Chichester Food Festivals and Events
West Sussex has become one of the South Coast's most exciting destinations for food lovers, with artisan markets, vineyard events, street food festivals and countryside celebrations all within easy reach of Chichester. Whether you're passionate about Sussex wine, gourmet street food, local produce or family-friendly foodie weekends, the Chichester foodie scene plenty to offer.
Here's our guide to the top food festivals and culinary events happening in and around the Chichester area this year.
South Downs Food Festival 2026 Stansted Park
Set within the beautiful grounds of Stansted Park near Rowlands Castle, the South Downs Food Festival is expected to become one of the standout countryside food events of 2026.
Visitors can expect:
- Artisan food stalls
- Sussex producers and makers
- Masterclasses
- Local wine and craft beer
- Chef demonstrations
- Childrens cookery Class
The festivals' South Downs location makes it an ideal day out for visitors from Chichester and across West Sussex and Hampshire.
2026 Dates
Saturday 6 June Sunday 7 June
Ticket Prices
- Adult tickets expected from approximately £12.50
- Children £6.50
- Under 5s Free
- Family & Group tickets available
Event Website
Open Farm Sunday
This annual UK-wide event is an opportunity to visit a local farm and learn more about the story behind our food. It's a great way to learn more about the holistic farm to fork process and how farming is integral to our everyday lives.
Local farms taking part include:
Southend Barn in Donnington
Tuppenny Barn in Southbourne
Walberton Nursery in Walberton
Expect:
- Tractor and trailer rides
- Machinery demonstrations
- Meet the animals
- Nature walks
2026 Dates
Sunday 7 June
Ticket Prices
Free but book in advance
Event Website:
Chichester Cheese & Chilli Festival 2026
One of the region's best-known foodie weekends returns to Oaklands Park for another year of spicy flavours and artisan cheeses.
Expect:
- Local cheese makers and chilli producers
- Street food traders
- Craft beers and cocktails
- Live cooking demonstrations
- Family entertainment and live music
2026 Dates
Saturday 20 June Sunday 21 June
Ticket Prices
- Adult Weekend pass: £16-19; Day pass £10-£14
- Children under 15: free with paying adult
- Concessions available
Event Website:
Sausage & Cider Festival Chichester
Held at Westgate Fields in the heart of the city, the hugely popular Sausage & Cider Festival combines live music with artisan food and craft drinks.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Dozens of cider varieties
- Gourmet sausages and BBQ food
- Tribute acts and DJs
- Outdoor festival atmosphere
2026 Date
Saturday 25 July 2026
Ticket Prices
- Early bird tickets £25-30
- Standard admission: approximately £35-49
- Teen & kids tickets available
- VIP upgrade available
Event Website
Sausage & Cider Festival Chichester
Worthing Food & Drink Festival
Just under an hour from Chichester, Worthings major food festival is one of the South Coasts standout culinary weekends. Family & dog friendly.
The event showcases:
- Independent Sussex food traders
- Craft spirits and wines
- Street food kitchens
- Cooking demonstrations
- Artisan desserts and local produce
2026 Dates
1213 September 2026
Ticket Prices
- Free entry
Event Website
Worthing Food & Drink Festival
Wine Wednesday at Cavavin
Chichester's local wine shop, Cavavin, regularly hosts Wine Wednesdays with discounted wines and cheese and charcuterie. Pour, sip and explore with 24 wines to try from the enomatic machines.
2026 Dates
Wednesdays
Ticket Prices
No tickets but costs vary 20% off from 12.00-7.00pm
Event Website
Tinwood Estate Wine Events
Tinwood Estate near Chichester hosts a series of vineyard tours, sparkling wine tastings and seasonal food events throughout the year.
Popular experiences include:
- Vineyard picnics
- Sparkling afternoon teas
- Supper clubs
- Outdoor dining experiences
2026 Dates
Events run throughout spring and summer 2026
Ticket Prices
- Tastings from approximately £25
- Picnic experiences from £40+
- Premium dining events vary
Event Website
Ashling Park Estate Food & Wine Events
Award-winning Ashling Park Estate continues to expand its food and wine experiences for 2026.
Expect:
- Vineyard feasts
- Sparkling wine tastings
- Seasonal dining evenings
- Local chef collaborations
2026 Dates
Various dates throughout 2026
Ticket Prices
- Wine tastings from around £20
- Dining events typically £45 - £90
Event Website
Food for thought
From vineyard dining experiences to huge outdoor food festivals, Chichester and the surrounding West Sussex countryside offer an impressive food scene in 2026. The regions focus on local produce, English wine and artisan makers means theres something for every kind of foodie.
If youre planning a visit, its worth booking tickets early for the larger summer events, especially the Sausage & Cider Festival and vineyard dining experiences, which often sell out well in advance.
