2025 marks 25 years since the doors opened to the Millennium Seed Bank c Jim Holden

25th Anniversary

Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst, c Jim Holden

What's On in Sussex

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Events suitable for the whole family are never hard to come by in Sussex, thanks to its great family-friendly seaside resorts, vibrant cities, and gorgeous countryside.  You'll find a whole host of events and activities to enjoy on every visit, as the what's on calendar is full to bursting all year round. Whether you choose to head to East or West Sussex, visit for a city break in either Chichester or Brighton, or relax and explore the stunning South Downs National Park that stretches through both counties.

Don't miss the chance to join in the 950th anniversary celebrations at Chichester Cathedral, which includes a year-long exhibition and a spectacular light show in October or enjoy a trip on one of the Sussex steam railways as part of Railway 200.  2025 also marks 100 years since Drusillas Park invited families to experience its zoo, adventure play, and rides, as well as 25 years since the Millennium Seed Bank at Wakehurst opened, now home to over 2.4 billion seeds.

What's on in Sussex this weekend?

To find out what's on in Sussex today or this weekend, use the search box above to narrow down your required date, explore the featured list or head to the bottom of the page and explore the list of events in Sussex. If you are on a budget look out for the free events (F) taking place across the county. Sussex means you're never far from an event, a place, or an adventure - guaranteed to keep you entertained and coming back for more.

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Staying overnight 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.

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Sussex events near me

Sussex hosts hundreds of exciting events, all year round for residents, day-trippers, and holidaymakers to enjoy. The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Sussex. Find what's happening near you by clicking the Map View button.

Inspiration

  1. Dinosaur Adventure Live!
    Surely The Greatest Prehistoric Show on Earth! 65…
    1. 15 Feb 2026
  2. Stargazing at Helen Garden
    Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical…
    1. 24 Jan 2026
    2. 21 Feb 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 87

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Tina Under the Stars

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll!

    Experience the raw power and electrifying energy of the UK's number one Tina Turner tribute act, Typically Tina. Backed by a full live band, this sensational performance captures the voice, the…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 18:00 - 21:30
  2. Martello Half Marathon

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Seaford

    The Seaford Martello Half Marathon is a scenic, but challenging event combining the stunning Seaford seafront with the beautiful South Downs. Organised jointly by Rotary Martello Seaford and Seaford Striders Running Club, this is one the nicest half…

    Dates

    From:
    19 Apr 2026
  3. A Boy Called Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    An enthralling, charming and magical tale that tells the true story of Father Christmas.

    For 11-year-old Nikolas, whose nickname is Christmas because he was born on 25 December, life isn't easy. With only a doll made out of a turnip to keep him…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Dec 2025to31 Dec 2025
  4. McFly - Borde Hill Summer Series

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Haywards Heath

    With Special Guests The Feeling & Remember Monday

    McFly are set to light up our stunning Parkland at Borde Hill on Friday 14th August, headlining an unmissable summer concert filled with huge hits and a stellar supporting lineup. With gates opening…

    Dates

    From:
    14 Sept 2026Open 16:00 - 22:30
  5. Lewes Big Band Presents: Sleigh Ride

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Lewes

    Join the Lewes Big Band as they present a joyful and festive evening of some of the best Big Band Christmas classics and fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Pieces will include White Christmas, All I Want for Christmas is You and O Holy…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Dec 2025Open 19:30 - 22:00
  6. Feast of Fiddles 31st Tour Comes to Bexhill Academy Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Bexhill on Sea

    2026 and Feast of Fiddles set out on their Annual Tour once again – their 31st.
    Two storming performances at the New Forest Folk Festival and Fairport's Cropredy Convention in 2024 promoted what has become their 8th recording and another live…

    Dates

    From:
    23 Feb 2026Open 19:30 - 22:30
  7. Christmas at Stansted House

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Havant

    Step inside Stansted House this Christmas and explore the beautiful Edwardian Mansion after it has been decorated for the Festive season.

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
  8. Roald Dahl's The BFG

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Chichester

    Roald Dahl's unforgettable story The BFG comes to life in a magical new co-production from Chichester Festival Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Roald Dahl Story Company. This new adaptation by Tom Wells is directed by RSC Co-Artistic…

    Dates

    From:
    9 Mar 2026to11 Apr 2026
  9. Stick Man Activity Trail at Bedgebury

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Goudhurst

    The interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree. Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Feb 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 09:30 - 04:30
  10. Burning the Clocks

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brighton

    The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light. Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper lanterns to carry through the city before…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Dec 2026
  11. Nativity! The Musical

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Tunbridge Wells

    Get ready to sparkle and shine this December as the festive family favourite Nativity! The Musical bursts onto the Trinity stage.

    Based on the 2009 smash-hit holiday film, Nativity! The Musical will transport Tunbridge Wells into the mayhem of…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2025to27 Dec 2025Open 10:30 - 18:00
  12. Bogan Bingo Bottomless Brunch

    Type

    Type:

    Comedy

    Brighton and Hove

    Bingo, bottomless brunch & the Bogan Bingo boys!

    What could be a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than a gloriously chaotic bingo and bottomless brunch session with Brighton’s no.1 comedy bingo show, Bogan Bingo!

    Tickets include:

    - 90…

    Venue

    Komedia, Brighton and Hove

    Dates

    From:
    28 Feb 2026Open 12:30 -
    From:
    28 Mar 2026Open 12:30 -
    From:
    27 June 2026Open 12:30 -
    From:
    24 Oct 2026Open 12:30 -
    From:
    21 Nov 2026Open 12:30 -
  13. Bewl 15 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Wadhurst

    Overview
    Organised by Wadhurst Runners, the Bewl 15 & 5 mile races return on 5th July 2026.

    The 15 mile race is the original round Bewl Water race and the only one which includes the nature reserve with its stunning lakeside views. Once voted the…

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026
  14. Painting party in East Grinstead: The Ship Inn

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Ship Street, East Grinstead

    The Paint Club is in East Grinstead! We run regular painting workshops at Carlo Lounge and The Ship Inn every month.

    Tickets include professional instructions from an artist, painting materials, plus a canvas to take home at the end of the workshop.

    Dates

    From:
    15 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 21:00
  15. THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride Spa Valley

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Tunbridge Wells

    Join us at THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at Tunbridge Wells West on the Spa Valley Railway for a magical Christmas adventure—book your tickets today!

    Step into the beloved story as THE POLAR EXPRESS™ departs from Spa Valley Railway, bringing the film to life.…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Dec 2025to30 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 19:10
  16. Santa Special Steam Trains

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Station Road, Tenterden

    We love Christmas at the Kent and East Sussex Railway and we have been welcoming families to meet Santa on our trains since 1974! There's nothing quite like the pleasure of a steam train ride knowing your child will meet Santa and receive a named…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 16:00
  17. A Truly Magical Christmas

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Ashford

    Meet Father Christmas in our magical grotto Santa's Grotto will open on Saturday, November 22nd and will be welcoming visitors every weekend until Christmas. It will also be open on Monday, December 22nd through to Wednesday, December 24th, for…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 17:00
  18. Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers Showcase

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Arundel

    Discover the art of wildlife wood carving at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, with the Bentley Wildlife Wood Carvers. Meet the carvers, see a display of stunning carving work and watch live carving demonstrations. This activity is included in your…

    Dates

    From:
    11 Jan 2026Open 10:00 - 15:00
  19. Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile: Summer Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Nutley

    The Ashdown Forest 10 & 5 Mile is a test of endurance at its purest. Challenge yourself to conquer the 1568ft elevation and earn the unrivalled reward of breathtaking views across The Downs. The route explores hard packed trails through Ashdown…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026
  20. Ice Skating at Seal Bay Resort

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Selsey

    Get ready to skate into the festive season at Seal Bay, with our magical Ice Skating Rinkopen from 12th December to 2nd January. ​

    Whether you're a seasoned skater or taking your first glide, it's the perfect way to celebrate with friends and…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Dec 2025to2 Jan 2026Open 12:00 - 22:00