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: 191
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Family
Battle
The one and only Battle of Hastings re-enactment takes place on the very spot where King Harold and Duke William fought in 1066. Don't miss 500 reenactors recreate the drama and intensity of this legendary conflict.
Festival
Uckfield
Bluebell Railway Beer Festival 2024
Come to a beer festival with a difference at the Bluebell Railway! Imagine sipping a special Sussex brew in the industrial splendour of a locomotive running shed, listening to great bands, and watching steam…
Festival
Brighton
A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Preston Park is brought to you by Magic of Thailand, previously known as Brighton Thai Festival.
Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and friends…
General event
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Battles Through History is the new Multi period living history show you simply MUST get to in 2024!
Set in 150 acres at the South of England Showground, this show is set to be the Last Hurrah of the summer season. Not only a great day out for…
Special Events
Eastbourne
The Western Lawns on Eastbourne's iconic seafront plays host to 'Beer and Cider by the Sea'. This three day extravaganza from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th May, real ale and cider lovers can choose from 100 real ales
Walking
Brighton
Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air.
Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but some…
Heritage & History
Chichester
Discover the unsung hero of the natural environment.
Hedgerows are a crucial factor in the existence of many plants and animals, over this weekend you can learn about the diversity of the plants and insects that rely on them to survive.
You can also…
Tour
Pulborough
Throughout the open season, Parham will run a variety of special tours of the Garden. 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 website…
General event
Streat
It’s a quintessential pairing: fresh seafood and sparkling wine.
Join us for a special evening of plateau de fruits de mer, served alongside our award-winning sparkling wines.
It is one of our most popular events at Artelium, so pre-bookings are…
Sporting Event
Worthing
Head to the Worthing Regatta and cheer on the rowers. This popular event welcomes over 200 people to race in a variety of crews and boats between the Worthing Pier and Splashpoint Leisure Centre.
Music
Brighton
Join the friendliest choir in town!
The Free Brighton Choir is a volunteer-led singing group, open to everyone, regardless of age, singing ability or experience. No auditions, no requirements, no cost.
Festival
Brighton
A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Preston Park is brought to you by Magic of Thailand, previously known as Brighton Thai Festival.
Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and friends…
Gardens
Chiddingfold
Ramster Garden in Chiddingfold will be transformed with an array of stunning sculptures this spring by the Surrey Sculpture Society from 3rd May to 2nd June 2024. The sculpture trail will be held within the enchanting woodland garden, making it an…
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.
Free Event
Burgess Hill
Bank Holiday - Sunday 26th May 2024!
7pm - 11pm
All are welcome - come solo or with friends.
Arrival drink at 7pm with time to find team mates (teams of 2 or more)
Games commencing at 730pm!
We have 7 different classic games to show your…
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…
Fete / Fair
Ticehurst
Music, BBQ and summer fun at The Bell in Ticehurst.
Exhibition
Eastbourne
Taking place on Eastbourne’s seafront Western Lawns from 29 – 30 April, motoring fanatics can expect to see over 600 vintage cars, bikes, and buses on display. From turn of the century runabouts to modern day star cars and a dedicated ‘cars of the…
Exhibitions
Rowlands Castle
Our 5th Anniversary! Join us at Stansted House, Hampshire!
2024 will be our biggest event yet!
Join us on the 23rd June, once again at Stansted House, Hampshire for another massive lineup of supercars from the south of the UK. We are expecting to…
Literature
Lewes
Lewes Speakers Festival May 2024
Friday 10th May 15.30 Sarah Sands, Editor of the BBC Today Programme, tells a beautiful story about the end of life, in which hedgehogs become a metaphor for hope.
Friday 10th May 17.00 Suzanne Heywood,…