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: 178
, currently showing 161 to 178.
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.
Special Events
Battle
A delightful celebration of stories, music, and art.
Festival
Battle
BATTLE FESTIVAL is a firm fixture on South East England's cultural calendar, winning public and critical acclaim. The festival stages performances in iconic settings and attracts world-class performances and audiences to 1066 Country.
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…
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.
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
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…
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…
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…
Talks
15-16 Kings Walk, Hastings
Celebrating 75 years of the home of the British Surrealism movement, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose' son, Antony, joins us to talk all things Farley house.
Located here in East Sussex, Farley House was the meeting place of some of some of the key…
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…
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…
Performing Arts
New Romney
New Romney Am Dram present an evening of songs and 'stuff' from a century of stage musicals.
With a little bit of dancing thrown in for good measure. Joining the adult cast will be our Youth Group who always add fun and enthusiasm to the show…
Performing Arts
Brighton
A unique and very special concert celebrating the music of Giuseppe Verdi. An actor (Jamie Martin) plays Verdi and is given a 21st century interview by BBC TV's Sally Taylor about his life and music. The extraordinary Sussex symphony Orchestra and…
Special Events
Eastbourne
A fantastic free emergency services spectacular on Eastbourne's seafront Western Lawns.
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…
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 -…
Special Events
Tenterden
A whole weekend of pure nostalgia recreating the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940s