Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex thanks to a range of tourist hot-spots including a national park, two cities, Chichester and Brighton, and selection of seaside resorts. We've got hundreds of exciting events taking place all year round for residents, day-trippers and holiday makers to enjoy.
To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place. If you're looking for what's on when it's raining, the coastal geography of Sussex means you can switch the beach for a trip to a local castle, all of which have a calendar of seasonal events to entertain children and adults.
You'll find an enviable supply of themed festivals in Sussex, from food and drink festivals bursting with local produce, which is amongst the best in the UK, and full to the brim with English wine as this county has the ideal conditions for a host of vineyards giving a unique flavour to any event. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, an adventure, guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
Don't miss this year's Brighton Festival which kicks off on the 4th - 26th May 2024. This wonderful indoor and outdoor celebration of the arts is a highlight on the South East event calendar and includes dance, circus acts, shows, comedy, and more. Look out for the Olivier Award-winning performance maker, Marisa Carnesky, the newly refurbished Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre which opens to welcome premieres and international productions to Brighton Festival 2024 and for the children, the British Animation award-winning Kensuke’s Kingdom, adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s best-selling children’s book.
Take a look at our featured list for inspiration and then scroll to the bottom of the page to see hundreds of more events 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
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Whether you're local or visiting the area, find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.
Number of results: 198
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Festival
Rowlands Castle
Our highly popular Stansted Summer Festival will be back for 2024!
Join us for our fourth eclectic weekend of family fun, quirky entertainment and a little bit of the eccentric all within the setting of a Quintessential Country Estate.
Arts
Brighton
Why this artwork? Because you're the mane event. Using a base of neutral colours, Into the Lion's Den channels the king of the jungle with a colourful twist. We honestly think this big cat should be in the next Lion King movie.
Your ticket…
Arts
Brighton
It's such a good vibration. It's such a sweeeeet sensation. It's good times only with this beachy artwork where you don't have to worry about the weather forecast (a dream!).
This session is enjoyed very nicely with a cocktail in hand to give you…
Christmas
The Grove, Rye
If you enjoyed last year's panto fun, you'll LOVE this year's Christmas Show!
From the same producers who brought you last year's success, Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Circus come this seasons Christmas extravaganza. Working once again…
Festival
Rowlands Castle
Our highly popular Stansted Summer Festival will be back for 2024!
Join us for our fourth eclectic weekend of family fun, quirky entertainment and a little bit of the eccentric all within the setting of a quintessential country estate.
Sporting Event
Crawley
Show 1
An incredible celebration of gymnastics with the theme Legends and Icons held at the K2 Crawley. We are sure you will be singing and dancing along and hope everyone enjoys their day full of surprises and fun.
Other
Buxted
Step back to the 1920s for an exclusive Great Gatsby-inspired event.
Step back in time to the glamorous 1920s for this exclusive Great Gatsby event at Buxted Park Hotel. Indulge in a weekend of luxury, entertainment, and revelry worthy of Jay…
Gardens
Fittleworth
There will be gardens open with something for everyone, ranging from large country houses to smaller village cottages, from the formal to the informal, wild gardens to walled gardens.
• Several New Gardens for 2024
• £7.50 to cover both days per…
Festival
Nutley
A wild weekend family adventure, packed full of music, sports, nature and the arts, all set in the heart of the beautiful Sussex countryside
General event
Brighton
Join us for our hugely popular Couples Cook session – together you’ll cook an array of authentic Mexican dishes, prepared and plated to restaurant standards then dine together in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. With prosecco on arrival as well as…
Childrens Events
Haywards Heath
Embark on an uplifting family adventure this May half term as you journey through the Garden on an engaging kids' wellbeing trail.
Children of all ages can give their mental and physical agility a good workout by discovering the hidden flowers…
Arts
Brighton
Why this artwork? Because you're the mane event. Using a base of neutral colours, Into the Lion's Den channels the king of the jungle with a colourful twist. We honestly think this big cat should be in the next Lion King movie.
Other
Brighton
Come and create a variety of fresh and flavourful Mexican dishes before sitting down to dine with your fellow foodies! The easy to follow recipes are ideal to recreate at home – an impressive feast for your next dinner party!
Typical menu:
Gorditas…
Tour
Pulborough
Throughout the open season, Parham will be running two tours of the Needlework collection. These tours are designed for regular visitors who might never have had the opportunity to take a tour before. All places must be booked in advance via our…
Music
Brighton
The amazing Brighton Racecourse Antiques and Vintage Fair returns.
There will be 170+ indoor stalls bristling with all variety of unique and unusual items for sale.
The fantastic Swing singer, Steve Conway, will be performing throughout the day!…
Festival
Brighton
During May & June, Brighton Fringe welcomes international performers and audiences as it showcases the creative heart and soul of the city and its unique cultural heritage.
Comedy
Brighton
Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.
Food
Station Road, Tenterden
Spend a lovely evening travelling with a fish and chipsupper through the picturesque Rother Valley in a train hauled by a classic diesel heritage Locomotive. Various dates available
Food
Eastbourne
The full music line-up has been announced for this year’s Beer & Cider by the Sea.
The three-day event takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 17-19 on the Western Lawns on Eastbourne seafront.
Shopping
Rolvenden, Cranbrook
There's no better way to enjoy the Summer than a day out at Hole Park!
Returning on 6th - 8th June 2024, the Midsummer Fair will have over 250 hand-picked exhibitors with something for everyone and plenty of places to enjoy a coffee or a glass of…