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. LAMBERT BARNARD PANEL
    An exhibition sharing the story of the Christian…
    1. 14 Feb 20251 Feb 2026
  2. 200 Years Dieppe - Newhaven Line
    A major exhibition in Newhaven marks the 200…
    1. Beachy Head Marathon Credit Sussex Sport Photography
      The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest…

      Number of results:

      Number of results: 101

      , currently showing 1 to 20.

      1. 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:
        7 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
        From:
        14 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
        From:
        21 Dec 2025Open 11:00 - 16:00
      2. The Free Brighton Choir

        Type

        Type:

        Music

        Brighton

        Join the friendliest choir in town!

        The Free Brighton Choir is a volunteer-led singing group, open to everyone, regardless of age, singing ability or experience. No auditions, no requirements, no cost.

        Dates

        From:
        4 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 20:00
        From:
        11 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 20:00
        From:
        18 Dec 2025Open 19:00 - 20:00
      3. Festive Bauble Workshop with Bubbles

        Type

        Type:

        Christmas

        Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne

        Join experienced local artist and teacher Ella Berthoud as she guides you through painting your own personalised and beautifully designed Christmas bauble.

        You will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of designs, create unique patterns,…

        Dates

        From:
        13 Dec 2025Open 13:00 - 15:00
        From:
        13 Dec 2025Open 16:00 - 18:00
      4. Cool-Aid Comedy - New Material Comedy Night

        Type

        Type:

        Comedy

        Brighton

        Brighton's longest running, and friendliest, new material comedy night.

        Dates

        From:
        10 Dec 2025Open 19:30 - 22:30
      5. Drop-in Festive Crafts

        Type

        Type:

        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:…

        Dates

        From:
        20 Dec 2025
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        21 Dec 2025
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        22 Dec 2025
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        23 Dec 2025
        From:
        24 Dec 2025Open 10:00 - 14:00
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        26 Dec 2025
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        27 Dec 2025
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        28 Dec 2025
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        29 Dec 2025
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        30 Dec 2025
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        31 Dec 2025
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        1 Jan 2026
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        2 Jan 2026
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        3 Jan 2026
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        4 Jan 2026
      6. South Downs Food Festival

        Type

        Type:

        Festival

        Rowlands Castle

        The South Downs Food Festival returns to Stansted Park on the 6th and 7th of June 2026, bringing a spectacular weekend of food, drink, and celebration.

        Dates

        From:
        6 June 2026to7 June 2026
      7. Forbidden Nights

        Type

        Type:

        Theatre

        Eastbourne

        Forbidden Nights is made up of a male vocalist, aerial artist, pole performer and fire act all with an element of strip tease -- think Cirque du Soleil meets *Magic Mike*.

        Dates

        From:
        15 Oct 2026Open 19:30 -
      8. Christmas Workshops at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens

        Type

        Type:

        Christmas

        Brighton Road, Lower Beeding

        Discover Festive Workshops at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens
        Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens offers a delightful array of creative experiences to embrace the festive spirit, set against the backdrop of their enchanting gardens. Here are just a few of this…

        Dates

        From:
        19 Nov 2025to19 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 16:00
      9. Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend

        Type

        Type:

        Sporting Events

        East Grinstead

        This 3 day event commences in East Grinstead on the 2nd of May with a 10 mile race, followed by the Haywards Heath 10 mile the 3rd of May and finishing in Burgess Hill on the 4th of May with a 10k. Combined, these race make up the Mid Sussex…

        Dates

        From:
        2 May 2026to4 May 2026
      10. 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
      11. 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
      12. Rye Ancient Trails 30k & 15k

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        13 Sept 2026
      13. Stargazing at Helen Garden

        Type

        Type:

        Special Events

        Eastbourne

        Explore the skies with Eastbourne Astronomical Society this Winter.

        Dates

        From:
        24 Jan 2026
        From:
        21 Feb 2026
      14. Santa Specials at Bluebell Railway

        Type

        Type:

        Christmas

        Uckfield

        After our successful season last year, we aim to give you another wonderful festive experience with all the traditional sights, sounds and aromas of Christmas.

        Dates

        From:
        29 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025
      15. Christmas at Bewl Water

        Type

        Type:

        Christmas

        Lamberhurst

        Haven't you heard? The Cheer-O-Meter, the very measure of festive magic, is running low, and only the joy of families like yours can raise it high once more

        Dates

        From:
        15 Nov 2025to24 Dec 2025Open 09:00 - 20:00
      16. 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
      17. 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
      18. Special Event | Babes in Arms Guided Tour: Caroline Walker

        Type

        Type:

        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…

        Dates

        From:
        11 Dec 2025Open 10:40 - 11:30
      19. Talk | How To See Now: The Female Subjects with Katy Hessel - Virgin Mary

        Type

        Type:

        Arts

        Chichester

        Join art historian Katy Hessel for a series of lectures dedicated to Biblical and mythological female subjects commonly depicted in western art history, from witches to the Virgin Mary, Medusa, Eve to Aphrodite. Borrowing from the 1972 book and…

        Dates

        From:
        12 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
        From:
        26 Feb 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
        From:
        5 Mar 2026Open 18:00 - 19:00
      20. The Three Little Pigs

        Type

        Type:

        Theatre

        Chichester

        From the award-winning Stiles and Drewe (The Billy Goats Gruff, Honk!, Half a Sixpence) comes The Three Little Pigs – a "very curly musical tail" that is perfect for the whole family.

        This charming and witty adventure is full of catchy songs and…

        Dates

        From:
        6 Dec 2025to28 Dec 2025