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.

>>> Search & Book Sussex Accommodation

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: 72

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Rye 10 & 5 Mile

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Peasmarsh near Rye

    This exciting event will be organised in conjuction with the Peasmarsh Memorial Hall Committee to help raise funds for the Village Hall. The race follows a challenging and scenic course on the quiet country lanes surrounding the pretty village of…

    Dates

    From:
    17 May 2026
  2. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Chichester

    Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 July 2026
  3. 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
  4. Rye Summer Series Race Five

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Sept 2026
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Royal Pavilion Ice Rink

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Brighton

    The UK’s most beautiful Christmas ice rink is back, powered by renewable energy. With its unrivalled setting in front of Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion, and ice like glass, the rink has been welcoming visitors since 2010. It’s still the UK’s only…

    Dates

    From:
    28 Oct 2025to4 Jan 2026
  8. Rana Begum: No.1367 Mesh

    Type

    Type:

    Exhibitions

    Chichester

    Acclaimed visual artist Rana Begum RA transforms our historic staircase with No.1367 Mesh, her iconic suspended, colourful mesh clusters, creating a vibrant blend of history and contemporary art.

    Dates

    From:
    20 July 2024to1 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. Curious About Brighton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Brighton

    Have fun (re-)discovering Brighton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air. Curious About Brighton visits not just the obvious places, but…

    Dates

    From:
    1 July 2025to31 Mar 2026Open 10:00 - 16:00
  10. 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
  11. Film Screening and Q&A: Women's Work

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Jan 2026Open 18:00 - 19:30
  12. 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 -
  13. Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    13 Feb 2026to17 Feb 2026
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. Live Music Thursday's at Bohemia

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Brighton

    Brighton's most popular live music nights, last Thursday of every month at this popular city centre venue, with free entry.

    From cover pop, funk & soul bands, to rock covers and even steam punk and blues…there is something for everyone to tap along…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Jan 2026to30 July 2026
  17. Workshop | Childhood Treasures: Illustration and Etching

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    7 Feb 2026Open 10:30 - 15:00
  18. Christmas at Bedgebury

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Goudhurst,

    Step into a winter wonderland like no other as Christmas at Bedgebury returns for 2025!

    Immerse yourself in a new, reimagined trail at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, created by the award-winning light trail producers behind events such as…

    Dates

    From:
    21 Nov 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 16:30 - 20:00
  19. GLOBALLS Date Night Package

    Type

    Type:

    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…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 12:00 - 22:00
  20. Rathfinny Run

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Events

    Polegate

    This race has sold out every year since its inception five years ago - so it's in high demand! The Rathfinny Run is an exceptionally special running experience. It focuses on reducing it's environmental impact and encourages runners to reduce their…

    Dates

    From:
    10 May 2026