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: 124
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Sporting Events
Lydd
This long-established and highly coveted event takes place on a pancake flat course, using the wide, quiet country lanes surrounding the marsh town of Lydd in Kent. It is the perfect opportunity to test your pace, hydration, and nutrition for…
Christmas
Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne
Our Tasting Room will open on 13th & 14th and 20th & 21st December, 11am to 5pm, for the return of our Christmas Wine Tasting Weekends with wine tasting, mulled vermouth & mince pies!
We will have every bottle across our range open for you to…
Sporting Events
Tunbridge Wells
This famous race is much loved for its scenic and challenging route. It is steeped in local history and thanks to meticulous organisation, value for money and friendly marshals, entries are highly coveted. It was voted the No.2 Half Marathon in the…
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.
Festival
Lewes
The Great British Truffle Festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration, connecting truffle enthusiasts of every kind, whether you're a foodie, grower, hunter, nature-lover or chef. This festival is dedicated to showcasing Britain's distinctive truffle…
Arts
Chichester
Explore the beauty, strength, and unseen labour of childcare in the powerful exhibition, Caroline Walker: Mothering.
Celebrated for her luminous brushwork and moving depictions of women's lives, Walker transforms everyday acts of care into striking…
Arts
Blackboys, Uckfield
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
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…
Walking
Hastings
Have fun (re-)discovering Hastings, 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, whilst exploring this historic seaside town. Curious About…
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…
Other
Brighton
Join us as Shelter Hall and Focus Foundation kick off the festive season in true Brighton style!
Expect delicious food, wintery drinks, children’s arts & crafts, and plenty of Christmas cheer as the cast of Brighton’s Jack and the Beanstalk bring a…
Arts
Queens Walk, 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.
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.
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…
Performing Arts
Rye
Concentrating on Shakespeare's relationship with the festive season, this show will get everyone into the spirit of Christmas with bawdy humour, disguises, song, cakes, ale and a ghost or two!
Exploring the…
Arts
Arundel
The Paint Club is coming to Arundel! We will be at The Spur on the 7th May to paint a colourful rainbow tree. No painting experience required and our local professional artist will bring along everything you need to paint.
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…
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.
Arts
Arundel
The Bentley Wildlife Carvers teach you to the basics of wood carving in this introductory workshop for people aged 18+. You will create a model of a robin from a roughed out wooden block, then paint your bird and take it home.
The workshop price of…