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.
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.
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
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.
Number of results: 85
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Days Out
Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival is an annual five day festival taking place on the South Coast of England. The town wide celebration hosts free and ticketed gigs, parties, parades, and acoustic sessions in various venues across Hastings and St…
General event
Selsey
Get your skates on—our iconic ice rink is back!
From 12th December to 2nd January, the White Horse Complex reopens its sparkling rink to guests, owners, and the public. Whether you're twirling, gliding, or just finding your feet, it's the perfect…
Childrens Events
Arundel
Grab your wellies and dive into the muddy magic of wetlands this February half term! From February 14 to 21, 2026, join us daily between 10 am and 4 pm for a week of hands on fun where mud isn't just messy — it's marvellous.
Cook up creations in the…
Sporting Events
Goudhurst
Experience racing perfection beneath the majestic pines at Bedgebury!
Christmas
Chichester
Join our theatre Elves for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of their enchanting workshop before believers meet Father Christmas himself. You can take an 'elfie and little ones receive an early Christmas present to place under the tree. Our elves…
Arts
Chichester
Women's Work (2025, 60 mins) is a new documentary directed by Nicola Black, about internationally acclaimed artist Caroline Walker.
The hour-long film follows Walker over the past 5 years, creating work around themes of childcare and nurture in…
Sporting Events
Rye
The stunning course winds through the ancient trails across High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in East Sussex, linking the Norman churches of Rye, Iden, Beckley, Northiam and Peasmarsh. This spectatular event starts off on the high street…
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…
Dance / Dancing
Brighton
London-based street dance crew Diversity got their start in 2007. Founded by choreographer Ashley Banjo and his younger brother Jordan, they were initially known as Swift Moves Juniors. Specialising in everything from popping and breakdance to…
Sporting Events
Rye
The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…
Arts
Chichester
Create illustrations inspired by William Nicholson's Velveteen Rabbit and your favourite childhood toy with artist Helen Friend, using pen, ink, and etching techniques.
Join artist Helen Friend for a creative workshop focussing on drawing and…
Special Events
Brighton Marina, Brighton
Looking for a unique and budget-friendly Valentine's Day date?
Glow crazy in love with the GLOBALLS Date Night Package! ️♀️ Choose from any of our stunning UV light mini golf courses or Carnival games for a night full of fun and unforgettable…
Christmas
Havant
Step inside Stansted House this Christmas and explore the beautiful Edwardian Mansion after it has been decorated for the Festive season.
Arts
Arundel
Time: varies so check the 'What's On board' when you visit.
Drop-in for hands on family fun with Festive Crafts every day of the school Christmas Holidays.
This activity is included in your admission price, which is free for WWT Members.
Also on:…
Sporting Events
Rye
The Rye Summer Classic Series provides a unique chance to enjoy one of Britain's most treasured conservation sites, covering a mosaic of interlocking shingle ridges, saltmarsh, intertidal grazing, reed-beds and saline lagoons. It can get windy on…
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…
Arts
Chichester
Bring your baby and enjoy a relaxed guided tour of Caroline Walker: Mothering with one of our Curatorial Team. Discover Walker's paintings exploring the unseen labour of motherhood and childcare with your little one.
This tour will last around 45…
Exhibitions
Chichester
An exhibition sharing the story of the Christian faith in Sussex, revealed through people, events and objects, from 1075 to the present day.
Sporting Events
Robertsbridge
The Robertsbridge Bonfire Society return to present another wonderful instalment of their much loved Midsummer 10k & 5k race. This is a community affair. It boasts fantastic local support with some super volunteer marshals to cheer and guide runners…
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…