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: 182
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Special Events
Tenterden
A whole weekend of pure nostalgia recreating the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940s
Heritage & History
Station Road, Tenterden
1940s Weekend
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th May 2024
A whole weekend of pure nostalgia recreating the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940s
Early booking is recommended for this popular event!
Trains will be departing every 45mins from 10.30am -…
Heritage & History
Station Road, Tenterden
Guest locos will be operating passenger services between
Tenterden and Bodiam - details will be announced here soon!
Bodiam and Robertsbridge will be linked by a Heritage bus service
(exclusively for K&ESR Freedom ticket holders)
The line between…
Special Events
Eastbourne
A fantastic free emergency services spectacular on Eastbourne's seafront Western Lawns.
Childrens Events
Brighton
Award-winning theatre troupe Improbotics presents A.L.Ex and the ImpRobots: an AI Show for Kids, and a brand-new science comedy show for young audiences.
Join A.L.Ex the cute robot and the ImpRobots, a team of science adventurers embarking on a…
Dance / Dancing
Brighton and Hove
The MOST eclectic and eccentric Brighton club night
Anytime Goes is the name and the music policy. ALL genres in the mix for the truly adventurous... Funk, punk, soul, latin, disco, pop, house, jazz, reggae, swing, lounge, RnB (the actual real…
Arts
Brighton
The Artists Open Houses festival provides a unique experience for visitors, where you can view an array of work from contemporary and original local artists and makers in their homes, as well as meeting the artists and buying artwork and crafts…
Arts
Pulborough
The upcoming art exhibition at Parham promises to be a vibrant showcase of creativity, featuring the works of both professional and amateur painters, sculptors, and potters from West and East Sussex.
Members of the Association of Sussex Artists…
Run / Rally
Station Road, Tenterden
We are delighted to welcome back the Austin Counties Car Rally 2024!
A wide variety of these amazing classic cars will be parked across the Tenterden Town Station site and are well worth a visit.
Free entry with Train Tickets.
£1 Platform Tickets…
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Comedy
Horsham
Get ready for a night of hilarity and laughter, as three top acts from the London comedy circuit regale you with witty wisecracks and tall tales.
Gardens
Arlington, Nr Polegate
This Plantswoman's tranquil garden provides interest through the seasons. Woodland Garden created around a majestic oak tree. Colour themed Middle Garden. Courtyard Gardens with seasonal container displays. Front Garden a spring and autumn joy with…
Special Events
Battle
A delightful celebration of stories, music, and art.
Festival
Battle
Now in its 15th year, the Battle Festival Scarecrow Competition will have a classic theme this year – "Top of the Crops" – to complement Beautiful Battle's Summer Flower Displays.
Festival
Battle
A one day music festival set against the stunning backdrop of Battle Abbey.
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…
Festival
Eastbourne
Beach Life Music and Street Food Festival, the south coast's funkiest weekend is back and guaranteed to keep you entertained all weekend long!
This packed two days features a Music Stage & Bar, street food to tantalize the taste-buds , Skate Park,…
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.
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
General event
Brighton
Southwick's Legendary Beer Festival
Back - bigger and better - for 2024!
There will be a great selection of cask and keg beers, as well as ciders, sourced from a range of local makers. Some of the brewers themselves will be there at the event to…