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: 197
, currently showing 181 to 197.
Festival
East Grinstead
DadFest is coming to the South East for the very first time, with a fun-packed weekend of activities for dads and children all ages. And what's more it is free for children. This unique festival takes place over two days in the summer and was…
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
Literature
Worthing
R.A.W. stands for Readers And Writers and this new evening is for both. Every month the writer and journalist Thomas H Green talks with a writer about both their work and about the world of writing, not just their process and creativity, but about…
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
Rye
Exceptional artists hit the heart of Rye for the International Jazz and Blues Festival.
Arts
Brighton
We'd dive head first into this ocean of technicolour. No talent necessary for creating Big Blue, our friendly whale swimming around the open water – I hope that little boat won't get in the way.
Splash around in the paint (and your beverage) and…
Arts
Brighton
Surprise surprise! Take a chance on our artwork .. who knows what masterpiece you will create!
Your ticket includes:
All art materials to create your masterpiece.
A talented, fun and patient artist guiding you step-by-step through your artwork.
A…
Comedy
Brighton and Hove
Discover the best in live comedy, featuring three top acts and an MC!
Boasting the hottest line-ups including Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Jordan Brookes, Olga Koch, Barbara Nice, Jarred Christmas, Nina Conti, Sara Barron, and many more!
Komedia is a…
Special Events
Tenterden
A whole weekend of pure nostalgia recreating the sights, sounds and fashions of the 1940s
Festival
Uckfield
An event in our beautiful grounds to showcase local makers and suppliers of
local produce in collaboration with Chailey Heritage Foundation.
Come along and enjoy the live music, face painting, raffle and demonstrations from crafters and local…
Sporting Event
Eastbourne
HSBC UK Go-Ride is British Cycling's development program for young people. This program provides a fun and safe way to introduce young riders to the world of cycle sport and provides a platform to improve bike handling skills. We're all fully…
Fete / Fair
Ticehurst
Music, BBQ and summer fun at The Bell in Ticehurst.
Festival
Battle
A one day music festival set against the stunning backdrop of Battle Abbey.
Tour
Pulborough
Throughout the open season, Parham will run a variety of special tours of the House. 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…
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…
Carnival
Eastbourne
The biggest Seafront Carnival in the South East will return this year.
More than 1,500 walkers are expected to take part with some 25,000 fans and supporters.
Music
Eastbourne
With more than 140 concerts across the season, Eastbourne Bandstand has a packed line-up in 2024, including the return of the 1812 Proms & Firework Nights on Wednesday evenings from 1 May to 25 September, and Traditional Sunday Afternoon concerts…