walk, and the rest. Each is in our words, with where we found it.
Put it in your calendar
The fireworks nights and the days that change a walk, in your phone's calendar. It keeps itself up to date, with a reminder at 9am on the day.
October 2026
30Oct
Bring the dog
Sussex Christmas Barn: trees, decorations and café
Pick a British-grown Christmas tree, browse a barn full of decorations and warm up at the covered outdoor café.
Dogs on leads welcome; weekdays are calmer.
Dogs on a lead The Sussex Christmas Barn
November 2026
4Nov
Before you walk
Monster Truck Firework Spectacular
An evening of monster trucks and two low-noise firework displays at Plumpton Racecourse, from 4pm to 8pm.
Fireworks at the racecourse in the early evening. Plan walks nearby for daylight, even if they call the displays low-noise. Not suitable for dogs.
4Nov
Also on
Elephant & Castle reopens
The Elly on White Hill reopens as a new-look pub under new owners, with Pat's Pizza in the kitchen. Downstairs and the kitchen open first, the garden in spring. Open Monday to Saturday from 10.30am, with coffee, and staying open through Bonfire night.
A town pub with a real fire, and dogs have always been welcome. Every Lewes pub lets dogs in, so we expect the same here unless they say otherwise.
Dogs welcome The Lewes List, interview with the new owners (28 Oct 2026)
5Nov
Before you walk
Lewes Bonfire Night
The six bonfire societies march through town with torches and bangers from about 8pm. Then each lights its own bonfire, with fireworks, from about 9.30pm. Trains don't stop at Lewes from 5pm.
The official advice says it isn't suitable for dogs. Bangers start early in the evening, so walk well before dark.
No dogs Lewes District Council
5Nov
Before you walk
The bonfire fields
Each society lights its fire on its own field, usually the same ones every year, and most of them are fields we walk dogs on. They're fenced off for the night.
Not suitable for dogs that night: fenced off, full of fireworks and crowds. Check the grass for spent fireworks and debris the next morning, before a dog goes off the lead there again.
No dogs Visit Lewes
5Nov
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice (with dog behaviourist)
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in, with a dog behaviourist on hand.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
7Nov
Before you walk
Chailey Bonfire
Chailey's village bonfire night, with a torchlit procession and fireworks in the village.
Fireworks in Chailey in the evening. Walk in daylight if you're on that side of town. Not suitable for dogs.
7Nov
Bring the dog
Free water kefir demo at Lovebrook
A free talk and tasting on fermenting water kefir, with Wildling Drinks.
Dogs are welcome around the market and farm, so bring yours along.
Dogs welcome Lovebrook's Instagram
8Nov
Before you walk
Remembrance Sunday
The town's Remembrance parade, and the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial.
The High Street is closed and crowded, with a silence at the War Memorial.
Dogs: ask first Lewes District Council's street-closure register
11Nov
Before you walk
Armistice Day
The two-minute silence at the War Memorial.
A short road closure, and a quiet crowd at the War Memorial at 11am.
Dogs: ask first Lewes District Council's street-closure register
11Nov
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in pet advice and checks.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
12Nov
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice (with dog behaviourist)
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in, with a dog behaviourist on hand.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
14Nov
Bring the dog
Artisan Craft Fair
Folk & Bespoke's makers' fair at the Town Hall.
We've always found dogs welcome at the Town Hall's fairs.
Dogs welcome Folk & Bespoke, the organisers (their page refuses automated reading; the date and times are from its search listing)
14Nov
Bring the dog
Lewes Creatives Christmas Emporium
Local makers fill the All Saints Centre with Christmas gifts: textiles, ceramics, jewellery, prints, soap and decorations, with a cafe on site. Free entry, and the Town Hall fairs are a short walk away.
Christmas fairs like this are usually happy to see well-behaved dogs; keep yours on a lead in the crowds and check at the door for the indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Visit Lewes and Lewes Town Council
14Nov
Bring the dog
Wivelsfield Christmas Fayre
The parish church's Christmas fayre, with jams, gifts, Fair Trade goods, food, crafts, decorations, books, coffee and cake and a raffle. Paws & Claws Animal Rescue lists it as one of its stall days.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Wivelsfield Parish Church
14Nov
Before you walk
South Heighton Bonfire
South Heighton's village bonfire night: a torchlit procession through Denton to the recreation ground, then fireworks.
Bangs across Denton and South Heighton from early evening, and Heighton Road and The Hollow are shut 5pm to 9pm. Walk the dogs in daylight. Not suitable for dogs.
No dogs South Heighton Bonfire Society
14Nov
Bring the dog
The UK Truffle Festival
A day of British truffles and the dogs that find them: cooking demos, talks, market stalls and a free have-a-go truffle-hunting arena open to any dog. Sold out: tickets only through the official Tixel resale page, none on the gate.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome throughout, with water stations, and any dog can try the truffle hunt. Dogs on a lead in the car park.
Dogs welcome The UK Truffle Festival, the organiser
14Nov
Bring the dog
Rodmell Christmas Fair
St Peter's Church holds a Christmas fair to raise money for the church, with stalls including animal treats, wreaths, cakes and cards, and teas served. Entry is £2.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Visit Lewes
15Nov
Bring the dog
Festive Fair at St Mary's
More than 20 local artists, makers and producers sell Christmas gifts at St Mary's. Hilda's Kitchen does refreshments for the Sussex Heart Charity, Nevill Juvenile Bonfire Society runs a raffle and the bar is open. Entry and parking are free; some stalls take cash only.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Visit Lewes
18Nov
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in pet advice and checks.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
21Nov
Before you walk
Barcombe Bonfire
Barcombe's village bonfire night.
Fireworks in Barcombe in the evening, and its High Street is closed. Not suitable for dogs.
21Nov
Bring the dog
Charleston Designer and Maker Fair
More than 30 artists, ceramicists and makers in the Hay Barn and outdoor spaces at Charleston, for both days of the weekend. Tickets £5 ahead or £6 on the door, under-18s free.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Charleston
21Nov
Bring the dog
Plumpton Festive Fair
A festive fair for St Peter and St James Hospice, with craft and food stalls, refreshments, a raffle, music from the Maestro Jazz Orchestra and the Phoenix Singers, and Father Christmas from 2pm. Entry is £1, under-14s free.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Plumpton Village News, Sussex Express
24Nov
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in pet advice and checks.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
26Nov
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice (with dog behaviourist)
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in, with a dog behaviourist on hand.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
28Nov
Bring the dog
Artists & Makers Fair
A fair of local artists and makers at the Town Hall, with an opening night the evening before.
We've always found dogs welcome at the Town Hall's fairs.
Dogs welcome the Artists & Makers Fair
28Nov
Before you walk
Sussex Downs trail run
Trail races of 10, 15 and 21km, starting from Plumpton Racecourse.
Runners on the Downs paths above Plumpton. The organisers say no dogs in the race.
28Nov
Bring the dog
Snowdogs trail at Sheffield Park
A Christmas trail of ten painted Snowdog sculptures around the garden at Sheffield Park. The trail is free once you've paid garden admission; no need to book the trail itself.
The National Trust says dogs are welcome on a short, fixed lead in the gardens, except Saturday mornings before 1pm. Parkland is fine any time.
Dogs on a lead National Trust, Sheffield Park and Garden
28Nov
Bring the dog
Bevern Trust Christmas Market
The Bevern Trust's Christmas market at Barcombe Village Hall, raising money for the Barcombe charity.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first The Bevern Trust
28Nov
Bring the dog
Kingston Christmas Craft Fair
A Christmas craft fair in the village hall at Kingston, with gifts, candles, jams and chutneys, homewares, jewellery and textiles, plus tea and cakes. Entry is free.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Visit Lewes
29Nov
Bring the dog
Guided archaeology walk from Firle Beacon
A guided walk of just under six miles from Firle Beacon, looking at prehistoric and Roman remains on the Downs. Book through Friends of the South Downs.
The national park page says dogs are welcome, and must be on a lead where the route goes through livestock.
Dogs on a lead South Downs National Park Authority / Friends of the South Downs
30Nov
Bring the dog
Christmas Countdown Raceday at Plumpton
A festive Monday of jump racing at Plumpton.
Dogs are welcome on a lead in the Village Enclosure on the Centre Course.
Dogs on a lead Plumpton Racecourse
December 2026
1Dec
Bring the dog
Seaford Arts & Crafts Christmas Fair
A week of Christmas gifts from local artists and makers in the Crypt Gallery, the old undercroft on Church Street.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first The Crypt Gallery
1Dec
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in pet advice and checks.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
2Dec
Bring the dog
Paws & Claus at Lewes Garden Centre
A festive breakfast with your dog at Lewes Garden Centre, with a goody bag for the dog, a doggy Santa hat, and a visit from Santa. Book a slot on their events page.
The centre says the event is for you and your dog, and its own page marks the centre dog friendly.
Dogs welcome British Garden Centres (Lewes Garden Centre)
2Dec
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in pet advice and checks.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
Dectbc
Before you walk
Christmas late-night shopping
Usually the first Thursday of December. The 2026 date isn't out yet. We'll add the day once we know it.
Late opening across town, with the Christmas lights switched on at the Town Hall, a market in the Castle grounds, music and Father Christmas.
The High Street is packed after dark, so it's a night for a walk somewhere quieter.
Dogs: ask first Lewes Town Council (the 2025 listing)
3Dec
Bring the dog
Sussex Peasant Christmas Market, Ditchling
Sussex farmers and producers selling local food for the Christmas table, at The Bull in Ditchling.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Sussex Guardian's 2026 Christmas markets guide
3Dec
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice (with dog behaviourist)
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in, with a dog behaviourist on hand.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
5Dec
Bring the dog
Folk & Bespoke market
Folk & Bespoke's makers' market at the Town Hall, in time for Christmas.
We've always found dogs welcome at the Town Hall's fairs.
Dogs welcome Lewes Town Council
5Dec
Bring the dog
Newhaven Mencap Christmas Fayre
Local stalls, festive refreshments, a grand prize draw and a visit from Father Christmas, for Newhaven Mencap.
Christmas fairs like this are usually happy to see well-behaved dogs; keep yours on a lead in the crowds and check at the door for the indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Newhaven Mencap
5Dec
Bring the dog
St Peter & St James Hospice Christmas Market
More than 20 stalls for the hospice, with a Santa's grotto (extra). Parking is limited, so book a parking session ahead.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Sussex Guardian's 2026 Christmas markets guide
6Dec
Bring the dog
Chailey Heritage Christmas Market
Local stallholders, snacks, drinks, live music and Santa's grotto (£5 a child, book ahead). The market itself is free, no tickets.
Christmas fairs like this are usually happy to see well-behaved dogs; keep yours on a lead in the crowds and check at the door for the indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Chailey Heritage Foundation
6Dec
Bring the dog
Santa Paws at Dobbies Brighton
A Santa's grotto for dogs at the garden centre: meet Santa and his elves, a gift for the dog and a photo option. £12 to £13.50 per dog; book ahead.
It's made for dogs: the dog is the ticket holder.
Dogs welcome Visit Brighton listing for Dobbies Brighton
7Dec
Bring the dog
Raystede Pop-Up Pet Advice
Free pet wellbeing checks and advice from Raystede: weight and microchip checks, free poo bags, leaflets, and a chat about the pets you have or would like. Questions to communityeducation@raystede.org.
Free drop-in pet advice and checks.
Dogs: ask first Raystede, the organiser
12Dec
Bring the dog
Seaford Christmas Magic
A free day of festive fun across Seaford town centre: live entertainment, market stalls, Father Christmas's grotto and the lantern parade. Seaford Town Market brings up to 26 stalls of local food and crafts to Church Street.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Seaford Town Council
12Dec
Bring the dog
Cliffe Christmas Fair
Cliffe Bonfire Society's Christmas fair at the Town Hall. Adults 50p, children free, and £3 to meet Santa.
Dogs are welcome at the Town Hall's fairs.
Dogs welcome Cliffe Bonfire Society
12Dec
Bring the dog
Peacehaven Christmas Fair
Peacehaven Town Council's Christmas fair: festive stalls, local sellers and gifts, with Father Christmas from 12 to 3 (£4 a child, with a toy).
Christmas fairs like this are usually happy to see well-behaved dogs; keep yours on a lead in the crowds and check at the door for the indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Peacehaven Town Council, via the Lewes Post
12Dec
Bring the dog
Care for the Carers Christmas Fair
Care for the Carers' Christmas fair, with gift stalls, a raffle and Secret Santa elves, raising money for the carers' charity.
Christmas markets are usually dog friendly outdoors; keep them on a lead in the crowds and check indoor stalls.
Dogs: ask first Care for the Carers (Eventbrite)
13Dec
Bring the dog
Downlands Obedience Group show
An open (capped) obedience show under Royal Kennel Club rules, with Novice and A, B and C classes. Entries close 10 November.
A dog competition at Plumpton: entered dogs only. The schedule doesn't say whether visitors can bring dogs that aren't entered, so ask the organiser first.
Dogs welcome Downlands Obedience Group, on With Your Dog (its entry site)
14Dec
Bring the dog
Christmas Jumper Raceday at Plumpton
Seven jump races, with racegoers in Christmas outfits for Save the Children.
Dogs are welcome on a lead in the Village Enclosure on the Centre Course.
Dogs on a lead Plumpton Racecourse
Dectbc
Before you walk
The Boxing Day hunt
It meets most years, but the 2026 meet hasn't been announced yet. We'll add the day once we know it.
The Southdown and Eridge Hunt usually gathers on the High Street on Boxing Day morning with its horses and hounds, then heads out of town.
Hounds, horses, crowds and protesters on the High Street in the late morning.
Dogs: ask first Sussex News, 24 December 2025
May 2027
22May
Bring the dog
Paws in the Park Sussex Show
A big weekend dog show: have-a-go agility, flyball and canicross, arena displays, fun dog shows and a shopping village of dog stuff.
A day out built around dogs, with water stations and shade for them.
Dogs welcome Paws in the Park (MDS Shows), the organiser
July 2027
2Jul
Before you walk
Love Supreme Jazz Festival
A three-day jazz festival, with camping, in the grounds of Glynde Place.
Expect busy lanes around Glynde all weekend. No dogs at the festival, except assistance dogs.
No dogs Love Supreme
Every week or two
- Lewes Farmers' Market · The first and third Saturday of the month, on the published list through 19 December 2026, 9am to 1pm · Friars Walk car park, by the Cliffe precinct Common Cause, who run it
- Lewes Friday Food Market · Every Friday, from 9am · the Market Tower, Market Street Visit Lewes
- Nature Wanders · Every Tuesday, 11am to 12.30pm · from the Linklater Pavilion, Railway Land Free wildlife walks led by volunteers. the Railway Land Project
- Lewes Car Boot · Every Sunday, 7.30am to 12.30pm · Phoenix car park, behind the Dorset pub Outdoors in a car park, so there's room for a dog. Late arrivals are fine. the organiser's Instagram post, 5 September 2026 (every Sunday, from September)
- Totally Pawsome Natural Pet Treats · The published list ended 13 October 2026 · a stall on the High Street Natural pet treats, at a stall in the street. the trader's website; days from David, 4 Oct 2026 (usually Tuesdays)
- Lewes Town Hall Market · Every Tuesday, on the published list through 15 December 2026, 8.30am to 1.30pm · Lewes Town Hall Bric-a-brac, books, clothing, jewellery, tools, watches, cards and stamps, and a cafe with hot drinks and homemade cakes. The poster does not say whether dogs can come in. The printed 2026 list runs to 15 December, and leaves out 14 April and 5 May. Lewes Town Council's Instagram, 6 October 2026
- Lewes FC at the Dripping Pan · the next home games: Tue 3 Nov, Lewes v Dartford, 7.45pmSat 14 Nov, Lewes v Stanway Rovers, 3pmSun 22 Nov, Lewes Women v Plymouth Argyle, 2pmSat 5 Dec, Lewes v Brentwood Town, 3pmSun 6 Dec, Lewes Women v Exeter City, 2pmSat 12 Dec, Lewes v Aveley, 3pmMon 28 Dec, Lewes v Welling United, 3pmSat 16 Jan, Lewes v Dulwich Hamlet, 3pmSun 24 Jan, Lewes Women v Portsmouth, 2pmSat 30 Jan, Lewes v Ramsgate, 3pmTue 9 Feb, Lewes v Three Bridges, 7.45pmSat 13 Feb, Lewes v Cheshunt, 3pmSat 27 Feb, Lewes v Leatherhead, 3pmSun 28 Feb, Lewes Women v AFC Wimbledon, 2pmSat 13 Mar, Lewes v Chatham Town, 3pmSun 14 Mar, Lewes Women v Oxford United, 2pmSat 27 Mar, Lewes v Burgess Hill Town, 3pmSat 3 Apr, Lewes v St Albans City, 3pmSat 10 Apr, Lewes v Cray Wanderers, 3pmSun 18 Apr, Lewes Women v Swindon Town, 2pm Lewes FC fixtures
Dogs on a lead Dogs go free. At men's games they stand on the terrace above the grass bank, on the Mountfield Road side, and stay out of the bar; at women's games, any stand and the bar. Lewes FC, 2018
Dates change, so check with the organiser before you set off. "Dogs welcome" means the organiser or the venue says so, or we've taken ours; where nobody says, we don't guess.
Know of something we've missed? Tell us about it
We check every event with the organiser or their own page before it goes on, and write it up for a dog owner.