15th - 18th Aug 24
Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex thanks to a range of tourist hot spots including the stunning South Downs National Park, two cities, Chichester and Brighton, an array of seaside resorts, characterful towns, and charming villages. Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers 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 has 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, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.
The Battle Festival returns in July, set against the iconic backdrop of Battle Abbey, East Sussex from 12th - 28th July, whilst the breathtaking festival of the air, Eastbourne International Air Show, celebrating 30th years of flying, returns in August 2024, 15th - 18th August (F). Don't miss Brighton's colourful, and creative energy with Brighton Pride (3rd - 5th August) (F), that welcomes thousands of visitors for a celebration of inclusion followed by Brighton and Hove Triathlon (1st September), and Gin and Rum Festival (14th September).
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: 150
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Theatre
Chichester
Set in picturesque Venice, this light-hearted operetta will whisk you away to a world of blissful romance, barbed satire and comedic chaos. Two charming gondoliers, Marco and Giuseppe, suddenly find themselves elevated to the status of royalty. Each…
Special Events
Amberley
Join us for an epic 80's weekend at Amberley Museum filled with nostalgia, excitement, and hands-on fun for the entire family on 27-28 July.
Event Highlights:
– 80's Nostalgia Collection: Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the 1980s with…
Arts
Tenterden, Tenterden
K&ESR welcomes Mr Doodle !!!
Don't miss this amazing opportunity to watch Mr Doodle doodle a railway carriage on the 26th July.
The completed Doodle carriage will be joining our passenger service throughout the August Bank Holiday
Music
Hassocks
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Sussex presents: The Zoo (concert version) and G&S Favourites.
Featuring among others Fenton Gray and Matthew Clark.
Sunday 29th September, 2.45pm. Adastra Hall, Keymer, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8QH.
Tickets:…
Music
Lewes
Join the Lewes Music Group as their very own Lewes Big Band celebrates it's 5th year anniversary!
Join the Lewes Music Group as their very own Lewes Big Band celebrates its fifth anniversary! The Lewes Big Band will perform their highlights from…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Chichester
The Three Inch Fools are back with Shakespeare's shortest – and wildest – comedy. The clock is ticking, as the Fools rush to untangle one almighty mess in this farcical tale of long-lost twins, hysterical misunderstandings, and endless mishaps. With…
Childrens Events
Ashford
Join us this summer holidays at The Rare Breeds center for 6 weeks of Farmyard Summer Fun! Starting on 22nd July, each week will be focused on a different animal with animal themed activities, all available at no extra cost to your entry ticket.…
Cycling
Amberley
Celebrate over 200 years of cycling history!
• Come and see a wide collection of bicycles ranging from historic and commercial to modern classics like BMX and Choppers.
Family
Battle
Join us at Battle Abbey every day of the summer holidays to learn what life was like in medieval times. From jester workshops, have-a-go archery, storytelling, squire training to lessons in courtly etiquette there will be a different activity each…
Exhibitions
Chichester
The Shape of Things questions the idea that still life is a lesser genre, showing how important it is to artists and society. Featuring a 'Who's Who' of Modern and Contemporary British artists, the exhibition digs into still life's rich symbolism…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Lower Beeding, West Sussex
8 – 11 August | 1-hour slots between 09:30 – 19:15
Back for it's second year after a sell-out event in 2023, conquer one of the UK's largest inflatable courses!
Dodge swinging blades, leapfrog over hurdles and sprint to the finishing line on our…
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…
Arts
Brighton
Just like this artwork, you're blooming beautiful. Embrace your inner beauty with this stunning artwork that'd look perfect in any home.
Add your favourite colour to the background, change the tulips to your favourite flowers or follow our artist's…
Festival
Battle
Battle's Scarecrow Competition won't fail to get you smiling.
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…
Concert
Rowlands Castle
The British Sinfonietta head to Stansted Park for Proms Under The Stars.
Heritage & History
Chichester
Help keep our heritage crafts alive! Did you know that many heritage crafts are at risk of being lost forever?
Join the Weald & Downland Living Museum as they explore heritage crafts & skills from past to present, and learn about how we can conserve…
Exhibitions
Goudhurst
This free exhibition will display a selection of the 2024 shortlisted entries, allowing visitors to view the stunning images in the beautiful surroundings of the National Pinetum.
Established in 2018 by Forestry England, the Royal Geographical…
Arts
Nr Wadhurst
The Sussex Guild is exhibiting over the August Bank Holiday at Pashley Manor Gardens. Selected for their high degree of skill and creativity, Guild designers will be showing their work in a large marquee in front of the Grade I listed oak framed…
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Bank Holiday Fun For All The Family on the lake at Action Watersports. From the Aqua Park Adventure to Paddleboarding, Flyboarding and much more there is something for all the water loving family. A warm welcome with a smile and warm lake is waiting…
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